Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Decisive Step Towards a Healthy Future!

Obesity is not just an aesthetic issue but a complex disease that paves the way for many serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can sometimes be insufficient in this challenging struggle. At this point, sleeve gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve Surgery) emerges as one of the most frequently and successfully applied surgical methods worldwide in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. This operation is based on the principle of removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach, enabling the person to eat less and feel less hungry. Estebox Istanbul, with Turkey’s deep experience in bariatric surgery and multidisciplinary approach, offers you a reliable companionship to start a brand new life by achieving healthy and permanent weight loss with sleeve gastrectomy.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy? A Deeper Impact Than Just Shrinking Your Stomach!

Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery procedure performed laparoscopically (closed method). In this operation, approximately 75-80% of the stomach, especially the fundus region where the hunger hormone ghrelin is secreted, is surgically removed. The remaining stomach takes the form of a thin, long tube (like a banana or pipe).

The Main Mechanisms of Action of Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• Restrictive Effect: Since the stomach volume is significantly reduced, the person reaches satiety with a much smaller amount of food. Portions naturally shrink.
• Hormonal Effect: The removal of a large part of the stomach that secretes ghrelin (hunger hormone) helps reduce the feeling of hunger and prolongs the feeling of fullness.
• Change in Intestinal Transit Speed: The rate of gastric emptying may increase, which can contribute to some metabolic changes.

Sleeve gastrectomy not only ensures weight loss but also significantly contributes to the improvement or complete resolution of many obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.

Could Sleeve Gastrectomy Open a New Page for You? Who Are Candidates for This Transformation?

Sleeve gastrectomy can be a life-changing option for individuals who meet certain criteria and are looking for a permanent solution in their fight against obesity:

• Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or higher (morbidly obese).
• Individuals with a BMI between 35-39.9 kg/m² who have at least one obesity-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, severe joint problems, etc.).
• In some cases, individuals with a BMI between 30-34.9 kg/m² who have serious metabolic problems such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and have not benefited from other treatment methods (with doctor’s decision).
• Those who have previously failed to achieve permanent and sufficient weight loss with non-surgical methods such as diet and exercise.
• Individuals who are psychologically ready, motivated, and willing to accept the risks of surgery and lifestyle changes.
• Those whose general health condition is suitable for a laparoscopic surgery and general anesthesia.

The decision for sleeve gastrectomy is made jointly with the patient after a detailed evaluation by a multidisciplinary team (bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist, dietitian, psychologist).

How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed? The Subtleties of Laparoscopic Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy is almost entirely performed using the laparoscopic (closed) method today. This means the operation is performed by inserting special surgical instruments and a camera (laparoscope) into the abdomen through several small (0.5-1 cm) incisions made in the abdominal wall.

Main Outlines of the Operation:

1. Preparation and Anesthesia: Detailed tests are performed before the operation. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Laparoscopic Entry: 4-5 small incisions are made in the abdominal wall. The laparoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted into the abdomen through these incisions.
3. Shaping of the Stomach: The surgeon cuts and removes a large portion of the stomach (approximately 75-80%) longitudinally using special cutting and sealing (stapler) instruments. The remaining stomach takes the shape of a thin tube. The removed part of the stomach is taken out through one of the incisions.
4. Leak Test and Closure: A “leak test” (e.g., by administering methylene blue) is usually performed to check for any leakage in the stomach line. If there are no problems, the incisions are closed with aesthetic sutures.
5. Operation Duration: It usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.

The advantages of the laparoscopic method include less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery and return to daily life.

