Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, most often using laparoscopic techniques, a minimally invasive technique that limits the size of incisions and promotes faster recovery. The surgeon inserts instruments through small incisions in the upper abdomen, allowing the portion of the stomach to be removed.

During the procedure, the stomach is stapled vertically, and the excess portion is removed. This surgical procedure reduces the stomach's volume by 75 to 80%, transforming it into a narrow tube. The surgery generally lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes.
After the operation, patients are cared for in a post-operative care unit. The length of hospital stay generally varies between two and three nights, depending on the patient's overall health and immediate progress after the procedure. This close monitoring allows for early detection of any complications and ensures appropriate nutritional support from the very first days.

Recovery is accompanied by a gradual return to eating, starting with liquids, then thicker textures, until a return to solid food after a few weeks, always supervised by a specialized multidisciplinary team.

Sleeve gastrectomy enables sustainable weight loss, on average 25 to 30% of total body weight within two years of the procedure. This loss is promoted by a dual action: mechanical restriction of the stomach and hormonal changes that reduce feelings of hunger and increase satiety. Beyond weight loss, this surgery promotes the improvement or even remission of many diseases associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. These benefits result from the metabolic changes induced by the operation.
Many patients also report improved mobility, quality of life, and self-esteem. This transformation, both physical and psychological, facilitates a return to activity and a gradual return to a more active daily life.

Sleeve gastrectomy is generally well tolerated, but like any surgery, it carries risks. In the short term, the main possible complications include leaks at the staple line, bleeding, or, more rarely, thromboembolic disorders. These events remain rare thanks to minimally invasive techniques and appropriate prevention. A specific point of attention concerns gastroesophageal reflux. Common after a sleeve gastrectomy, it can sometimes appear or worsen. In the event of severe symptoms, conversion to a bypass may be considered. Therefore, if GERD is pre-existing, sleeve gastrectomy is strongly discouraged.
In the longer term, certain nutritional deficiencies may occur, although less frequently than with other techniques. Regular vitamin and mineral supplementation is therefore necessary, accompanied by lifelong biological monitoring.
Partial weight regain is also possible, often linked to changing eating habits or dilation of the gastric tube. This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate failure, but highlights the importance of ongoing medical and nutritional support.
In summary, while sleeve gastrectomy is an effective technique, it requires a long-term commitment based on structured medical monitoring and lifestyle changes. This framework is essential to preserve the benefits and limit long-term complications.