Gastric Sleeve
What is a Gastric Sleeve?
The gastric sleeve is a type of bariatric surgery that involves removing part of the stomach, leaving it in the shape of a tube or hose.
During the operation, the left part of the stomach is removed, which reduces its ability to store food and, consequently, helps with weight loss.
The procedure is performed via laparoscopy, using small incisions, which reduces the patient’s hospital stay and recovery time.
How does it work?
During the Gastric Sleeve surgery, the left portion of the stomach is removed, which reduces its capacity to store food and consequently helps with weight loss.
This technique reduces the size of the gastric reservoir to between 60 and 100 mL.
How is it done?
The Gastric Sleeve is performed using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to carry out procedures through small incisions in the abdomen, using an instrument called a laparoscope, which has a camera to visualize the inside of the body.
This technique allows for a quick recovery, with an almost immediate return to daily activities on the day after surgery, with only minor precautions.
Who is it for?
It’s important to note that the Gastric Sleeve is recommended for individuals with the following characteristics:
Generally, a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40 kg/m². However, it may be considered in cases of lower weight if it is medically determined that there are specific reasons or a serious associated metabolic disease, such as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes—even in individuals with normal weight;
Severe comorbid conditions;
Unfavorable anatomy, such as liver cirrhosis or intense abdominal adhesions that hinder proper exposure.
The age range between 18 and 60 years presents no restrictions for the surgery. Patients younger than 18 or older than 60 may also be considered candidates after careful evaluation. Therefore, age alone is not a limiting factor for undergoing the procedure.
Gastric Sleeve Scars
As mentioned earlier, access to the abdominal cavity for the surgery is done in a minimally invasive way (laparoscopy). This means that small incisions, about 1 cm in size, are made in the abdomen to create working channels, allowing the video-assisted surgery to be performed safely.
Healing is always a very individual process; however, due to the low degree of surgical trauma, the aesthetic result is usually very satisfactory.
Post-Operative Period and Recovery from Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Surgery is an important step, but it is only one stage in a complex process that involves multiple phases.
The post-operative period is usually well tolerated by patients, but it involves drastic changes in eating patterns. Strict adherence to a nutritional plan is essential, as is following the prescribed medication regimen. Only by doing so can this stage be optimized. Although patients follow the nutritional guidelines in terms of food types and portion sizes recommended by the Nutrition team, vomiting may occasionally occur. If not excessively frequent, this is considered normal due to the changes in anatomy and the digestive process caused by the surgery.
Regarding post-surgical pain, the use of common painkillers is usually sufficient. Since this is a minimally invasive surgery, the patient is typically discharged on the same day or within 1 to 2 days after the procedure and can resume daily activities without restrictions. It is only recommended to avoid intense abdominal exertion to prevent the development of potential incisional hernias.
Adhering to the therapeutic plan, in addition to controlling pain with medication, is crucial for preventing post-surgical thromboembolic events. Due to the patient’s underlying obesity and the nature of abdominal surgery, patients often meet the criteria for chemical prophylaxis, typically involving the use of low-molecular-weight heparin for several weeks after the operation. In selected cases, the use of mechanical compression stockings may also be recommended for a certain period.
The dynamics of the post-operative period are guided by close communication between the patient and the multidisciplinary team, which is always available to answer questions and evaluate the patient as promptly as needed.
Gastric Sleeve Before and After
What is the cost of Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Living Clinic believes that Gastric Sleeve surgery should be part of a comprehensive obesity treatment program.
Therefore, the estimate you receive will reflect this approach. Over a period of 3 years, an integrated and multidisciplinary assessment will be planned, with careful and accessible follow-up. This is the key to maximizing the long-term results of the surgery, which will be discussed with you during your first surgical consultation.
The price of the bariatric surgery consultation is €85.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does gastric sleeve surgery work?
The gastric sleeve is a purely restrictive operation, reducing the size of the gastric reservoir to a value between 60 and 100 mls.
Another action thought to be attributable to it is the reduction in the plasma level of ghrelin (one of the hormones that regulates hunger), which could also be a mechanism involved in weight loss and not just restriction.
In almost all existing studies, weight loss is established within a year, partly maintained in the first 3 years, but with a high disease recurrence rate.
What are the risks and possible complications of the Gastric Sleeve?
The main possible complications of surgery are stomach fistula and hemorrhage.
Specialist in Bariatric Surgery (including Gastric Sleeve)
Dr. José Pedro Pinto is a specialist in General Surgery, holding an Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto.
After completing his surgical residency in 2019, he worked for 3 years in the Head and Neck Surgery Unit and, since 2021, has been part of the Surgical Obesity Treatment Unit (UTCO) at ULS Braga — a team that performs between 250 and 300 bariatric surgery procedures annually.
He has over 10 years of surgical experience, with a strong focus on Endocrine and Cervical pathology (thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, salivary glands, congenital neck lesions) as well as Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Since his residency, he has developed advanced laparoscopic surgery skills, which he continues to practice both electively and in emergency settings.
With a strong interest in trauma care, he has been part of the Trauma Fast Track Working Group at Braga Hospital since 2023 and serves as a senior instructor for the International Trauma Life Support program. Among numerous training courses in this field, he has shown a particular interest in developing the application of Point of Care Ultrasonography and currently acts as an instructor and coordinator of the advanced E-FAST course by PocusX.
He is the author and co-author of multiple scientific communications, published in journals and presented at both national and international scientific congresses and meetings. In 2022, he received international recognition with an award from the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
He is a member of the following scientific societies:
Portuguese Society of Surgery
Portuguese Society for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases
European Society of Endocrine Surgeons
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists (IASGO)
WHERE
Schedule a Bariatric Surgery consultation in Porto
Schedule a bariatric surgery consultation at Living Clinic, located at Av. da Boavista 117, 6th floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto.
Get all your questions answered by Dr. José Pedro Pinto.
