What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, VSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation worldwide. The procedure removes approximately 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped "sleeve" that holds roughly 100–150 ml — compared to the original 1,500 ml stomach. Unlike gastric bypass, the intestinal anatomy is left entirely unchanged: this is purely a restrictive procedure.
At FitAndFit Clinic in Istanbul, sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically by our specialist bariatric team. Operation time is typically 60–90 minutes and requires a hospital stay of 1–2 nights.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Work?
The sleeve works through two complementary mechanisms:
- Physical restriction: The dramatically smaller stomach means you feel full after a small amount of food and cannot overeat without discomfort.
- Hormonal effect: The removed portion of the stomach (the fundus) is the primary production site of ghrelin — the hunger hormone. By removing it, gastric sleeve surgery produces a marked and sustained reduction in appetite, setting it apart from purely mechanical procedures like gastric banding.
Gastric Sleeve Results: Weight Loss & Health Benefits
Patients typically lose 60–70% of their excess body weight within the first 12–18 months. The procedure also produces significant improvements in obesity-related conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes (improvement or remission in 50–60% of patients)
- Hypertension (resolved or improved in over 60%)
- Sleep apnoea (resolved in over 70%)
- Joint pain and mobility improvement
- Improved fertility in women with PCOS
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass
Sleeve gastrectomy is often chosen over gastric bypass when patients prefer a simpler operation with no intestinal rerouting and a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies. It is also reversible in theory (though rarely done) and does not create a "blind loop" of intestine. For patients with very high BMI or severe diabetes, gastric bypass may still offer superior metabolic outcomes — our bariatric team will assess your individual case in detail.
Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve?
- BMI ≥ 35, or BMI ≥ 30 with significant obesity-related conditions
- Patients seeking maximum weight loss without intestinal rerouting
- Those who have not responded to conservative weight management
- Patients with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
- Individuals considering a staged approach (sleeve now, possible bypass later)
Recovery After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Most patients are discharged after 1–2 nights in hospital. Return to sedentary work is typically possible in 1–2 weeks; full physical activity after 4–6 weeks. Post-operative diet progresses from clear liquids → full liquids → purée → soft foods → normal over approximately 6 weeks.
FitAndFit Clinic provides a comprehensive post-operative care programme including:
- Pre-surgery 2-week liquid diet to shrink the liver
- Post-surgery nutritional programme and dietitian follow-up
- Vitamin and supplement protocol (vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, calcium)
- Psychological support if needed
- Follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months
Gastric Sleeve in Turkey: Why Istanbul?
Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey has grown rapidly in popularity among international patients from the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. At FitAndFit Clinic, you benefit from world-class surgical expertise, JCI-accredited hospital facilities, and all-inclusive package pricing that is typically 50–65% below comparable private hospital prices in Western Europe — without any compromise on surgical safety or outcomes.