Sleeve Gastrectomy

What is a gastric sleeve?

If you are struggling with severe obesity and have already tried all kinds of diets without success, perhaps you should consider a surgical procedure like gastric sleeve surgery. This type of stomach surgery allows you to lose weight over several months and can produce impressive results. Thanks to this procedure, you will find better mobility and greater comfort in your daily life. Discover the different weight loss surgeries that we offer in Tunisia and trust Tunisie Destination Santé to organize your medical stay as part of a Sleeve All Inclusive formula.

What is the Sleeve or stomach reduction operation?

Obesity is a very common pathology. The problem of obesity affects a large number of people around the world, including children and adolescents. In OECD countries, more than one in four children are considered obese. This means having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. For people with a BMI greater than 40, it is generally recommended to have a sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure covered by most health insurance plans. However, some patients with a BMI less than 40 still choose to have surgery in Tunisia. It is important to note that the quality of sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is comparable to that practiced in Europe and the United States.

Sleeve gastrectomy, or sleeve gastroplasty, is a medical operation consisting of removing part of the stomach. This process reduces the stomach to the shape of a tube, which slows the passage of food which is then passed into the small intestine. Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing more than 75% of the stomach, reducing it to the size of a yogurt pot. This reduction in volume limits the patient’s ability to eat large quantities, otherwise they may suffer from gastric problems and vomiting. At the same time, the feeling of hunger is less and less present. Indeed, with the gastric sleeve, the stomach is freed of grelin, a hunger hormone which is found in the part which has been removed.  The patient’s appetite also changes after sleeve gastroplasty. The patient is more likely to appreciate healthy foods such as organic vegetables and fruits.

Who is this procedure for?

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is primarily intended for people who are severely or morbidly obese, for whom traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have not been effective. This surgical procedure is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or greater than 35 in the presence of serious comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Sleeve gastrectomy may also be considered for those who are ready to commit to a significant lifestyle change, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity, and who understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. A thorough medical evaluation and psychological monitoring are essential to determine the suitability of this procedure for each patient.

Why make a sleeve?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the stomach, thereby limiting its ability to hold large quantities of food. This causes a faster and longer feeling of fullness, helping patients consume fewer calories. In addition to reducing appetite, this procedure can also regulate hunger hormones, promoting continued weight loss. For many people, this surgery represents an effective way to overcome obesity, improve their overall health and increase their quality of life.

How much does a gastric sleeve operation cost on average in Tunisia?

If you opt for a sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia, you will benefit from both a much more affordable price than those practiced in Europe and the know-how of our internationally renowned certified surgeons, as well as the modernity of our medical infrastructure. Tunisie Destination Santé offers you a sleeve operation including all stay costs in Tunisia for a stay of 6 nights. Our packages include the price of your medical stay and all costs necessary for your sleeve in Tunisia. Contact us for an inexpensive sleeve.

What are the key considerations to make before choosing to undergo gastric sleeve surgery?

To optimize your chances of success, rigorous preparation is necessary before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. Having taken into account your eating habits, our specialist bariatric surgeon will suggest the most suitable procedure for you, whether it is a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric balloon, or even not considering surgery if you are not a suitable candidate. The famous gastric band, once popular in Tunisia, has proven its limits in terms of results and is no longer practiced in our country. Once the surgeon has decided to operate on you, Tunisie Destination Santé will provide you with essential pre-operative examinations before final approval for your gastric sleeve. To ensure eligibility for a gastric sleeve, it is common for these examinations to include a blood test, a digestive endoscopy, a chest x-ray, and cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds. However, some patients may choose to undergo these examinations in Tunisia, despite the risk of not being able to proceed with gastric sleeve surgery if the test results reveal a contraindication.

How to prepare for a sleeve?

Preparing for a sleeve gastrectomy is a crucial step that requires commitment, understanding and support. It is recommended that patients work closely with a specialized medical team before the procedure. This usually includes consultations with a bariatric surgeon, a nutritionist, and a psychologist, each of which is essential in preparing for the procedure.

