Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) — Cairo, Egypt

Procedure length: 60–120 minutes • Hospital stay: 1–2 nights (typical) • Recovery: most daily activities 2–4 weeks

What is Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve?

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a minimally invasive bariatric operation that removes 70–85% of the stomach along the greater curvature and forms a narrow, tubular stomach (“sleeve”). This reduces stomach volume and hunger hormones, producing significant and sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes and medical follow-up.

Patient criteria — Who needs it?

• Typical eligibility: BMI ≥35 kg/m², or BMI 30–34.9 with obesity-related disease (type 2 diabetes, hypertension) after multidisciplinary evaluation.
• Patients must be committed to long-term lifestyle change, follow-up and vitamin monitoring.
• Not recommended for patients with uninvestigated severe GERD unless evaluated—some cases prefer bypass procedures.

When to choose a sleeve?

Choose sleeve gastrectomy when you want effective weight loss without intestinal rerouting, prefer a simpler operation than bypass, and have no contraindicating reflux disease. It is also commonly chosen as a first-line bariatric procedure worldwide due to predictable weight loss and fewer long-term malabsorption issues compared with bypass.

How it compares to other bariatric surgeries

• Vs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Sleeve is less complex (no intestinal anastomosis) and usually has lower risk of long-term nutritional deficiencies; bypass may offer better diabetes remission in some cases.
• Vs One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB): OAGB often yields stronger metabolic effects but carries higher risks of bile reflux and nutrient malabsorption.
• Conversion potential: Sleeves can be revised to bypass procedures later if weight loss is insufficient or reflux develops.

Pre-surgery preparation & required tests

• Comprehensive assessment: surgeon, bariatric physician, dietitian, psychologist.
• Blood tests (CBC, chemistry, LFTs, fasting glucose/HbA1c), ECG, chest X-ray if indicated.
• Upper GI endoscopy to exclude ulcers/hiatal hernia; sometimes abdominal ultrasound.
• Pre-op dietary plan (low-calorie/low-residue diet for 1–2 weeks) to reduce liver size.
• Stop certain medications and smoking as advised by your surgeon.

What happens on surgery day?

Under general anaesthesia, 4–6 small (5–12 mm) incisions are made. The surgeon uses laparoscopic instruments and a stapler to reshape the stomach into a narrow tube and removes the excess stomach. Operation time typically 60–120 minutes. You wake in recovery and transfer to a ward. Most patients start clear fluids the same day or next.

Benefits of gastric sleeve

• Significant weight loss (often 50–70% excess weight loss at 12–24 months for many patients).
• Improvement or remission of obesity-related conditions: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain.
• Shorter operation and fewer anastomosis-related complications than bypass surgery.

Expected results & timeline

1. Immediate (0–2 weeks): Reduced food intake, early fluid tolerance; some pain and fatigue.
2. 1–3 months: Rapid weight loss phase; clear diet progression from liquids to pureed/soft food under dietitian guidance.
3. 6–12 months: Most early weight loss occurs; metabolic improvements are often seen.
4. 12–24 months: Maximal expected weight loss for many patients; long-term maintenance requires lifestyle and follow-up.

Post-surgery instructions

• Strict progressive diet: clear fluids → soft → regular (under guidance).
• Multivitamin and specific supplements (B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D) as indicated; lifelong monitoring recommended.
• Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks; gradually increase activity and begin supervised exercise as directed.
• Attend scheduled follow-ups with your surgical team and dietitian; report severe abdominal pain, fever, persistent vomiting or inability to pass gas/stool immediately.

Tourmedx packages & what we include

Tourmedx coordinates accredited hospitals, specialist bariatric surgeons, pre-op testing, airport transfer, translator, hotel recovery packages, and virtual aftercare. Our packages can include hospital fees, surgeon fees, nursing care, private room options, and follow-up consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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