The gastric sleeve is a bariatric surgical procedure which consists of reducing the size of the stomach by removing a large part of its outer section. This procedure transforms the stomach into a tube or “sleeve” shape, reducing its capacity to store food. This reduction in the size of the stomach results in a faster feeling of satiety and a reduction in food intake, which promotes significant weight loss in patients suffering from obesity.
In Tunisia, gastric sleeve surgery is competitively priced compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable bariatric surgery. Costs can vary depending on a number of factors, including the clinic, the surgeon, the services included in the package and the patient’s specific needs. However, in general, the price of a gastric sleeve in Tunisia can be considerably lower than in other countries, while still offering high quality standards.
Sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is generally recommended for people suffering from severe or morbid obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with obesity-related health complications such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or respiratory problems. This procedure may also be considered for patients who have been unable to lose weight sustainably with non-surgical methods such as diet and exercise.
Gastric sleeve surgery takes place in several stages, including a pre-operative assessment, the surgery itself, and post-operative follow-up periods to monitor the patient’s progress and make adjustments if necessary.
Before surgery
Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, patients must undergo a meticulous preparation process. This usually includes pre-operative consultations with the medical team, including the surgeon, nutritionist and psychologist, to assess their eligibility for surgery and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure. Medical tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds and X-rays may also be carried out to assess the patient’s overall health and identify any pre-existing conditions that could affect the procedure.
In addition, patients are often encouraged to adopt a specific diet before surgery, usually high in protein and low in carbohydrates, to reduce the size of their liver and facilitate the surgical procedure.
The intervention itself
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and is usually carried out by laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a gastric tube by removing a large part of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve or tube. This reduces the stomach’s ability to store food, leading to a faster feeling of satiety and a reduction in food intake, thereby promoting weight loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery can take between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the operation and the patient’s specific needs. Once the operation is complete, sutures are placed to close the operated area, and the patient is transferred to the recovery room to monitor his or her recovery.
Operating suites
Après la sleeve gastrique, les patients sont généralement surveillés étroitement dans un établissement médical pour surveiller leur rétablissement et gérer toute complication éventuelle. Ils peuvent ressentir de la douleur, des nausées et des vomissements dans les premiers jours suivant la chirurgie, mais ces symptômes sont généralement temporaires et peuvent être contrôlés avec des médicaments prescrits par le chirurgien.
Les patients peuvent généralement rentrer chez eux un à deux jours après l’intervention, mais ils doivent suivre un plan de récupération strict qui comprend des restrictions alimentaires et une activité physique limitée pendant les premières semaines suivant la chirurgie. Un suivi régulier avec l’équipe médicale est essentiel pour surveiller la progression du patient et apporter des ajustements au besoin.
Diet after gastric sleeve surgery
Diet after gastric sleeve surgery plays a crucial role in the long-term success of surgery and weight management. In the first few days after surgery, patients generally follow a clear liquid diet, including broths, pulp-free fruit juices and protein shakes. This liquid phase helps to minimise stress on the newly operated stomach and facilitate tissue healing.
Thereafter, patients gradually progress to soft and semi-solid foods, such as vegetable purées, sugar-free yoghurts and fruit compotes without pieces. This stage allows the stomach to gradually adapt to a wider variety of foods, while reducing the risk of complications such as food blockages.
Once the stomach has fully adapted to its new size and shape, patients can begin to introduce solid foods into their diet, giving preference to lean proteins, fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. It is advisable to eat small, frequent portions throughout the day and to chew food carefully to aid digestion and avoid feelings of nausea or vomiting. In addition, patients should ensure that they consume sufficient fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which can be more frequent after sleeve gastrectomy due to the stomach’s reduced capacity to store fluids.
It is important to note that the diet after gastric sleeve surgery must be personalised according to the patient’s individual needs, general state of health and weight loss goals. Regular follow-up with a specialist medical team, including nutritionists and surgeons, is essential to guide patients through their post-operative journey and help them adopt healthy, sustainable eating habits.
Once the stomach has fully adapted to its new size and shape, patients can begin to introduce solid foods into their diet, giving preference to lean proteins, fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. It is advisable to eat small, frequent portions throughout the day and to chew food carefully to aid digestion and avoid feelings of nausea or vomiting. In addition, patients should ensure that they consume sufficient fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which can be more frequent after sleeve gastrectomy due to the stomach’s reduced capacity to store fluids.
It is important to note that the diet after gastric sleeve surgery must be personalised according to the patient’s individual needs, general state of health and weight loss goals. Regular follow-up with a specialist medical team, including nutritionists and surgeons, is essential to guide patients through their post-operative journey and help them adopt healthy, sustainable eating habits.
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