What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight-loss procedure designed to help individuals lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach. During the surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that resembles a banana. This new, smaller stomach can hold significantly less food, which helps limit calorie intake and promotes weight loss. Additionally, the procedure may affect hunger hormones, reducing appetite and making it easier to maintain a healthier diet. Gastric sleeve surgery is often recommended for individuals with obesity or weight-related health issues who have not achieved success with traditional weight-loss methods.

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The patient is placed under general anesthesia for gastric sleeve surgery. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and uses a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to guide the procedure. Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a narrow, sleeve-shaped portion. The remaining stomach is sealed using surgical staples or stitches. The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for recovery. After surgery, patients must follow a strict diet and lifestyle plan to ensure successful weight loss and long-term health benefits.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Significant Weight Loss: Gastric sleeve surgery is highly effective for achieving substantial weight loss. By reducing the size of the stomach, the procedure limits the amount of food you can eat, which naturally leads to consuming fewer calories. This calorie restriction helps patients shed excess weight and achieve a healthier body composition over time. Many individuals experience a dramatic transformation in their weight and overall physical health after the surgery.

Improvement in Health Conditions: Obesity often comes with a range of related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Gastric sleeve surgery has been shown to significantly improve or even resolve many of these conditions. Patients may find themselves needing less medication and enjoying a better quality of life as their health improves.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Carrying excess weight can take a toll on daily life, making physical activities difficult and impacting mental well-being. After gastric sleeve surgery, many patients report increased mobility, higher energy levels, and improved self-esteem. These changes often lead to a more active, fulfilling, and confident lifestyle.

Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Diseases: Obesity is a major risk factor for serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and respiratory issues. By achieving significant weight loss through gastric sleeve surgery, patients can lower their risk of developing these life-threatening diseases. The procedure acts as a proactive step toward long-term health and wellness.

Long-Term Weight Management: Unlike temporary weight-loss solutions, gastric sleeve surgery offers a permanent tool for maintaining a healthy weight. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, helping patients control their portion sizes and make healthier food choices. This long-term approach to weight management sets gastric sleeve surgery apart from other methods and supports sustained success.

In summary, gastric sleeve surgery not only helps patients lose weight but also improves overall health, enhances quality of life, reduces the risk of serious diseases, and provides a lasting solution for weight management.

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a popular choice for individuals looking to lose excess weight effectively. On average, patients can lose up to 60% of their excess body weight within the first year after the procedure. This significant weight loss can lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

In addition to weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery can dramatically improve or even resolve obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. By addressing these issues, the surgery not only helps patients feel better but also reduces their reliance on medications and lowers the risk of serious complications.

Unlike fad diets or temporary weight-loss solutions, gastric sleeve surgery offers a long-term solution for weight management. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, making it easier to control portion sizes and maintain healthier eating habits over time.

Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who meet specific criteria:

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Candidates usually have a BMI of 30 or higher, often with obesity-related health conditions. However, BMI alone is not the only factor—a comprehensive evaluation is necessary.
  • Struggles with Weight Loss: If traditional methods like diet and exercise have not resulted in significant or sustained weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery may be a suitable option.
  • Commitment to Lifestyle Changes: Successful outcomes depend on a patient’s willingness to adopt long-term changes in diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Surgery is just the first step; maintaining results requires dedication.

Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the right choice for you.

Will I Need to Follow a Special Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Yes, following a specialized diet after gastric sleeve surgery is crucial for both recovery and successful weight loss. Your healthcare team will provide detailed guidelines on what to eat and when to introduce different types of foods. Typically, the diet progresses from liquids to pureed foods, then soft foods, and finally solid foods over several weeks.

Gastric Sleeve Recovery Time

Recovery times vary from person to person, but most individuals can return to their normal routines within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, including gradually increasing physical activity and avoiding strenuous tasks during the initial recovery period.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After gastric sleeve surgery, following your healthcare team’s instructions is critical for a smooth recovery. You’ll start with a liquid diet, gradually transitioning to pureed and soft foods before reintroducing solid foods.

Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as pain relievers or antibiotics, to support your recovery. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.

While rest is important during recovery, light activities like walking are encouraged to promote healing and prevent complications such as blood clots. By following your doctor’s guidance and committing to a healthier lifestyle, you can maximize the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery and achieve long-term success.

Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two popular weight-loss surgeries, but they work differently. Gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting part of the small intestine, which not only restricts food intake but also reduces calorie absorption. This often leads to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions. However, it is a more complex procedure with a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.

On the other hand, gastric sleeve surgery focuses solely on reducing the size of the stomach by removing a large portion of it. This limits food intake and helps with weight loss without altering the digestive tract. While it may result in slightly less weight loss compared to gastric bypass, it is simpler, has fewer risks, and a quicker recovery. The best choice depends on individual health conditions, weight-loss goals, and preferences, with guidance from a healthcare professional.

Gastric Sleeve Risks

While gastric sleeve surgery is generally considered a safe and effective weight-loss option, it does come with potential risks that patients should be aware of. Choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon is crucial to minimizing these risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Possible complications after gastric sleeve surgery include infection, bleeding, leaks along the staple line, nutrient deficiencies, and anesthesia-related issues. During the pre-surgery consultation, your doctor will discuss these risks in detail and explain the steps they will take to prevent or manage them. Understanding these risks and having realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcomes are key to making an informed decision.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Side Effects

After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, some patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain, nausea, or heartburn. While rare, more serious complications like leaks, blood clots, or nutrient deficiencies can occur. To reduce the likelihood of these issues and achieve your weight-loss goals, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

Gastric Sleeve Incisions

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is typically performed laparoscopically. This means the surgeon makes four to five small incisions in the abdominal area, each ranging from half a centimeter to two centimeters in size. Laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages, including less pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of infection compared to traditional open surgery.

