What Is Bariatric Sleeve Surgery? A Complete Patient’s Guide
Welcome to our expert guide on bariatric sleeve surgery. If you are starting your research into weight loss surgery, this is a term you will see often. You may be wondering, “What exactly is it?” and “Is it the same as a gastric sleeve?” The answer is simple: Yes, they are the same procedure. “Bariatric sleeve surgery” is just another common name for the sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve.
Making the decision to pursue surgery is a major step, and it can be overwhelming. This page is designed to be a clear, factual, and educational resource. We will explain what this procedure is, how it works, and who is a good candidate. Our expert team is here to help you understand every step of this life-changing journey and provide personalized surgical solutions.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
Our patıents
Meet Some of Our Patients Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery
What Is Bariatric Sleeve Surgery (Gastric Sleeve)?
A bariatric sleeve surgery is a powerful and highly effective weight loss surgery. In fact, it is the most common bariatric procedure performed worldwide. It is a laparoscopic (or “keyhole”) procedure, which means it is minimally invasive, resulting in a much faster and easier recovery than traditional open surgery.
During the operation, the surgeon removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped into a narrow tube or “sleeve,” about the size and shape of a banana. This procedure is permanent and irreversible.
The gastric sleeve surgery is so effective because it works in two powerful ways at once:
- It is Restrictive: Your new, smaller stomach physically restricts the amount of food you can eat. You will feel full much more quickly and on a much smaller portion of food, which naturally reduces your calorie intake.
- It is Hormonal (Metabolic): This is the most powerful part. The large, outer part of the stomach that is removed (called the fundus) is the primary part of your body that produces ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone.” By removing this section, the surgery dramatically reduces your ghrelin levels. This means your constant, nagging hunger is significantly reduced. This is not just about willpower; it is about changing your body’s chemistry to work *with* you.
As a surgeon with over two decades of experience, Prof. Dr. Karatepe often explains that bariatric sleeve surgery is like resetting your body’s appetite and metabolic system, allowing it to work more efficiently for you, not against you.
What is the difference between bariatric surgery and gastric sleeve?
This is a common point of confusion. Bariatric surgery is the broad medical “category” for all types of weight loss surgery. The gastric sleeve (or sleeve gastrectomy) is one specific *type* of bariatric surgery, along with others like the gastric bypass. The gastric sleeve is the most popular type performed today.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Bariatric Sleeve Surgery?
A bariatric sleeve surgery is a medical solution for the disease of obesity; it is not a cosmetic procedure. The gastric sleeve qualifications are based on international safety guidelines to determine who will benefit most from this medical intervention.
This decision is made in partnership with your surgical team. Generally, you may be an eligible candidate if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (classified as severe obesity).
- You have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 *plus* at least one serious obesity-related health condition (also called a “co-morbidity”).
These related health conditions are often the primary reason patients seek surgery, as a gastric sleeve can dramatically improve or even send them into remission. Common qualifying conditions include:
- High Blood Sugar (Type 2 Diabetes)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol
- Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Severe Joint Pain
However, the most important qualification is not just a number. A successful candidate is someone who is ready to commit to permanent lifestyle changes. This surgery is the most powerful tool ever created for weight loss, but it is still a tool. Your long-term success depends on your commitment to the post-op diet, taking your vitamins for life, and embracing a new, active, and healthy lifestyle.
Is bariatric sleeve surgery safe?
Yes, laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is considered one of the safest major procedures in the world. When performed by an experienced, high-volume surgeon, the risk of serious complications (like leaks) is very low (under 1-2%). The long-term health risks of *not* treating severe obesity are far higher.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe for Your Bariatric Sleeve Surgery?
With over 25 years of experience, thousands of successful cases, and expertise in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, Prof. Dr. Karatepe is a leading figure in gastric sleeve procedures. When you are choosing a surgeon for your bariatric sleeve surgery, experience is the single most important factor for your safety and success.
A “high-volume” surgeon—one who has performed over 3,000 successful surgeries like Prof. Dr. Karatepe—is statistically proven to have lower complication rates, safer procedures, and better patient outcomes. His expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery means your gastric sleeve is performed using the most modern, minimally invasive techniques available. This translates to real patient benefits:
- Less post-operative pain
- A shorter and more comfortable hospital stay
- Minimal gastric sleeve scars
- A faster gastric sleeve recovery
Furthermore, as a Professor of Surgery with hundreds of academic publications, Prof. Dr. Karatepe is not just a practitioner; he is an academic authority who is at the forefront of the latest, safest techniques. This is why patients from around the world who are researching the “best bariatric surgeon in Turkey” choose our clinic. Our expert team is here to help you, and we are proud to provide personalized surgical solutions at a world-class standard.
