Overview of Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) is weight loss surgery in which approximately 80% of the stomach is removed leaving about 150-200 ml of stomach volume.
Gastric sleeve helps obese people reach ideal weight within 6-18 months after the operation.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) is weight loss surgery in which approximately 80% of the stomach is removed leaving about 150-200 ml of stomach volume.
Gastric sleeve helps obese people reach ideal weight within 6-18 months after the operation.
How does sleeve gastrectomy help Obese patients to lose weight?
- Restriction
Because the stomach is significantly smaller and its capacity was drastically reduced, limiting food intake and reducing hunger and the patients feel full after consumption of small portions of food.
- Hormonal Effect
The upper part of stomach (fundus) that produce the hunger hormone (Ghrelin) is removed, this leads to reduced appetite and better adherence to healthy food choices.
Gastric sleeve also increase hormonal levels of GLP-1 and GLP-2 which are known for improving satiety, insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate.
What Do the Incisions Look Like After Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The procedure is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Usually there are 3-5 small incisions at the abdominal wall, measuring about 0.5-1.5 cm.
The incisions are closed using cosmetic surgical techniques. Therefore, they are thin, pale and small. Over time, scars gradually fade and, in most cases, become barely noticeable.
Pain After Sleeve Gastrectomy
Mild pain is expected after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, especially during the first few days following surgery.
At our center, we use a device called Patient controlled analgesia pump, which is a small plastic device filled with strong pain killers and infuse them in a predefined dose for effective pain management. Therefore, most patients do not feel significant pain and by the third day pain would completely subside.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The recovery period at home after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy typically ranges from 1 to 3 days.
After the first few days, most of our patients are able to resume normal daily activities such as household duties, grocery shopping, walking, and moving comfortably.
International travel is generally possible 3-5 days after the operation. Returning to work is usually recommended after 5–7 days of the operation.
Estimated Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy (2026)?
The cost of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy generally ranges roughly from EGP 40,000 to EGP 90,000 (1000-2000 USD) depending on surgeon experience, hospital level, and included services like hospital stay, tests, and follow-ups.