Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most widely performed bariatric procedures for individuals struggling with obesity. This procedure helps patients achieve significant and long-term weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach and limiting food intake.
For many people who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, gastric sleeve surgery offers a safe and effective path toward improved health, increased mobility, and a better quality of life.
At Fertilis, we provide comprehensive bariatric care, guiding patients through every stage of the process—from initial consultation to post-operative recovery and long-term lifestyle support.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure in which approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach.
This smaller stomach:
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Limits the amount of food you can eat
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Helps you feel full more quickly
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Reduces hunger hormones such as ghrelin
As a result, patients naturally consume fewer calories and begin to lose weight steadily over time.
Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who meet certain medical criteria, such as:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
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BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions, such as:
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Type 2 diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Sleep apnea
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Joint problems
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Difficulty achieving sustainable weight loss through traditional methods
A detailed medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether the procedure is suitable for each patient.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, patients go through several important preparation stages.
1. Medical Evaluation
Your healthcare team will perform a comprehensive assessment that may include:
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Blood tests
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Imaging scans
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Nutritional evaluation
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Medical history review
This helps ensure that the procedure can be performed safely.
2. Pre-Surgery Diet
Patients are usually advised to follow a special diet for 1–2 weeks before surgery. This diet helps reduce liver size, making the procedure safer and easier to perform.
3. Lifestyle Preparation
Patients are encouraged to begin adopting healthier habits before surgery, including:
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Improving diet quality
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Increasing physical activity
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Quitting smoking if applicable
These steps support both surgical success and long-term weight management.
The Gastric Sleeve Procedure
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, meaning it is done through several small incisions using specialized surgical instruments.
The procedure typically:
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Takes 60–90 minutes
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Requires general anesthesia
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Involves 2–3 days of hospital stay
During the surgery, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach and reshapes the remaining section into a narrow sleeve.
What to Expect After the Surgery
Recovery and lifestyle adjustments are essential parts of achieving successful results after gastric sleeve surgery.
1. Recovery Period
Most patients can:
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Return to light activities within 1–2 weeks
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Resume normal daily routines after 2–4 weeks
Mild discomfort, fatigue, and temporary dietary restrictions are normal during the early recovery phase.
2. Post-Surgery Diet
After surgery, patients gradually transition through several diet phases:
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Liquid diet (first week)
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Pureed foods
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Soft foods
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Regular healthy meals
Portion sizes will remain much smaller than before surgery.
3. Expected Weight Loss
Patients can expect to lose approximately 60–70% of their excess body weight within 12–18 months after surgery, provided they maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
Weight loss often leads to improvements in obesity-related conditions such as:
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Type 2 diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Sleep apnea
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Joint pain
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Some of the key advantages of gastric sleeve surgery include:
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Significant and long-term weight loss
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Reduced appetite and hunger
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Improvement in obesity-related diseases
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Increased mobility and energy levels
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Improved overall quality of life
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes
While gastric sleeve surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss, long-term success depends on maintaining healthy habits, including:
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Balanced nutrition
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Regular physical activity
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Routine medical follow-ups
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Vitamin and mineral supplementation
Our team at Fertilis supports patients with ongoing guidance to ensure sustainable results.
Final Thoughts
Gastric sleeve surgery has helped thousands of people regain control of their health and achieve meaningful weight loss. With proper preparation, expert surgical care, and long-term lifestyle adjustments, the procedure can be life-changing.
At Fertilis, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized bariatric care, ensuring that every patient feels supported throughout their entire journey toward better health and well-being.