How to choose the right gastric sleeve surgeon?
Bariatric sleeve surgery is performed by a bariatric surgeon, who is a general surgeon with specialized fellowship training in weight loss procedures. When choosing, you must verify their credentials, look for extensive experience (1,000+ procedures), board certification, and academic credentials (like a Professor). Most importantly, ensure they operate in an accredited (JCI) hospital and have a strong nutritional aftercare program.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bariatric Sleeve Surgery
Q: What is gastric sleeve surgery?
A:Gastric sleeve surgery (or bariatric sleeve surgery) is a weight loss operation where a surgeon removes about 75-80% of the stomach. This leaves a small, “sleeve-shaped” stomach, which restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones, helping you lose weight effectively.
Q: How much weight will I lose with a bariatric sleeve?
A: On average, patients can expect to lose 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months after their gastric sleeve surgery. Your success depends on your long-term commitment to diet and lifestyle changes.
Q: What is the recovery time for a bariatric sleeve surgery?
A: The gastric sleeve recovery time is fast due to the laparoscopic technique. Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 nights and can return to a desk job or light activities in 2 to 4 weeks.
Q: Is the gastric sleeve reversible?
A: No. The bariatric sleeve surgery is irreversible, as the majority of the stomach is permanently removed from the body.
Q: What are the pros and cons of gastric sleeve?
A: The main “pros” are significant weight loss, a powerful reduction in hunger, and the resolution of health problems (like high blood sugar). The main “cons” are that it is irreversible, there is a risk of new or worsened acid reflux, and you must take vitamins for life.
Q: What can I eat after surgery?
A: You will follow a 4-stage post-op diet, starting with clear liquids, then full liquids/purees, then soft foods, and finally, solid foods (around week 7). This phased approach is critical for letting your new stomach sleeve heal.
Q: Will I lose my hair after my bariatric sleeve?
A: Many patients (about 30-40%) experience temporary hair shedding (telogen effluvium) 3-6 months after surgery. This is a normal response to rapid weight loss and is not permanent. It is minimized by hitting your protein and vitamin goals.
Q: Will I have loose skin?
A: Loose skin is a very common side effect of *massive weight loss* (from any method), not a side effect of the surgery itself. The amount of loose skin you have will depend on your age, genetics, and total weight lost.
Q: How long does the gastric sleeve surgery take?
A: In the hands of an experienced surgeon like Prof. Dr. Karatepe, the laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedure is very efficient and typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Q: How is a bariatric sleeve different from a gastric bypass?
A: A gastric sleeve only involves the stomach. A gastric bypass is more complex: it creates a small stomach *and* re-routes the small intestine. The sleeve does not have the “dumping syndrome” side effect associated with bypass and has a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Q: What are the main risks?
A:Bariatric sleeve surgery is very safe, but all surgeries have risks. The main (though rare) complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and a staple line leak. Choosing an experienced, high-volume surgeon is the best way to minimize these risks.
Q: Do I have to take vitamins for life?
A: Yes. This is a non-negotiable part of your new life. Because you are eating less food, you must take bariatric-specific vitamins every day for the rest of your life to prevent serious nutritional deficiencies.
Q: Will I have large scars?
A: No. The surgery is laparoscopic, so you will have 3-5 very small gastric sleeve scars (each about 1-1.5 cm). These fade significantly over time and are easily hidden.
Q: How much does bariatric sleeve surgery cost?
A: The bariatric surgery cost varies greatly by country. In the US, it can be $15,000-$30,000. In Turkey, an all-inclusive package with an expert surgeon is often 50-70% less, making it a high-quality, affordable option for international patients.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized treatment plans, please contact Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe directly.
Contact Us Today
Our expert team in bariatric sleeve surgery is ready to assist you. If you have more questions about this procedure or wish to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
How can I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly via phone, WhatsApp, or by filling out the online contact form on our website. Our dedicated patient coordinators will be happy to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.