About Sleeve Gastrectomy
Key Highlights
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Significant and sustainable long-term weight loss, often 60-70% of excess weight.Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach typically means smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery.Does not involve intestinal rerouting or implantation of foreign devices.Reduces hunger by removing the stomach's primary ghrelin (hunger hormone) producing area.Can be a definitive procedure or the first step in a two-stage surgical plan for higher-risk patients./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (severe obesity).
- BMI of 35-39.9 with at least one serious obesity-related comorbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, severe sleep apnea).
- Inability to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through supervised diet, exercise, and medication.
- As a first-stage procedure for patients with a very high BMI (e.g., >50) to reduce surgical risk before a more complex procedure.
- Patient commitment to lifelong dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, and follow-up care.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluations to assess suitability.
- Pre-operative diet (often liquid-based) for 1-2 weeks to shrink the liver and reduce surgical risk.
- Smoking cessation for several weeks before and after surgery.
- Adjustment or discontinuation of certain medications as advised by the surgeon and physician.
- Pre-operative education sessions on post-surgery diet stages, lifestyle changes, and expectations.
- Arranging for support at home during the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Leakage from the staple line along the new stomach sleeve, a serious complication requiring prompt treatment.
- Stricture (narrowing) or obstruction of the stomach sleeve.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may develop or worsen in some patients.
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, calcium) requiring lifelong supplementation.
- Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration, especially in the early post-operative period.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically 1-3 days for monitoring pain, hydration, and initial mobility.
- Diet progresses in clear liquids, then full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and finally a modified solid diet over several weeks.
- Patients must eat small, slow, protein-focused meals and sip fluids consistently between meals.
- Light walking is encouraged immediately; strenuous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for 4-6 weeks.
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring weight loss, nutritional status, and overall health.
- Lifelong commitment to healthy eating, vitamin/mineral supplements, and regular exercise is essential for long-term success.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full resumption of normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering sleeve gastrectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for sleeve gastrectomy in India include Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform sleeve gastrectomy. MediFyr helps you compare bariatric surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for sleeve gastrectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 2-3 days | ~ 3-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full resumption of normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 2-3 days | ~ 3-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full resumption of normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Sleeve Gastrectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated bariatric surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.
Vihaan Bhatia, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Vihaan Bhatia, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had struggled with his weight since his late twenties. Long hours at a desk and a family history of type 2 diabetes had taken their toll. Despite numerous diets and gym memberships, his weight had settled at 320 lbs (BMI 48). He was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, requiring a CPAP machine, and his HbA1c was in the pre-diabetic range. His primary care physician, concerned about the progression to full diabetes and heart disease, referred him to a bariatric surgeon. The surgeon recommended a sleeve gastrectomy as a durable tool to help Vihaan achieve significant weight loss and improve his metabolic health. The laparoscopic procedure went smoothly. The first week of recovery was challenging with a liquid diet and adjusting to tiny portions, but he was supported by a dedicated dietitian. Within six months, Vihaan lost 85 lbs. He no longer needs the CPAP machine, his blood sugar is normal, and he can play cricket with his sons without getting winded. Emotionally, his journey was from frustration and fear for his future to immense relief and a newfound confidence. He feels he has regained his health to be present for his family.
Bariatric surgeons for Sleeve Gastrectomy
Explore experienced bariatric surgeons who regularly perform sleeve gastrectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 30 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 21 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 8 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 11 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore