What is a gastric sleeve?
For people who suffer from being overweight and wish to appear thinner and lighter, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastroplasty, is the ideal solution for them. It is a surgical weight-loss procedure, also called gastric sleeve surgery, during which stomach-reducing reaches about seventy per cent. Sleeve surgery leaves the patient with a smaller gastric sack or a tube-shaped (sleeve) stomach in the size and shape of a banana. With this reduction, food consumption becomes limited. The procedure stimulates hormonal changes, which help with weight loss. It also relieves conditions related to being overweight that are potentially life-threatening (heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infertility).
Sleeve gastrectomy: who should have it?
Sleeve gastrectomy is done only after failed attempts of losing weight through dieting and exercising. In general, sleeve gastrectomy surgery could be an option for you if the body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. A patient who has serious health issues related to the weight could also be considered for the surgery. In some cases, the patient may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if the BMI is 30 to 34 and there are serious health problems in relation to weight. The patient should be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. They may be required to participate in long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring nutrition, lifestyle, and behaviour.
Gastric sleeve cost in Tunisia:
The cost of sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is 70% lesser than in the United Kingdom.
| Operations | Our price | UK price | Making you save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve surgery cost | £ 3900 | £ 7800 | 50 % |
- The average pricing in the United Kingdom is £ 7800; solely including anesthesia, operating room facilities, and surgeon’s fees.
- The cost of sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is £ 3900; all-inclusive with a recovery stay at a five-star hotel, a chance to explore our exotic Tunisia, and a dedicated assistance team by your side.
It is all the same important to note that the low pricing is due to the cheaper cost of living, the currency exchange rate, tax laws, and lower insurance cost payment on the part of Tunisian doctors.
Sleeve surgery in Tunisia
| Operations | Anaesthetic | Procedure Time | Hospital Stay | Stay In Tunisia | Back To Work | All Inclusive Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve surgery | General | 1-2 hour(s) | 2 night(s) | 7 night(s) | 7-14 day(s) | 3900 € |
How is gastric sleeve surgery in Tunisia performed?
Before surgery:
Before the sleeve gastrectomy, the patient needs to undergo a variety of lab tests and exams. They also need to provide the doctor with a list of all supplements, vitamins, or any medication being consumed. In the case of diabetes, insulin needs to be managed or adjusted after surgery, alongside any other diabetes medications.
During surgery:
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia.
Some sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed, traditionally, with large and open incisions in the abdomen. However, it is typically performed laparoscopically.
The surgeon starts by making a few small cuts in the belly and inserts a laparoscope — an instrument with a tiny camera that sends pictures to a monitor. The surgeon then inserts other medical instruments through the additional cuts and removes 3/4 of the stomach. Finally, the doctor attaches the rest of the stomach to form the “sleeve” or tube.
Scars related to sleeve operation:
Gastric sleeve scars will appear according to how your procedure is performed:
- If it is performed through single-incision laparoscopic surgery, the patient will have one small scar hidden in the belly button.
- If the patient undergoes multi-port laparoscopic surgery, they will have four to five small scars across the abdomen.
- If open surgery is necessary, the patient will be left with a large scar across the abdomen.
Post-operative effects and recovery after sleeve
After sleeve gastrectomy, the patient will have to remain in the clinic for two to three days for additional monitoring and tests supervised by the medical crew. The patient’s diet will consist of only sugar-free and noncarbonated (clear) liquids during a week, then it starts to include pureed foods for three weeks, and finally progresses to regular foods approximately four weeks after the surgery.
The patient will be prescribed a multivitamin twice a day, calcium supplement once a day, and a vitamin B-12 injection once a month for life. During the first several months post-surgery, the patient will undergo medical check-ups frequently for health monitoring purposes, which may encompass lab tests, blood tests, and various other exams. The patient may experience changes as the body adapts to the quick weight loss in the first three to six months after sleeve procedure, including body aches, dry skin, tiredness, mood changes, and hair thinning. The patient has to establish new and healthier eating habits that include chewing thoroughly before swallowing, drinking liquids only a half-hour after a meal, and avoiding high-calorie sodas and snacking.
Results of gastric sleeve surgery:
Sleeve surgery can provide the patient with long-term weight loss. The amount of weight the patient loses depends on changes related to lifestyle habits. Losing approximately sixty per cent of weight, or even more, of the excess weight is achievable, within two years.
In addition to weight loss, sleeve operation could improve or resolve potentially life-threatening conditions associated with being overweight, such as heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and infertility. Gastric sleeve surgery can also ameliorate the performance of daily activities, as well as life quality.
Advice before & after sleeve gastrectomy
Before sleeve surgery:
The patient should avoid medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory, or anticoagulant two weeks before the procedure. In case the patient smokes or consumes alcoholic drinks, the surgeon will recommend that they stop two weeks before and after the sleeve procedure. Female patients should avoid taking contraception pills one month before surgery. The patient should adopt a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery. A few days off work have to be taken to ensure that the patient heals properly after the procedure. Finally, the patient has to fast for eight hours at least on the day of surgery.
After sleeve surgery:
After a sleeve procedure, the surgeon will inform you of specific post-operative care. The latter includes how to care for surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally, and when to return for a follow-up care in Tunisia. Once you go back to your home country, the surgeon will update you about when special bandages or stitches are to be removed, when normal activities and sports can be possibly resumed, etc.
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