After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Adaptation to a New Lifestyle

The recovery and adaptation process to a new lifestyle after sleeve gastrectomy requires patience, discipline, and professional support:

• Hospital Stay: You will usually need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after the operation. During this period, your pain will be controlled, your fluid intake will begin, and your mobilization (getting up and walking) will be encouraged.
• Nutrition “New Rules, New Habits”:
• First Few Weeks: Liquid and puree diet period. It is very important for your stomach to get used to its new volume and to heal.
• Gradual Transition: A slow transition to soft solid foods and then to normal solid foods. Portions must be very small.
• Dietitian Follow-up: Your post-operative diet should be planned individually by a bariatric dietitian and regularly monitored. Protein intake, vitamin, and mineral supplements (may be needed जीवनभर) are very important.
• Physical Activity: Starting exercise gradually, as recommended by your doctor, according to your recovery process, supports weight loss and improves your overall health.
• Psychological Support: Significant changes occur in body image and eating habits after bariatric surgery. Receiving psychological support to adapt to this process can be beneficial.
• Long-Term Follow-up: Regular doctor and dietitian check-ups after surgery are critically important for monitoring your health status, early detection of possible complications, and the permanence of weight loss.
• Weight Loss Expectation: It is aimed to lose an average of 60-70% of excess weight within the first 1-2 years after sleeve gastrectomy. However, this rate may vary depending on the person’s pre-operative weight, age, gender, comorbidities, and adherence to post-operative lifestyle changes.

Why Turkey for Sleeve Gastrectomy? Step Confidently into a Healthy Future with Estebox Istanbul

Turkey has a worldwide reputation with experienced bariatric surgeons who have performed thousands of successful operations in obesity and metabolic surgery, and modern hospitals equipped with the latest laparoscopic technologies. Istanbul is a center where life-changing operations like sleeve gastrectomy are performed with a multidisciplinary team approach (surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, endocrinologist), prioritizing patient safety and comfort at the highest level.

As Estebox Istanbul, we offer you comprehensive support in your sleeve gastrectomy process, one of the most effective and safe solutions in your fight against obesity. We work with bariatric surgeons specialized in their field with deep experience in sleeve gastrectomy surgery, and JCI-accredited, fully equipped hospitals, and we are with you at every step from detailed pre-operative evaluation, your travel and accommodation arrangements in Turkey, to post-operative multidisciplinary follow-up and consultation services. Our goal is not only to ensure you lose weight but also to help you adopt a healthy lifestyle and make this success permanent.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Prices in Istanbul: The Most Valuable Investment in Your Health

The cost of sleeve gastrectomy surgery varies depending on many factors such as the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the standards and technological equipment of the hospital where the surgery will be performed, the length of hospital stay, the quality of laparoscopic materials used, and the scope of post-operative follow-up and consultation services offered.

However, sleeve gastrectomy prices in Turkey are generally more competitive and accessible compared to similar quality operations in Europe, the UK, and the United States. This means you can access this vital operation, which will significantly improve your quality of life, with a more affordable budget without compromising on quality and safety. Estebox Istanbul organizes a detailed pre-assessment and expert doctor consultation to offer you transparent pricing tailored to your specific situation and needs. Please contact us to get clear information about the cost of your sleeve gastrectomy surgery and to benefit from our free consultation service.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeve Gastrectomy

Q: How soon will I start losing weight after sleeve gastrectomy?

A: Weight loss starts immediately after the operation. The most rapid weight loss is usually seen within the first 3-6 months. The weight loss process can continue for up to 12-18 months.

Q: Will I regain weight after the surgery?

A: Sleeve gastrectomy is a very powerful tool to help you lose weight. However, if the recommended diet and lifestyle changes are not followed after the surgery, there is a risk of regaining some weight over time. Therefore, discipline and motivation are very important for long-term success.

Q: What are the risks of sleeve gastrectomy?

A: Like any surgical procedure, sleeve gastrectomy also has some risks. These include bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related complications, leakage from the staple line, stenosis (narrowing), embolism (blood clot), and vitamin-mineral deficiencies. These risks are minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon and team under appropriate conditions. Your surgeon will inform you in detail about all possible risks before the operation.

Q: When can I return to a normal eating pattern after surgery?

A: The transition to normal solid foods usually occurs 4-6 weeks after surgery, gradually and under the guidance of your dietitian. However, your portions will remain small for life.

Q: Can I get pregnant after sleeve gastrectomy?

A: Yes, it is possible to get pregnant after sleeve gastrectomy. However, it is generally recommended to wait at least 12-18 months after surgery for the body to adapt to the new situation and reach a stable weight. Close doctor and dietitian follow-up is very important during pregnancy.