What is a Gastric Sleeve? Comprehensive Overview

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a popular and effective weight loss procedure aimed at helping individuals with obesity achieve long-term weight reduction. The surgery involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, which reduces the amount of food you can eat and decreases hunger. This makes it easier to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

At Tour Medical, we work with trusted Health Tourism Authorized clinics in Turkey to organize and coordinate your gastric sleeve journey, ensuring that you receive high-quality care throughout the process. Our partner clinics perform detailed evaluations and provide expert recommendations to help you determine if Gastric Sleeve Surgery is right for you.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery involves the removal of approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-like stomach known as a "sleeve." This reduced stomach size limits how much food can be consumed, leading to weight loss. Additionally, the surgery decreases the production of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger, which helps patients feel fuller for longer periods.

The surgery is minimally invasive, typically performed laparoscopically, and is recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 who have not been successful with traditional weight loss methods such as dieting and exercise.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?

During Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and removes most of the stomach. The remaining portion is stapled into a narrow sleeve shape. This smaller stomach holds less food and reduces hunger, allowing patients to consume fewer calories and lose weight.

Patients typically begin to lose weight immediately after surgery, with significant weight loss occurring within the first year.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Patients who undergo Gastric Sleeve Surgery through our partner clinics in Turkey experience several benefits, including:

• Significant Weight Loss: Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within 1-2 years of surgery.
• Reduced Hunger: The surgery reduces the production of ghrelin, helping patients feel less hungry.
• Improved Health: Many patients see improvements in obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Minimal Scarring: The procedure is performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and faster recovery.
• Long-Term Success: With permanent changes to the stomach, the surgery offers long-lasting weight loss results.

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for You?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an excellent option for individuals who:

• Have a BMI over 30 and experience health issues related to their weight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Have tried and failed to achieve long-term weight loss through traditional methods like dieting and exercise.
• Are committed to making lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, to maintain their weight loss.

What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, patients can expect the following:

• Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure.
• Dietary Changes: The post-surgery diet progresses from liquids to soft foods, and eventually to solid foods over several weeks. A focus on high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals is essential for maintaining weight loss.
• Physical Activity: Light exercise, such as walking, can be resumed soon after surgery, with more strenuous activities introduced gradually after 2-3 weeks.

Risks and Considerations

While Gastric Sleeve Surgery is considered safe, it is important to understand the potential risks and considerations:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Since the surgery limits food intake, patients may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure they receive adequate nutrients.
• Potential Complications: Although rare, complications such as leakage from the staple line, infection, or blood clots can occur. These can usually be managed successfully when caught early.

FAQs About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. How much weight can you lose with Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within the first two years.

2. Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery reversible?
   No, once the stomach is reduced in size, the procedure is permanent.

3. How long does Gastric Sleeve Surgery take?
   The surgery typically lasts about 1 hour, with a hospital stay of 1-2 days post-operation.

4. What is the recovery time after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Patients can resume light activities within a week, and more strenuous activities after 2-3 weeks.

5. What can you eat after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Patients follow a specific diet that begins with liquids, then progresses to soft foods, and eventually to solid foods.

6. Will Gastric Sleeve Surgery affect my appetite?
   Yes, the surgery reduces hunger by decreasing ghrelin levels.

7. How long will the weight loss results last?
   Weight loss can be long-term, provided patients follow dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

8. Can you stretch your stomach after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Overeating can stretch the stomach over time, so portion control is essential.

9. Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery safe?
   The procedure is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons, with a low complication rate.

10. What are the common side effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
    Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but these typically resolve with time.

11. How soon can I exercise after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
    Light walking can begin soon after surgery, with more intense exercise resuming after 2-3 weeks.

12. Will I have loose skin after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
    Rapid weight loss may result in loose skin, but exercise and hydration can help minimize this. Some patients opt for body contouring surgeries post-weight loss.

13. What should I avoid eating after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
    It’s important to avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, as well as carbonated drinks, to achieve optimal weight loss results.

14. Can you gain weight after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
    Weight regain is possible if patients do not follow the recommended diet and lifestyle changes.

15. Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery improve other health conditions?
    Many patients experience improvements in conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

At Tour Medical, we coordinate your journey with trusted partner clinics in Turkey, ensuring you receive expert care at every step.

Email: info@tourmedical.com