During these consultations, patients have the opportunity to learn more about the procedure, including the risks and benefits, as well as what to expect after surgery. The surgeon also examines the patient’s general health and discusses preparations before surgery, such as dietary and lifestyle changes. It is often recommended to continue regular follow-up with a nutritionist to learn good eating habits after surgery and ensure lasting results. Additionally, sessions with a psychologist help patients process the emotional and mental aspects related to weight loss surgery, thus facilitating their adjustment after the operation.

How does sleeve surgery take place?

When you arrive in Tunisia, you will immediately be taken to the clinic from Tunis Carthage airport. The procedure will take place the day after your arrival, unless you plan to carry out your exams on site. The operation takes place under general anesthesia, and lasts on average between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the patient’s case. The operation is done by laparoscopy. Using this surgical approach, the doctor will make five incisions to minimize scarring along the abdomen. This procedure consists of removing 70% of the stomach by removing a good portion of this organ and using staples over a length of 20 cm.  Hospitalization lasts on average 3 days.

What are the common surgical outcomes to anticipate after gastric sleeve surgery?

Patients undergoing sleeve surgery are put on a liquid diet for several weeks. It is very important to follow the post-sleeve instructions and the diet to the letter after a sleeve gastrectomy at the risk of having serious complications which can lead to admission to intensive care. Patients after gastric sleeve surgery will not feel scar or wound pain but more a state of weakness following the drastic reduction in post-surgery quantity. Sugar is also banned in the first days, which will affect patients’ habits and leave them with less tone and energy. After a few days, patients will begin to regain strength and get used to their new hygiene by enjoying meals prepared with fresh vegetables and proteins. Many recipes exist on the internet for post-sleeve diets.

Recovery time Sleeve gastrectomy

Recovery time after a sleeve gastrectomy varies from patient to patient, but in general, you should allow about four to six weeks for full recovery. The first days after the procedure are crucial and require complete rest in the hospital, where the patient is closely monitored for possible complications. Once home, the patient must follow a strict diet, starting with clear liquids before gradually progressing to soft and finally solid foods. During this period, it is essential to follow the recommendations of the surgeon and dietician to ensure optimal healing and avoid complications. Physical activity should be resumed gradually, starting with light walks, and increased in intensity over the weeks. Regular medical monitoring is also necessary to assess weight loss and ensure the patient is adapting well to their new lifestyle.

What types of results can you typically expect after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve patients begin to lose weight from the first week. Depending on the starting weight, some manage to lose more than 15-20 kg in the first month. The sleeve results before after a few months are often impressive. These results are obtained thanks to patients’ compliance with the instructions given by the surgeon and also compliance with the post-sleeve gastrectomy diet. It is sometimes difficult to follow a sleeve gastrectomy diet alone before after. Most patients opt for follow-up by a nutritionist.

If you follow the instructions, you too will make sleeve testimonials and post sleeve before and after photos in your turn. These before and after testimonies will make other people dream, as you certainly did. Following significant weight loss after a sleeve, some patients find themselves with excess skin, especially on the stomach, arms and thighs. Women sometimes find themselves with sagging breasts. In this type of case, most patients opt for cosmetic surgery to complete their metamorphosis in style after so many years of frustration.

Sleeve gastrectomy success rate

Sleeve gastrectomy has a success rate of approximately 95%, making it one of the most effective bariatric surgery procedures for lasting weight loss. This procedure allows patients to lose between 50% and 70% of their excess weight within 18 to 24 months following the operation. In addition to significant weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy results in notable improvement in comorbidities associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease. The key to long-term success lies in the patient’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Rigorous medical monitoring after surgery is essential to ensure that results are maintained and to support the patient in their weight management efforts.

Are there any risks in stomach reduction?

Like any surgical procedure, stomach reduction, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, presents certain risks. Possible short-term complications include infections, bleeding, suture leaks, and reactions to anesthesia. Long term, patients may experience nutritional deficiencies, gastroesophageal reflux, and in rare cases, dilation of the remaining stomach. It is also possible to experience complications related to rapid weight loss, such as gallstones. To minimize these risks, it is crucial that the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon and that the patient strictly follows post-operative medical recommendations. Regular medical monitoring and lifestyle adaptation, including a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity, are essential to ensure the success of the procedure and the long-term well-being of the patient.

What are the benefits of stomach reduction?

Stomach reduction, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, has several significant benefits for people with severe obesity. First, these interventions provide substantial and lasting weight loss, often between 50% and 70% of excess body weight, which helps improve overall health and reduce the risk of serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, stomach reduction can lead to improvement or even remission of these medical conditions associated with obesity. Patients often report a better quality of life after the procedure, with greater mobility, reduced joint pain and improved self-esteem. Finally, these procedures can help establish healthy eating habits and promote a more active lifestyle, essential for maintaining long-term results and preventing weight regain.

How long does it take for the stomach to heal after a sleeve?

TDS believes that the best way for people to lose weight long-term involves much more than the gastric sleeve procedure itself. It’s a combination of surgery, lifelong changes to your diet, and increased physical activity. In reality, you should be able to return to your usual daily activities in just a few days. Although your stomach is still recovering from gastric sleeve surgery, healing will already be underway. On average, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the incisions in your stomach to heal and between 6 to 8 weeks for your staple suture to heal. After one month, most patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery can return to a normal exercise regimen and are on their way to a full recovery.

How to choose between Sleeve or Bypass?

To combat obesity, the most popular bariatric surgeries are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Depending on the patient’s eating habits, the choice can be made between these two interventions. If you are a big eater with hearty meals and large quantities of food, the Sleeve may be adapted to your situation. If you are more of a snacker with appetite suppressants and sugary snacks eaten throughout the day, gastric bypass will be suitable for you. Be careful not to change your eating habits after a Sleeve because if the patient starts snacking combined with sugary snacks, they will end up gaining weight. In this case, he can do a bypass following sleeve. It is therefore important to fill out the bariatric form correctly to better study your file and offer you the best bariatric surgery.

Contact and quote request for a gastric sleeve

Our team is always at your disposal to assist you and guide you through all the procedures for a gastric sleeve. If you are tempted to do your sleeve abroad and would like to organize your stay in Tunisia with a serious and experienced agency, do not hesitate to contact us contact for more information and to request a free, no-obligation quote

1. Body mass index (BMI): Generally, a BMI greater than 40, or greater than 35 with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
2. Weight loss attempts: Having tried to lose weight through non-surgical methods, such as diet and exercise, without lasting success.
3. Medical Evaluation: Undergo a complete medical evaluation to ensure the operation is safe and appropriate.
4. Long-term commitment: Be willing to follow lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and post-operative medical monitoring.

1. Complete blood test: To assess liver and kidney function, and blood sugar levels.
2. Cardiovascular assessment: An electrocardiogram (ECG) and, if necessary, a cardiac ultrasound.
3. Pulmonary assessment: Lung function tests, especially in cases of sleep apnea or other breathing problems.
4. Endoscopy: To check the condition of the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract.
5. Consultation with a nutritionist: To evaluate eating habits and prepare the post-operative diet.

1. Mental status assessment: Identify possible eating disorders, depression or anxiety that could affect the success of the operation.
2. Preparing for lifestyle change: Help the patient understand the emotional and behavioral implications of surgery.
3. Support and follow-up: Establish a post-operative psychological follow-up plan to manage expectations and possible psychological difficulties.

1. Significant weight loss: On average, patients lose between 50% and 70% of their excess weight.
2. Improvement of comorbidities: Reduction of symptoms of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and other obesity-related conditions.
3. Reduced appetite: Reduced feeling of hunger due to reduced ghrelin production.
4. Less invasive procedure: Compared to other bariatric surgeries, the sleeve is less complex and carries less risk of complications.

1. Liquid phase: The first post-operative days, consume only clear liquids.
2. Semi-liquid phase: Introduce soups and smoothies after about a week.
3. Mixed phase: Pureed food after 2 weeks.
4. Tender phase: Soft foods after about a month.
5. Normal diet: Gradual return to a balanced solid diet after 6 to 8 weeks.

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