Bariatric Surgery

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Weight Loss

January 31, 2025
10 min read
Dr. Kapil Agrawal - Senior Consultant at Apollo Group of Hospitals
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Key Takeaways

Learn about gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) for weight loss, including how it works, benefits, risks, recovery process, and who is the right candidate. Expert guidance from Dr. Kapil Agrawal.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss is also called sleeve gastrectomy. It is a type of weight loss surgery, which helps people by reducing the size of their stomach. This weight loss surgery involves removing a portion of the abdomen. This makes the stomach smaller, which can help promote weight loss. This surgery is usually done as a laparoscopic procedure. This less invasive surgery requires only two small incision.

It does not involve changing the intestinal tract or making any changes to the digestive system, which is the most important feature of surgery. This feature may make this surgery a more attractive option for some people than other weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass surgery. This surgery is effective in promoting urgent and long-term weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery is not recommended for people who need to lose a small amount of weight. For this non-reversible surgery, make sure you are prepared to make long-term lifestyle changes prior to surgery.

If you are considering gastric sleeve weight loss surgery, then this blog post is very beneficial for you. In this blog, we will provide you information about many important things like meaning of this surgical procedure, procedure and right candidate for surgery. Apart from this, we will also discuss the benefits, risks and recovery process of surgery.

How Does the Surgery Work?

Gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the amount of food and weight that can be eaten in one go. This surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach, which can reduce the amount of food you eat. Also, gastric sleeve surgery causes weight loss by reducing the ghrelin hormone responsible for hunger.

The process of gastric sleeve surgery begins with the surgeon making small incisions in the abdomen. In this, a long, thin tube with a laparoscope (camera) is inserted through an incision into the abdomen. This surgical procedure involves the use of a laparoscope to help guide the surgeon. The next step is to remove a portion of the stomach, but the amount of stomach removed always depends on the individual. Usually, this quantity is between 60 and 80 percent. Once the stomach is removed, the rest of the stomach is closed with staples or stitches. Gastric sleeve surgery takes about one to two hours to complete, and most people stay in the hospital for two to three days after surgery.

Right Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

According to Dr. Kapil Agrawal, good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are usually patients who:

  • Are obese - Those whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more
  • Have a BMI of 35 or higher - And suffer from health conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea
  • Have tried other weight loss methods - Without success
  • Are committed to long-term lifestyle changes - Including diet and exercise modifications
  • Are mentally and emotionally prepared - For the surgery and post-operative lifestyle changes

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with obesity:

Significant Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery is highly effective in promoting substantial and long-term weight loss. Most patients can expect to lose 60-70% of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery.

Improved Health Conditions

The surgery can help improve or resolve many obesity-related health conditions, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • Joint pain
  • Heart disease risk

Reduced Hunger

By removing the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin (the hunger hormone), gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces appetite and hunger sensations, making it easier to maintain a reduced-calorie diet.

No Intestinal Rerouting

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting or bypassing the intestines. This means:

  • Normal nutrient absorption
  • Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies
  • Simpler procedure with fewer complications
  • Easier to monitor and manage

Faster Recovery

As a laparoscopic procedure, gastric sleeve surgery offers:

  • Smaller incisions (only 2-3 small cuts)
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Faster recovery time
  • Shorter hospital stay (typically 2-3 days)
  • Quicker return to normal activities

Long-term Success

Gastric sleeve surgery provides sustainable weight loss results when combined with proper diet and exercise, helping patients maintain their weight loss over the long term.

Risks and Considerations

While gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential risks:

  • Surgical risks - As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, bleeding, or complications
  • Non-reversible - This procedure permanently removes a portion of the stomach
  • Lifestyle changes required - Patients must commit to permanent dietary and lifestyle modifications
  • Potential for weight regain - Without proper adherence to diet and exercise guidelines
  • Nutritional monitoring - Regular follow-ups are needed to ensure adequate nutrition

Recovery Process

After gastric sleeve surgery, patients typically:

  • Stay in the hospital for 2-3 days
  • Follow a specific diet progression (liquid to pureed to solid foods)
  • Need to take vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Require regular follow-up appointments
  • Should engage in light physical activity as recommended by the surgeon

Why Choose Dr. Kapil Agrawal for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Dr. Kapil Agrawal, one of the best bariatric surgeons in Delhi, offers:

  • Extensive experience in laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery
  • Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation and counseling
  • Advanced surgical techniques for optimal results
  • Dedicated post-operative care and support
  • Team of nutritionists and healthcare professionals
  • Proven track record of successful outcomes

Conclusion

Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective and safe option for individuals struggling with severe obesity. It offers significant weight loss, improved health outcomes, and better quality of life when performed by an experienced surgeon and combined with proper lifestyle modifications. If you're considering this procedure, consult with Dr. Kapil Agrawal, a renowned bariatric surgeon, to determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the right choice for you.

D

Dr. Kapil Agrawal

Senior Consultant at Apollo Group of Hospitals

Published on 31 January 2025

About the Doctor

Dr. Kapil Agrawal

Dr. Kapil Agrawal

Senior Consultant - Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon

23+ years of Experience

Dr. Kapil Agrawal is a leading and one of the best Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon in Delhi, India. He has an overall experience of 23 years and has been working as a Senior Consultant Surgeon at Apollo Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, India. He is performing advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeries for various conditions, which include Gallbladder stones, Hernia, Appendicitis, Rectal prolapse, and pseudo-pancreatic cyst.

Qualifications
  • MBBS - Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi
  • MS (Surgery) - Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi
  • MRCS (London, U.K) - Royal College of Surgeons, London
Specializations
Laparoscopic SurgeryRobotic SurgeryGallbladder SurgeryHernia Surgery
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Why Choose Us

  • Best Outcomes with discharge within 24 hours.
  • High-quality standards with an almost zero percent rate of infection.
  • Best Post Operative Care with round-the-clock availability of team.
  • A team of dedicated nutritionists to make your recovery faster.
  • No hidden charges and fixed and transparent packages.
  • Complete network of cashless insurance available.
  • All paperwork is handled by an expert team to give you a hassle-free experience.
  • Tie up with various agencies to provide you with EMI options at zero rate of interest.
  • Dr Kapil Agrawal, senior consultant laparoscopic surgeon, affiliated with some of the best and finest hospitals in New Delhi.

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Dr. Kapil Agrawal

Consult with Dr. Kapil Agrawal - Senior Consultant - Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi NCR. 23+ years experience and 7000+ advanced procedures with enhanced recovery care.

Gallbladder SurgeryCBD Stones RemovalGallbladder PolypsHernia SurgeryAppendix SurgeryGERD & Hiatus HerniaRectal Prolapse Surgery

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