Severe obesity is rarely successfully managed through diet and exercise alone if excess weight is already affecting blood pressure, blood sugar levels, heart function, joints and sleep apnoea. In such situations, the problem goes far beyond appearance and becomes a direct threat to health, and sometimes even life. This is precisely why doctors view surgical treatment not as a last resort, but as a justified medical step. For many patients, gastric resection becomes part of a systematic approach when conservative methods no longer yield the desired and sustainable results.
Today, bariatric surgery is considered the gold standard in the treatment of morbid obesity, as it helps to address not only weight but also the conditions it triggers. At the same time, gastric resection is not simply an operation to reduce the size of the stomach, but a major procedure that requires thorough preparation and ongoing work on lifestyle changes. The development of minimally invasive technologies has played a significant role: laparoscopic access has made such operations less invasive, reduced trauma and made the patient’s recovery more comfortable.
Sleeve gastrectomy: what it is and how the procedure works
Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery in which the surgeon reduces the volume of the stomach to help the patient control their diet and lose weight. Put simply, sleeve gastrectomy involves removing most of the organ along its greater curvature whilst preserving the narrow longitudinal portion. As a result, instead of the stomach’s usual volume, a thin tube, or so-called sleeve, is formed. Usually, around 75-80% of the tissue is removed during the procedure, so after the operation, the patient is physically unable to eat large portions as before.
This method works in two ways. The first is mechanical: gastric resection reduces the internal volume of the organ, so satiety sets in more quickly and even a small amount of food provides a feeling of fullness. The second is hormonal: the part of the stomach that is removed contains an area where ghrelin, often referred to as the hunger hormone, is actively produced. After the operation, its levels decrease, which means that many patients experience a reduced appetite, making it easier to stick to the new diet.
Indications: who is the operation prescribed for?
The operation is not prescribed at the patient’s request, but on the basis of clear medical indications, when excess weight already poses a serious threat to health. Surgical treatment is usually considered for a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, and also for a BMI of 35 if obesity is accompanied by conditions directly linked to excess body weight. In such cases, gastric bypass surgery becomes part of a comprehensive treatment plan when diet, physical activity and other conservative measures fail to produce consistent results. It is important for the doctor to assess not only the number on the scales, but also exactly how obesity affects the body’s functioning. Such surgery is prescribed for the following indications:
- A BMI of 40 or higher, even in the absence of significant comorbidities;
- BMI of 35 or above in the presence of type 2 diabetes;
- BMI of 35 or above in the presence of hypertension;
- BMI of 35 or above in the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea;
- BMI of 35 or above in the presence of severe joint problems exacerbated by excess weight;
- ineffectiveness of prolonged attempts to lose weight without surgery.
However, gastric bypass surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all overweight patients, but a major surgical procedure that requires a full medical assessment and a carefully considered approach. Before the operation, the doctor must assess the patient’s general health, the presence of any chronic conditions, the risks associated with anaesthesia, and the patient’s readiness to adhere to new dietary and lifestyle guidelines following treatment.
Comprehensive preparation for surgical treatment
It is important not to rush into surgery and to undergo a full medical examination beforehand, as it is the preparatory stage that helps to minimise risks during the procedure and in the early post-operative period. Doctors need to assess the patient’s heart function, the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism and any potential comorbidities that may affect the course of treatment. In this case, gastric resection is not performed as a mere formality, but is based on a clear clinical picture, where the team understands the specific characteristics of the patient’s body and can competently plan each stage. Here is what is included in the preparation for treatment:
- blood tests;
- electrocardiogram (ECG);
- gastroscopy (EGDS);
- abdominal ultrasound;
- consultation with an endocrinologist;
- consultation with a cardiologist;
- consultation with an anaesthetist;
- adherence to a special pre-operative diet for 1–2 weeks prior to the procedure.
Pre-operative nutrition is particularly important, as gastric resection is a major surgical procedure for which the body needs to be prepared in advance. Usually, a couple of weeks before the procedure, the patient is advised to follow a special diet aimed at reducing the size of the liver and lowering the strain during laparoscopic access. This approach helps make the operation technically easier for the surgeon and, for the patient, safer and more predictable.
