Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

The operation takes an average of 45 minutes to 1.5 hours using the closed (laparoscopic) method under general anesthesia. Only 4 or 5 millimetric (about 1 cm each) holes are made in your abdomen. When healed, these scars are almost invisible.

The most important feature of the large part of the stomach (Fundus) that is cut and discarded is that it produces 80% of the Ghrelin hormone, which stimulates the brain and gives the "I am hungry" signal. When this part goes into the trash, the operated patient feels serious satiety and lack of appetite physiologically on a hormonal basis (in addition to mechanical shrinkage).

A gastric sleeve is not a magic wand, it is an excellent "tool". If the patient quits the dietitian follow-up after the surgery, constantly consumes high-calorie liquids and melting carbohydrates (chocolate, ice cream, alcohol), and stretches their stomach, they can regain some or all of the weight they lost within 3-5 years.

The long cut line of the stomach is sewn with surgical staples. Leakage of fluid from this suture line into the abdomen (leak) in the first weeks is the most feared complication (1-2% risk). For this reason, patients are subjected to a special "Leak Test" after surgery and are fed gradually with only clear liquids and purees in the first weeks.