What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy? A Complete Patient’s Guide to Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Welcome to our expert guide on sleeve gastrectomy. If you are starting your research into weight loss surgery, you have likely seen this term used alongside the more common name, “gastric sleeve.” It can be confusing, but the most important thing to know is simple:
They are the exact same procedure. “Sleeve Gastrectomy” is the official medical name, and “Gastric Sleeve” is the common name used by patients.
This page is designed to be a clear, factual, and educational resource to explain exactly what this procedure is, how it works, what the benefits are, and what you can expect. Our expert team is here to help you understand every step of this life-changing journey and provide personalized surgical solutions.
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What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)?
A sleeve gastrectomy is a powerful and highly effective bariatric surgery. It is currently the most common weight loss surgery performed worldwide. It is a laparoscopic (or “keyhole”) procedure, meaning it is minimally invasive, which results 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.
You may be wondering how this works. 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 important 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 gastric sleeve surgery is like resetting your body’s appetite system, allowing it to work more efficiently for you, not against you.
Is gastric sleeve considered major surgery?
Yes, any operation performed under general anaesthesia, including a sleeve gastrectomy, is considered major surgery. However, because it is performed laparoscopically (using 3-5 small incisions), the recovery is much faster and the risks are much lower than traditional open surgery.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
A sleeve gastrectomy 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.
How much weight can I lose with a sleeve gastrectomy?
On average, patients can expect to lose 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months after a gastric sleeve surgery. The final amount depends on your starting weight and your long-term commitment to diet and exercise.
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Why Choose Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe for Your Sleeve Gastrectomy?
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 choosing a surgeon for your sleeve gastrectomy, experience is the single most important factor for your safety and success.
A bariatric surgeon who has performed over 3,000 successful surgeries, like Prof. Dr. Karatepe, is known as a “high-volume” surgeon. This level of experience is proven to lead to 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 gastric sleeve surgeons” 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?
A sleeve gastrectomy is performed by a bariatric surgeon (a general surgeon with specialized fellowship training). When choosing, look for a surgeon with extensive, verifiable 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sleeve Gastrectomy
Q: What is the difference between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric sleeve?
A: They are the exact same procedure. “Sleeve Gastrectomy” is the formal medical term. “Gastric Sleeve” is the common name used by patients. They can be used interchangeably.
Q: How is a sleeve gastrectomy performed?
A: It is performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery). A surgeon uses 3-5 small incisions, a tiny camera, and long tools to remove about 75-80% of the stomach, stapling the remainder into a small “sleeve.”
Q: Is sleeve gastrectomy permanent?
A: Yes. The gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible, as a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed from the body.
Q: What is the recovery time for a gastric sleeve?
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 sleeve gastrectomy surgery safe?
A: Yes, it is considered one of the safest and most effective major surgeries. When performed by a high-volume, expert surgeon, the risk of serious gastric sleeve complications is very low, at less than 1-2%.
Q: What are the pros and cons of gastric sleeve?
A: The main “pros” are significant weight loss 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 a sleeve gastrectomy?
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 sleeve gastrectomy?
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: How is a sleeve gastrectomy different from a gastric bypass?
A: A sleeve gastrectomy 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.
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: 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.
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.
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