What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by approximately 70–80%. The smaller stomach helps patients feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and reduce overall calorie intake. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures worldwide and can lead to significant long-term weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) |
| Surgery Time | 1–2 Hours |
| Hospital Stay | 5 Nights |
| Recovery | 2–4 Weeks |
| Stay in Thailand | 11 Days (approx.) |
| Expected Excess Weight Loss | 50–70%* |
*Results vary between individuals.
Who May Be Suitable For Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
| You May Be A Candidate If You… |
|---|
| Have a BMI over 37 |
| Have a BMI over 32 with obesity-related health conditions |
| Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise |
| Are committed to long-term lifestyle changes |
| Understand the benefits and risks of surgery |
| Are medically suitable for surgery |
Disclaimer: Results vary between individuals. All surgical procedures carry risks. Please consult with a licensed medical professional to determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
Weight loss results vary between individuals, but many patients lose approximately 50–70% of their excess body weight within the first 12–24 months following gastric sleeve surgery. Success depends on factors such as starting weight, eating habits, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes.
For example, a patient carrying 50kg of excess weight may lose approximately 25–35kg after surgery, while maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Liquid diet and recovery |
| Weeks 2–4 | Soft foods introduced |
| Months 1–3 | Rapid weight loss phase |
| Months 3–12 | Continued weight loss |
| 12–24 Months | Weight stabilisation |
Potential Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
- Improved mobility
- Increased energy levels
- Better quality of life
- Reduced pressure on joints
- Improved sleep quality
- Better management of obesity-related health conditions
Meet Our Bariatric Surgeons
At Destination Beauty, gastric sleeve surgery is performed by experienced bariatric surgeons who specialise in weight loss and minimally invasive surgery. Our surgeons are committed to helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss, improve their health, and regain confidence through personalised care and evidence-based surgical techniques.
Dr. Narong Boonyagard
Dr. Narong is a highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon with a special focus on gastric sleeve surgery and bariatric procedures. He is the Head of Klang Hospital’s Bangkok Obesity Clinic, a dedicated weight loss surgery centre he established within the Thai public healthcare system. Dr. Narong also serves as the lead gastric sleeve surgeon at Samitivej Thonburi Hospital, one of Bangkok’s leading private hospitals. With extensive experience in minimally invasive weight loss surgery, he has helped numerous patients achieve significant and lasting weight loss – Click Here to see Dr. Narong’s Profile
Dr. Ithiphon Viratanapanu
Dr. Ithiphon Viratanapanu is a board-certified general surgeon specialising in bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, metabolic surgery, and advanced minimally invasive procedures. With extensive training in both laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, Dr. Ithiphon provides personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s health goals. His expertise focuses on helping patients achieve long-term weight loss while improving obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea.
Together, our bariatric surgeons combine advanced surgical expertise with patient-centred care, supporting patients throughout every stage of their weight loss journey – Click here to see Dr.Ithiphon’s Profile
Preparation for Gastric Sleeve
We recommend you to discuss with your GP about having a gastric sleeve. You may also be required to have a sleep test to see if you are suffering from sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea (sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for a period during sleep) you will be required to bring your own CPAP machine to Thailand and you must used it for minimum 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Do I need to complete a sleep study ?
If you say yes to 3 or more of the below questions you should complete a sleep study before surgery:
Gastric Sleeve Risks and Complications
Like all major surgeries, gastric sleeve surgery carries potential risks and complications. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and assess your individual suitability for surgery.
Infection
Although gastric sleeve surgery is performed using minimally invasive keyhole techniques, there is still a small risk of infection. Antibiotics are routinely given during and after surgery to help reduce this risk.
Blood Clots (DVT and Pulmonary Embolism)
A blood clot can occasionally form in the legs after surgery, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In rare cases, the clot can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). To reduce this risk, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible after surgery and may receive blood-thinning medication and compression devices during recovery.
Staple Line Leak
During gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach is divided and sealed using surgical staples. In rare cases, leakage can occur along the staple line. While uncommon, this is a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention and treatment.
Bleeding
Internal bleeding can occasionally occur after surgery, either from the staple line or surrounding tissues. Patients are closely monitored during recovery to help detect and manage any issues early.
Anaesthesia Risks
General anaesthesia is very safe for most patients, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks. Your anaesthetist will review your medical history and discuss any specific concerns before surgery.
Please note: Serious complications following gastric sleeve surgery are uncommon, and every effort is made to minimise risks through careful patient assessment, modern surgical techniques, and close post-operative monitoring – Click here to read more
Next steps towards a Gastric Sleeve
To request a quote and evaluation for Gastric Sleeve CLICK HERE and fill in the evaluation form.
