The gastric sleeve is one of the most common weight-loss operations. This page explains how it works, who it suits, what recovery looks like and what the package with Dr. Atef Bassas includes. Consultations are available in Arabic, English and German.
What is a gastric sleeve?
In a sleeve gastrectomy the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped stomach. It works in two ways:
- Smaller portions: the new stomach fills up with a small amount of food.
- Less hunger: the operation reduces hormones that drive appetite.
The operation is done laparoscopically through small incisions, under general anaesthesia.
Who is a candidate?
The 2022 guidelines of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and IFSO state:
- BMI 35 or more: surgery is recommended, with or without related health problems.
- BMI 30 to 34.9 with metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes: surgery can be considered.
A sleeve may not be the best choice for people with severe reflux. In that case a gastric bypass is often discussed instead.
Recovery and diet after the sleeve
Most patients walk on the day of surgery and usually stay in hospital for one to two nights. Many return to work or their usual routine within about two to four weeks, depending on their job.
Eating returns in stages: liquids first, then puréed and soft foods, and gradually regular food in small portions. Lifelong rules include protein first, drinking between meals rather than with them, eating slowly, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements for life.
Possible risks
Like any operation, a sleeve has risks. Early risks include leakage from the staple line, bleeding, blood clots and infection. Longer-term issues can include reflux, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, gallstones, narrowing of the stomach and some weight regain. Regular follow-up helps to detect and treat these early.
Gastric sleeve with Dr. Atef Bassas
Dr. Atef Bassas is a consultant bariatric, laparoscopic and liver transplant surgeon (FRCS) with more than 30 years of experience and more than 20,000 bariatric operations. He operates in Riyadh at Saudi German Hospital and in Makkah at Saudi National Hospital (Al Abeer Medical Group).
Price of a gastric sleeve
Price includes: pre-operative blood tests, anaesthesia consultation, the operation, a private room, the first follow-up visit free, and a diet plan. Pay in 4 interest-free instalments with Tabby or Tamara.
Living outside the city? A video consultation costs 200 SAR and is deducted from the package.