What are the stages of a laparoscopic operation?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient feels nothing during the procedure, and the surgical team can carry out each stage calmly and precisely. Today, gastric resection is more commonly performed laparoscopically: instead of a large incision, the surgeon makes several small punctures through which a camera and fine instruments are inserted. This approach is considered less invasive, helps to minimise tissue damage and usually facilitates recovery after surgery. If you wish to undergo this treatment under the supervision of an experienced team, our Avicenna Med clinic offers the “Sleeve Gastrectomy” service. The typical procedure is as follows:
- The patient is put under general anaesthesia and the surgical site is prepared.
- The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdominal area.
- A laparoscopic camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions.
- The stomach is carefully sutured using special stapling devices.
- The excess part of the organ is removed, forming a narrow gastric “sleeve”.
- After this, the sutures are always checked for leaks to ensure the suture line is secure.
For many patients, it is important to understand that gastric resection is not a procedure involving a large incision and a difficult recovery, as is often imagined prior to consultation. The main work is carried out via a minimally invasive approach, and each stage is monitored visually using a camera, which makes the procedure more precise. This is precisely why the laparoscopic technique helps to alleviate unnecessary fear of surgery and makes treatment more comfortable for the patient.
Rehabilitation, diet and returning to normal life after gastric resection
After the operation, the patient usually stays in hospital for 2–3 days so that the medical staff can monitor their well-being, pain levels, fluid tolerance and overall recovery. As early as the first day, doctors recommend getting up and walking a little, as early mobilisation helps the body adapt more quickly after the procedure. During this period, gastric resection requires rest, monitoring and strict adherence to recommendations to ensure recovery proceeds steadily and without undue strain.
Next comes an equally important stage – adjusting your diet and developing new habits. Initially, the diet consists of liquid foods, then pureed dishes are gradually introduced, and later – soft and more solid foods in small portions. This transition is necessary to allow the stomach to adapt to its new size without being overloaded. At the same time, gastric resection involves not only the surgical reduction of the organ, but also the need to regularly maintain adequate fluid intake, take vitamin and mineral supplements, and pay close attention to the quality of one’s diet, as a comfortable recovery and long-term outcomes largely depend on these guidelines.
Bariatric surgery at the Avicenna Med medical centre
If you are considering surgical treatment for obesity, it is important to choose a clinic where the patient receives not just a single service, but a comprehensive medical programme. At Avicenna Med, this is precisely how bariatric surgery is structured: with accurate diagnosis, modern minimally invasive technologies and support at every stage of treatment. Our clinic uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest generation of 3D imaging systems, and our approach is based on a combination of modern technologies, the surgeons’ expertise and a well-organised care programme. In this format, gastric resection is not performed in isolation, but as part of a comprehensive programme where both safety and long-term outcomes are paramount.
For the patient, this means greater confidence at every stage – from the initial consultation through to post-operative monitoring and adaptation to a new lifestyle. Avicenna Med has both outpatient and inpatient departments, including a 24-hour inpatient ward, 10 premium-comfort rooms, an intensive care unit and modern operating theatres, so post-operative care is organised in one place. At the same time, gastric resection is not just the operation itself, but also the subsequent medical support: monitoring weight loss, dietary adjustments and lifestyle recommendations, which help to consolidate the results and make the changes sustainable.
Conclusion
Surgical treatment for obesity cannot be described as a simple solution, because it involves serious work on one’s health, habits and lifestyle, which requires a conscious approach and a willingness to follow the doctor’s recommendations. This is precisely why gastric bypass surgery is viewed not as an easy way to lose weight quickly, but as an important step towards improving your well-being, reducing health risks and returning to a more active life. If you want to find out whether this method is right for you, book an initial consultation with a surgeon to get a professional assessment of your situation and take the first step towards a healthy weight and an active, long life.
FAQ
- How long does a sleeve gastrectomy take?
Most often, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy takes around 1–2 hours, but the exact duration depends on the patient’s anatomy, any underlying conditions and the surgical approach. After the procedure, the patient is placed under observation, and the hospital stay usually lasts 1–3 days.
- When can I eat normal food after the operation?
Immediately after the procedure, the diet is introduced in stages: liquids, then purées, then soft foods, and only then – normal textures. Most often, patients return to a more familiar diet after about 6–8 weeks.
- Is it necessary to take vitamins after sleeve gastrectomy?
Usually, yes. After the operation, food intake decreases, and the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies remains. Therefore, patients are prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements and regular blood tests. The specific regimen is selected by the doctor based on the results of observation and laboratory tests.
