Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy - Dr. Samir Contractor

Obesity is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in India, including. For many individuals, obesity is not just about appearance—it significantly affects health, confidence, and quality of life. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and arthritis often accompany excess weight, making daily living more difficult and even shortening lifespan.

For patients who have tried diet plans, exercise regimens, and medications without long-term success, bariatric surgery—and particularly Sleeve Gastrectomy—offers a powerful solution.

At our surgical center, with over 25 years of specialized surgical experience and more than 8,000 successful laparoscopic procedures (including 400 bariatric surgeries), we provide safe, advanced, and compassionate care to patients seeking sustainable weight loss through surgery.

This article is a complete guide to Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery, covering candidate suitability, preoperative workup, the surgical process, potential risks, and the critical importance of postoperative lifestyle changes.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve Gastrectomy (also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve Surgery) is a type of bariatric surgery performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.

In this procedure, the surgeon removes about 70–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-like "sleeve."
This drastically reduces the stomach’s capacity, which means patients feel full with smaller portions of food.
Additionally, removal of a large portion of the stomach decreases the production of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.

The result is significant, long-term weight loss—combined with improvements in obesity-related medical conditions and overall quality of life.

Who Should Undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy Treatment?

Not everyone struggling with weight is automatically a candidate for bariatric surgery. Suitability is carefully evaluated based on body mass index (BMI), health conditions, and previous weight-loss attempts.

General Eligibility Criteria

BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² (severe obesity), regardless of other health problems.
BMI between 35–39.9 kg/m² with at least one obesity-related comorbidity such as:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Heart Disease
- Osteoarthritis (especially knees)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Additional Considerations

Patients who have tried non-surgical methods (diet, exercise, supervised weight-loss programs) without sustained results.
Patients who are 18–65 years old (though some exceptions can be made depending on overall health).
Individuals with a commitment to post-surgical lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and long-term follow-ups.
Patients who are psychologically stable and understand the lifelong commitment required.

Our bariatric team conducts a comprehensive preoperative workup, including blood tests, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and medical fitness assessment, to ensure every patient’s safety and suitability.

Preoperative Workup & Preparation

A successful sleeve gastrectomy begins long before the actual surgery. Our preoperative evaluation ensures patients are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.

Detailed Medical History & Physical Exam

Assessing obesity-related illnesses, past surgeries, and overall health.

Laboratory Tests & Imaging

Blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function tests.
ECG and chest X-ray for heart and lung assessment.

Nutritional & Dietary Counseling

Education about new eating habits post-surgery.
Guidance on vitamin supplementation.

Psychological Evaluation

Ensures the patient understands lifestyle modifications.
Screens for depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

Pre-Surgery Weight Management

Sometimes a short-term pre-surgery diet is prescribed to shrink the liver, making the surgery safer.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgical Process

A step-by-step overview of how the sleeve gastrectomy procedure is safely performed by our expert surgical team.

Step 1: Anesthesia & Preparation

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Patients are positioned comfortably, and the abdomen is sterilized.

Step 2: Laparoscopic Access

Using advanced laparoscopic techniques, 4–5 small incisions are made.
A laparoscope (camera) provides a magnified view of the abdominal cavity.

Step 3: Stomach Resection

About 70–80% of the stomach is removed.
A narrow gastric "sleeve" (about the size and shape of a banana) is created.

Step 4: Closure

The sleeve is stapled securely, ensuring no leaks.
Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Duration

The surgery typically takes 60–90 minutes.
Patients usually spend 2–3 days in the hospital.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most popular bariatric procedures worldwide due to its safety and effectiveness.

Key Benefits:

Significant Weight Loss: On average, patients lose 60–70% of excess body weight within 1–2 years.
Improvement in Comorbidities:

70–80% of patients experience diabetes remission or major improvement.
Reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Relief from sleep apnea and joint pain.

No Foreign Objects: Unlike gastric banding, no device is left inside the body.
Better Digestion: Food absorption remains largely normal (unlike gastric bypass).
Improved Quality of Life: Increased mobility, energy, and self-confidence.

Risks & Potential Complications

While sleeve gastrectomy is generally safe—especially in experienced hands—patients must understand possible risks. Transparency builds trust.

Short-Term Risks

Bleeding
Infection
Staple line leakage
Reaction to anesthesia

Long-Term Risks

Acid reflux or GERD
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Stricture (narrowing of the stomach sleeve)
Weight regain if lifestyle changes are not followed

With over 25 years of surgical expertise and advanced laparoscopic technology, our center ensures minimized risks and safe outcomes.

Recovery & Aftercare

Hospital Stay

Most patients are discharged within 2–3 days.

Recovery Timeline

Week 1–2: Liquid diet, gradual transition to pureed foods.
Week 3–4: Soft foods introduced.
Week 5 onwards: Regular solid foods in small portions.

Physical Activity

Light walking encouraged within 24 hours after surgery.
Normal activities within 2–3 weeks.
Strenuous exercise after 6–8 weeks.

Supplements

Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation required (iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D).

Follow-Ups

Regular check-ups at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter.
Ongoing nutritional and lifestyle counseling.

FAQ's About Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the stomach size but does not reroute the intestines, while gastric bypass involves both stomach reduction and intestinal rerouting. Sleeve is simpler, with fewer nutritional issues, but gastric bypass may provide faster weight loss in some patients.

Most patients lose 60–70% of their excess body weight within 12–18 months after surgery, provided they follow dietary and lifestyle guidelines.

Yes, you will need lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation (especially vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D) to prevent deficiencies.

Most patients stay in the hospital for 2–3 days after the procedure, depending on their recovery.

No, this procedure is not reversible, as a portion of the stomach is permanently removed.

Yes, but doctors recommend waiting at least 12–18 months post-surgery before pregnancy, to allow weight stabilization and ensure optimal nutrition.

Weight loss depends on adherence to dietary and exercise recommendations. Rarely, additional interventions may be considered if weight loss is inadequate.

Yes, many patients experience dramatic improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related conditions.

Since it is performed laparoscopically with small incisions, pain is minimal and managed effectively with medication.

Our center combines internationally recognized surgical expertise, advanced laparoscopic technology, and compassionate patient-first care ensuring world-class treatment.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery – A Complete Guide

Don't wait to prioritize your health

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?