Over time, the scars from these incisions usually fade, though some individuals may have more noticeable scarring. Proper post-surgery care, including following your doctor’s instructions, can help minimize the appearance of scars. For those concerned about scarring, additional treatments such as laser therapy or topical creams may be options to consider during recovery.

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I am Zafer IKIZ of Melbourne Australia

I am Zafer IKIZ of Melbourne Australia. On April 25th I went over to Istanbul so I can get loose skin removed from under my arms and tummy region. Dr Tahsin Guroglu was the Plastic Surgeon. Operation went very well. Pre Operation was amazing. The surgeon was great. Very professional. His practice (consulting rooms) very clean. Professionalism is 100%. He ran me through the whole procedure and told what I needed to do when I came back to Australia. No infections, no complications. I would highly recommend Dr Tahsin Guroglu.

Zafer IKIZ

Hi, my name is Emily
Hi, my name is Emily and I underwent bariatric surgery at this clinic last month. I was struggling with obesity for years and was afraid of trying surgery. But the patient representatives, Mr Saro and Mrs Zehra, made me feel comfortable and confident. The surgery went smoothly, and the post-operative care was excellent. I'm feeling great and more confident than ever. Thank you, team!

Emily Knight

I felt in safe handd
I felt in safe handd. No problems at all with Surgery. Communication was brilliant. My flight was cancelled but team rearranged really quickly and without difficulty. So glad I had procedure in with travel for med..

Mrs Rebecca Free

The right address for those looking for…
The right address for those looking for attention, trust and professionalism. A year has passed since the surgery and I am reaching my ideal weight! I would like to thank everyone who was with me from the moment I stepped into the hospital until the day I returned. You got full score from me 🙂

Amanda Walker

I wanted to do gastric sleeve.I found…
I wanted to do gastric sleeve.I found out about Travelformed online and I decided to choose them because they were very informative about the surgeon, the price, procedure and answered all my question. I travelled from UK to Turkey. I was in very good hands and was taken care of in the hospital. They also accommodated my sister who accompanied me. The hospital is clean and overall great experience

Ogo Ezeaka

Brilliant
Really good customer service and support I really appreciated everything l!!! Still have great results 6 months 22 kgs and good health im getting back my energy and my body really Zehra is lovely and all the staff I really recommend

Moreira

Quality and Hygienic Clinic...
I have been researching obesity treatment services abroad for a while. Finally, I made an agreement with the TFM clinic and performed my treatment. A very successful team in terms of price and performance. I would like to thank Mustafa, who was with me during the stomach botox treatment process, and the team at this clinic for their excellent service by providing information about the treatment types. I was a little skeptical about the whole process but their personal attention and care made a huge difference. The luxury stay was comfortable and the VIP transfer was fast and hassle free. It is recommended!

Brian Berry

Gastric Sleeve
I had an awesome experience when I had my surgery through Travel for Med. I was liaising with Saro from the beginning who was very informative of the whole procedure. I was traveling from Australia to Turkey and was in a foreign country so naturally I was a little anxious. However Saro and all other staff were very hospitable. He was attentive during my stay at the hospital and even after post surgery. He was available at all times and was able to answer all my questions and comfort me. I felt like I was in safe hands and had the best experience. To this day we keep in contact and he is able to assist with me any queries I have. I have recommended him to all my friends who have considered similar surgeries.

Suzan Kaya

Professional to the end
Picked up and well looked after travelling shortly after surgery was a bit grim but at least it’s over with, The place was immaculate and I have no regrets, the first month is all about recovery Diets are easier but this is long term

Jennifer Casey

I researched this surgery for 1 month…
I researched this surgery for 1 month and talked to at least 4 or 5 doctors. Yes, I was 140 kilograms, I couldn't say that I had a good life before the surgery, but I had to look for the right place to entrust my life. I also wanted to have surgery in Istanbul, but due to the intensity of the program, I decided to go to Izmir for surgery because it gave a 3 months forward date. My surgery, which I entered 3 months ago with 140 kilograms, was successfully completed. I slept in the hospital for 2 nights and was discharged. I would like to thank the Travel For Med Team, which I can always reach easily before and after the surgery. They have changed my life.

Maribel Sterlin

It made me very happy that they were…
It made me very happy that they were always by my side from the beginning of the process. At first I thought it would be difficult, but they took care of everything completely, from the doctors, transportation to the end of the treatment process, they were very interested, I was very satisfied, thank you to everyone who helped one by one.

Renate Hattendorf

The best absolutely!!
I really recommend this clinic for who wants to do the gastric sleeve. I’m so happy about the result. Is been just 4 month and I lost already 30kg .. I was always sad about my weight, now I can wear all the clothes I like, go to the beach and fell confident. Thanks to Nicole and Saro they been with my from the day one of my trip. They were translating me and helping me on my recovery. Even after the surgery they stay with you in contact they are amazing!! Thanks to Zehra Omken that she always text me asking me how I fell and remind me few important steps to follow on this stage of my surgery. 5 starts for you guys!!

Shayla

Excellent customer service
Excellent customer service. I was very pleased how professional friendly and caring the management and staff were. I will be definitely recommending all my friends and family to them. Thank you

Abo Boz

Used this company to travel to turkey 🇹🇷 for Gastric sleeve surgery
Used this company to travel to turkey 🇹🇷 for Gastric sleeve surgery, they were only a call or txt away for everything I needed, I had a very positive experience beautiful modern hospital, doctors and nurses were very nice and used translation on phone when i didn't understand the language, I have lost nearly 4 stone in nearly 4 months. I would recommend this company they have kept in touch through WhatsApp chat

CalumandScarlettsgranny Hamilton

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