Gastric Sleeve

GASTRIC TUBE SURGERY

TUBE STOMACH SURGERY is the second most common procedure in bariatric surgery. It is usually recommended for patients who are overweight or have severe comorbidities.

In patients with a body mass index over 35–40, 80% of the stomach is removed.
The stomach is turned into a tube. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is performed as a closed method, i.e. laparoscopically. The laparoscopy is inserted into the openings in the anterior abdominal wall without a large incision.

The procedure is completed after most of the stomach has been removed. Although it is a procedure with complications, it is one of the most reliable methods.

How Gastric Sleeve Promotes Weight Loss

Because a large portion of the stomach is removed during gastric sleeve gastrectomy, the person has very little stomach capacity each time.

Effects:

• You feel full faster

• You eat much less

• The part of the stomach that produces ghrelin (hunger hormone) is removed

• Hunger and cravings significantly decrease

Benefits of Tube Stomach Surgery

The benefits of TUBE STOMACH OPERATIONS include:

• Accelerates weight loss

• Helps maintain long-term weight loss

• Improves obesity-related conditions such as:

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Sleep apnoea

• Increases exercise capacity

• Boosts confidence and quality of life

• More durable and long-term results compared to non-surgical methods

Possible Complications

Possible complications of TUBE STOMACH SURGERY are similar to those of all surgical procedures:

• Bleeding

• Organ injuries

• Embolism

• Anaesthesia-related complications

A surgery-specific complication may occur due to cutting and stitching of the stomach.

Leak test:
During the surgery, the stomach is filled with blue-coloured serum.
The suture line is checked with pressure to minimise the leakage risk.

Sometimes a second operation or non-surgical interventions may be required.

Mortality rate: only 0.2% — Gastric sleeve is among the safest bariatric surgeries.

Weight Loss Expectations After Gastric Sleeve

• In the first 1–2 years: 60–70% of excess weight is lost

• Many studies show similar success to gastric bypass

• Since this is a restrictive method, patients consuming liquid, high-calorie diets may lose less weight

• Long-term:

  • 10–20% may regain weight

  • 2% may become morbidly obese again

In such cases, revision surgery (gastric bypass, duodenal switch etc.) may be performed.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY?

Patients must maintain long-term dietary discipline after sleeve gastrectomy.
If they do not, regained weight is possible.

A radical change in diet and lifestyle is necessary after the surgery.

After the operation:

• Permanent long-term weight loss occurs

• Significant improvement seen in weight-related diseases

• A detailed nutritional programme is recommended

Transition stages after surgery:

1. 2–3 days → Clear liquids

2. Weeks 1–2 → Full liquid diet

3. Weeks 3–4 → Pureed foods

4. Weeks 5–8 → Soft solid foods

5. Week 9 and beyond → Normal foods

Patients may need 2–3 days of hospitalisation.
Discharge occurs after necessary examinations.