Gastric Sleeve

The gastric sleeve is the most widely performed bariatric surgery in the world: an effective and safe option to reach your weight-loss goals.

Procedure performed by board-certified specialists.

Procedure description

A minimally invasive surgery that removes approximately 70% to 80% of the stomach; this restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and produces changes in appetite regulation that help with weight loss.

It is the most widely performed bariatric surgery in the world, effective for reaching your weight-loss goals and with favorable results in improving related conditions such as joint pain, arterial hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and infertility, among others.

Benefits

  • Safety and effectiveness
  • Fewer post-operative discomforts
  • Reduced appetite
  • Reduced food intake
  • Possibility of single-port intervention (one incision in the navel)
  • Improved quality of life

Sources:
– Chung AY, et al. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2018;28:930-7.
– Puzziferri N, et al. JAMA 2018;319:316.
– Han Y, et al. Int J Surg 2020;76:101-10.

Frequently asked questions

What are the contraindications for a gastric sleeve?

Large hiatal hernia, severe gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett's esophagus, severe heart failure, unstable coronary disease, active cancer treatment, terminal lung disease, portal hypertension and dependence on psychoactive substances, among others.

Only a specialist can determine whether you are a candidate; please report any health condition you may have.

Sources:
– Seeras K, et al. StatPearls [Internet] 2021.
– Felsenreich DM, et al. Obes Surg 2017;27:3092-101.

What happens to the removed portion of the stomach?

It is routinely sent for analysis to the pathologist.

Can the remaining stomach get larger?

Gastric volume may increase; however, it will not reach the same dimensions it had before surgery. To avoid an increase in gastric capacity that affects weight, it is important to maintain good eating habits and physical activity.

Source:
– Pañella C, et al. Obes Surg 2020;30:2199-205.

Step-by-step process

  1. Bariatric evaluation appointment

    Our specialist physician will ask about pre-existing conditions, previous weight-loss treatments and your expectations; they will perform a complete clinical evaluation and schedule the assessments with the rest of the team to determine the best option based on your profile, health status and goals.

  2. Check-up

    An evaluation is carried out by our multidisciplinary team: psychology, nutrition and cardiology.

  3. Bariatric surgery appointment

    The results of the previous evaluations are reviewed and we present the treatment and the most suitable alternatives for you: advantages, disadvantages, risks and short-, medium- and long-term expectations. After obtaining consent, the surgery date is set.

  4. Surgery

    Hospital admission takes place two hours before the procedure, which lasts approximately 35 minutes. Hospital discharge is given 24 hours after the intervention, with the corresponding care instructions.

  5. Follow-up review

    First review and suture removal after seven days.

  6. Habit-change phases

    Liquid diet, purées, soft foods and solids, one week each, under the supervision and guidance of our team.

  7. Follow-up appointments

    At 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery.

  8. Maintenance phase

    Support and follow-up by our nutrition and psychology team to optimize your results.