What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? How Is It Performed? Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is one of the commonly used surgical methods in obesity treatment. During the operation, about 75–80% of the stomach is removed to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. Thanks to this procedure, patients can feel full with smaller portions and may experience significant weight loss over time. How Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed? The surgery is generally performed laparoscopically (keyhole) under general anesthesia. Through small incisions in the abdomen, most of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is shaped into a tube. The duration of the operation may vary according to the patient's condition. Who Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Suitable For? Gastric sleeve surgery can be considered especially in the following patients: - People with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 and above - Patients with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 who meet suitable medical conditions - People with obesity-related type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea - Patients who can adapt to nutrition and lifestyle changes after surgery The decision for surgery is made after a detailed evaluation by specialist doctors. Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Feeling of fullness with smaller portions - Helping with long-term weight loss - Possibly improving some diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure - Usually performed with the keyhole surgical method - Possibly increasing mobility and quality of life Recovery Process After Surgery After surgery, patients are usually monitored in the hospital for a few days. Nutrition begins with liquid foods, then gradually moves to normal eating following the recommendations of the doctor and dietitian. For lasting results, healthy nutrition, regular exercise, vitamin and mineral monitoring, and doctor check-ups are of great importance. The surgery has risks such as bleeding, leakage along the stomach line, reflux, and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, the removed part of the stomach cannot be restored. Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Türkiye Türkiye offers treatment options to international patients with its specialist teams and modern hospitals serving in the field of obesity surgery. Within health tourism, patients coming from abroad can benefit from pre-operative evaluation, surgical treatment, in-hospital follow-up, and nutrition counseling services. In choosing a hospital, the surgeon's experience, patient safety, and long-term follow-up facilities should be prioritized. Conclusion Gastric sleeve surgery is an obesity treatment that can provide effective and long-term weight loss in suitable patients. The keys to successful results are correct patient selection, an experienced surgical team, and sustainable lifestyle changes after surgery.