GASTRIC SLEEVE  (GASTRIC REDUCTION)

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery in which a large portion of the stomach is removed. After stomach reduction, the remaining portion of the stomach is only 25% the size of the original stomach. This means that patients must eat smaller portions of food and change their diet.

This procedure is usually performed only on extremely overweight patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more, for whom non-surgical methods have not resulted in weight loss. Nevertheless, gastric reduction can also be performed in patients with a BMI of 35-40, whose health condition combined with obesity can have severe effects on their general health, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension or osteoarthritis.

Gastric reduction is irreversible, but usually very suitable for permanently reducing body weight. The procedure can be performed open or laparoscopically and ensures that more than half of the stomach is removed and the remaining, small and tubular portion is stapled together. Patients can only eat small amounts of food afterward.

Who Is a Gastric Sleeve Suitable For?

Stomach reduction is suitable for patients who have a BMI of 40 or higher and have not lost enough weight through dietary changes and exercise. The procedure is also recommended for patients who have a BMI of 35-40 and have presenting health problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or osteoarthritis.

The procedure is not recommended for patients who have previously undergone gastrectomy or suffer from severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus.

Time Requireds

The length of stay in the clinic is 4 days, and the recommended length of stay in Turkey is approximately 1 week.

Before Gastric Sleeve

Patients must undergo various tests and examinations prior to surgery and must adhere to the prescribed diet plan. The consulting physician will usually advise the patient to stop taking some regularly taken medications and drugs. Usually, patients are also advised to be physically active and not to smoke.

Patients with poor health may benefit from seeking a second opinion before starting treatment. A second opinion means that another physician, usually an expert with sufficient experience, will analyze the patient’s medical history, symptoms, examinations, test results, and other information to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

We are happy to provide such an informed second opinion at any time.

How Is the Treatment Carried Out?

Gastric sleeve formation can be performed as an open surgical procedure, but the procedure is usually done laparoscopically, so a few small incisions are sufficient. The surgeon removes about three quarters of the stomach at the outer curve. This is done using a stapler to obtain two separate sections: the section to be removed and the stomach pouch that is left behind.

The excess section of the stomach is removed using a small incision and the remaining section is stapled together. A dye solution is then injected into the portion of stomach that remains through a gastroscope to verify that the new stomach is sealed and there are no leaks. Because part of the stomach is removed, a stomach reduction is a permanent change that cannot be reversed.

Treatment duration and anesthesia: A stomach reduction takes place under general anesthesia. The treatment time for gastric sleeve formation is between 1 and 2 hours.

After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After gastric sleeve placement, the patient will initially experience mild pain and may need to take pain medication for the first week. Discomfort with movement is also normal for a few days after surgery. The digestive system will take some time to adjust. Some patients experience diarrhea (diarrhea) during this time.

The patient will be given a diet recommendation that must be followed. This is the only way to ensure that there is no deficiency of important nutrients. In addition, regular exercise and sport are necessary for significant weight loss. Gradual muscle building not only burns excess calories, but also significantly increases the basal metabolic rate.

Possible Risks

Possible risks include open areas in the suture or staple line, blood loss, organ damage and infection.

Cost of Gastric Sleeve in Istanbul

Our price is based on gastric sleeve formation in our clinic in Istanbul. The cost of stomach reduction ranges from 3,000 euros to 4000 euros, with the average price being approximately 3,500 euros.

Would you like to have a stomach reduction in Turkey? Then feel free to send us your request and our Care Team will help you find the right treatment for you in a consultation with one of our doctors.