Sleeve Gastrectomy is one of the most popular weight loss procedures worldwide — and for good reason. Compared to other bariatric surgeries, it is simpler, quicker, and safer, while still delivering outstanding results.

Key Benefits of Gastric Sleeve

• Shorter surgery time: The procedure usually lasts around one hour, making it a safer option for patients who may not tolerate longer operations.

• Comfortable recovery: Healing is generally smoother and less demanding compared to other bariatric procedures.

• Lower risk of complications: Unlike bypass surgeries, the digestive system is not rerouted, which means a reduced chance of long-term issues such as malnutrition or dumping syndrome.

• Vitamin use: Most patients only need to take bariatric vitamins for six months, unlike Roux-en-Y or Mini Bypass patients who require lifelong supplementation.

• Improved health conditions: Gastric Sleeve surgery has been shown to significantly improve or even resolve conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and type 2 diabetes.

• Cost-effective option: Gastric Sleeve is typically the most affordable bariatric surgery, making it accessible to a wider range of patients.

Although Sleeve Gastrectomy offers many benefits, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential limitations and risks before making a decision.

Key Drawbacks to Consider

• Irreversible procedure Unlike some other bariatric surgeries, Gastric Sleeve surgery is permanent. Once a portion of the stomach is removed, it cannot be restored.

• Risk of acid reflux Patients who already suffer from acid reflux due to a hiatal hernia may experience worsened symptoms after surgery. In rare cases, this may require a revision surgery, such as converting to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

• Sagging skin after weight loss Rapid and significant weight loss can sometimes result in loose or sagging skin, particularly around the abdomen, arms, or thighs. Many patients choose to address this later through plastic or reconstructive surgery.

• Surgical risks As with any major operation, there are general risks such as bleeding, infection, or anesthesia complications. Although rare, patients should discuss these thoroughly with their surgical team.

Informed Decision-Making

While the disadvantages are relatively few compared to the benefits, it is crucial for patients to have realistic expectations and to discuss any concerns with their bariatric surgeon. The MedFinders team ensures every patient receives a personalized evaluation to minimize risks and maximize long-term success.

We perform our surgeries with 2 specialists surgeons. Majority of other clinic only have one. Gastric sleeve surgery takes up to an hour and one and half hour to perform, however with us procedure is 35 to 40min and is a permanent surgery. Patients, on average, lose the majority of their excess weight within 6 months after Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Weight loss continues until the patient reaches a healthy Body Mass Index, BMI. Patients,on average, lose 60% of their excess weight within a year after Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

After sleeve gastrectomy, patients on average lose 10% of their total weight in the first month. After the first 3 months, the weight loss process stabilizes and slows down over time. Within a year, 60% of the patient’s excess weight, on average, is lost. The rate and amount of weight loss vary greatly from person to person, and according to lifestyle choices and eating habits of the patient as well as their gender and age.

The patient is under general anesthesia during the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, so there is no pain during the procedure. Gastric Sleeve has a comfortable healing process as the surgery is performed laparoscopically with only a few keyhole incisions. Painkillers are provided to prevent any pain after surgery as well. Gas pain is due to the modifications to the digestive system. In order to prevent the gas pain, patients are encouraged to start walking just 4 hours after the surgery.

After the preliminary recovery time in the hospital, if the patient works a job that isn't physically demanding an average of 7 to 10 days are enough to go back to work. Each individual is unique, and the patient should consult their doctor before going back to work.

Stomach capacity will decrease and the production of Ghrelin will drop after the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, therefore gaining the weight back is very hard. But if eating habits, such as eating high calorie foods and drinking fizzy drinks, are kept, the stomach might enlarge again. The diet given to the patient after the surgery should be followed and will prevent weight regain.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery and its modifications to the digestive system are permanent. The stomach can become larger again if the patient forces themselves to overeat or consumes too many fizzy drinks. The diet list given by our dietician should be followed to prevent such an occurrence.

Some medication should explicitly be avoided post surgery to avoid complications. Some of the drugs to be avoided are:

• Birth control pills should not be used for the first 15 days after surgery.

• Medicines containing ibuprofen should not be used.

This list is not exhaustive, and each drug should be cleared with your patient coordinator before usage.

After the Gastric Sleeve surgery there will be a liquid diet and puree diet. In that time period there is no possibility to gain weight back. But after the stomach heals all the damage from Gastric Sleeve surgery, the feeding routine will return normal. That patient must be careful about what to eat. To consume high calorie foods, fizzy drinks and alcoholic drinks will return to the stomach on old large shape back.

It is not recommended to consume any alcohol for the first 6 months following the Gastric Sleeve surgery. Additionally, alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrition, therefore is not recommended for anyone trying to lose weight.

Digestive modifications made during Gastric Sleeve allow for a fast weight loss, but the lack of nutrition and vitamin intake results in hair loss. The sudden decrease in the absorption of calories and nutrients creates a shock on the body which causes rapid weight loss, and rapid weight loss is always associated with hair loss. Hair loss, no matter how expected it is, is stressful, but in this case it is temporary and taking Biotin along with the provided post surgery vitamin pack will decrease the amount of hair loss.

A correctly performed Gastric Sleeve Surgery by a certified General Surgeon will always result in substantial weight loss. Gastric Sleeve has a very low chance of failure and the result is considered a failure if the patient regains the weight. Going back to old eating habits by forcing the body or commonly drinking carbonated drinks may cause the stomach to enlarge, therefore allowing weight regain.

In such a case, the patient will be advised to go through a revisional Bariatric Surgery. Depending on the patient, they will be recommended to revise into Roux En Y Bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass or into Gastric Sleeve. Gastric Sleeve surgery can be revised into another Gastric Sleeve surgery, this is also called re-sleeving.