Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure designed to promote weight loss by restricting food intake. This surgery, often performed laparoscopically, involves the removal of approximately 75% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach resembling a sleeve that can hold much smaller amounts of food.

Upon entering the operating room, the patient is connected to monitoring devices for pulse and heart rate. After placing an oxygen mask and administering anesthesia, the patient is prepared for surgery within seconds. This procedure can be performed either via a large abdominal incision (open surgery) or through several small incisions using specialized tools and a camera for guidance (laparoscopic surgery). During the procedure, more than half of the stomach is removed, leaving a vertical sleeve-shaped stomach approximately the size of a banana. The stomach and abdominal incisions are then sutured and sealed.

Typically, within the first 5 hours after surgery, patients are encouraged to take a few steps near their bed to reduce the risk of blood clots in their legs. Patients are discharged with a post-operative instruction booklet and prescribed medication. The booklet includes the following guidelines:

• Consistently sip fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration. On the discharge day, drink only small sips of water. The next day, consume natural apple juice or carrot juice strained through a fine sieve, mixed with an equal amount of water, and sip in the morning, noon, and evening. From the third day onward, follow the diet plan provided by your doctor.
• Difficulty with bowel movements or constipation is normal during the first week, but consult your surgeon if needed.
• Painkillers should only be taken when necessary.
• Take prescribed medications regularly to reduce stomach acidity and prevent heartburn.
• Daily walking and exercise aid recovery and healing.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects, as this may strain the surgical sutures and cause severe pain.
• Fatigue due to reduced calorie intake is normal and may last up to a month post-surgery.
• Return to work depends on the nature of the job and is usually possible within 2–4 weeks. Most people regain full strength and ability within 4–6 weeks.
• Due to the use of anticoagulant medication (Clexane) and the risk of bleeding, patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. In case of bleeding from any part of the body or the presence of blood in urine or tarry stools, discontinue the medication and consult your doctor.
• Use a spirometer device regularly or practice deep breathing for better respiratory function.
• Patients discharged with a drain tube should ensure it remains intact and is not accidentally pulled out.

The following symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor:

• Severe fever and chills;
• Increasing pain;
• Redness, warmth, or discharge of pus from the incision site;
• Persistent nausea;
• Inability to swallow liquids;

Dislodgement of the attached tube

• Week 1: Clear fluids, including water and fat-free broth.
• Week 2: Full-liquid diet rich in protein.
• Week 3: Soft, pureed foods, such as soup, scrambled eggs, and cheese.
• Week 4: Soft foods like boiled chicken, fish, grains, and mashed potatoes.
• Week 5: Transition to regular foods in small portions, spaced apart.

• Leakage is a potential complication, often occurring within the first month post-surgery. It can result from consuming inappropriate foods, damaging the stomach tissue, and hindering proper healing. Leakage can lead to severe infections as stomach contents leak into the abdominal cavity, presenting symptoms like increased heart rate, fever, chest pain, and abdominal pain.

  Other possible complications include internal injuries, bleeding, blood clots in the veins of the legs, lungs, or abdomen, infections in the abdomen or chest, and ulcers.