Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve surgery removes a large part of the stomach, creating a sealed sleeve. It's simpler and may be the first step for very obe
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Key Information

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a simpler bariatric operation than Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch; it involves removing about 75% of the stomach to create a sealed, banana-shaped "sleeve" without rerouting the intestines.
This procedure provides powerful restrictive weight loss because the stomach's reduced volume (to about 60 cc) causes patients to feel full after small amounts of food. Patients typically lose 40% to 70% of their excess body weight in the first year.
The LSG is unique because it causes no malabsorption and has no foreign body issues. It also favorably affects hunger mechanisms by reducing the capacity to produce the hunger-inducing substance Ghrelin.
LSG can be used alone or as the first stage of a two-stage surgery for patients with super-obesity where a more radical procedure would be too risky, followed 12-18 months later by a Duodenal Switch or Gastric Bypass.

About Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, otherwise known as Gastric Sleeve is a relatively new entrant into the field of bariatric surgeries.  It is a simpler operation than gastric bypass or duodenal switch, and does not rely on implants, adjustments or fills.  It requires removal of the left side of the stomach but does not involve any rearrangement of intestines.  The remaining stomach is sealed with staples. 

This procedure can successfully be used on its own but is also used as the first stage of bariatric surgery for super – obesity, where the body mass index is so high that more radical surgeries would be too risky.  It can be followed by either duodenal switch or gastric bypass to achieve the weight loss advantages of restricting food absorption.

In patients who undergo Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as a first stage procedure, the second stage (gastric bypass) is performed 12 to 18 months later after significant weight loss has occurred and the risk of anesthesia is much lower (and the liver has decreased in size). 

In other cases, the decision to perform sleeve gastrectomy (instead of gastric bypass) is made during the operation. Reasons for making this decision intraoperatively include an excessively large liver or extensive scar tissue that would make the gastric bypass procedure too long or unsafe.

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is performed through 5 small incisions. The outer margin of the stomach is removed to restrict food intake, leaving a “sleeve” of stomach, roughly the size and shape of a banana. The pylorus also remains intact- the muscle that controls emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine. 

During the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), about 75% of the stomach is removed however; no intestines are removed or bypassed during the procedure. 

Surgery takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete.  Our surgeon will perform a “leak test” in the operating room before he completes the operation. 

Having the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy usually involves just an overnight stay in the hospital and there is normally no need for a drain or nasogastric tube.

The reduction of the size of the stomach, to about 60 cc in volume results in a powerful restrictive weight loss. As a result, patients feel full after a very small amount of food, and therefore lose weight because they eat less, and they are happy eating less. Depending on their pre-operative weight, patients can expect to lose between 40% to 70% of their excess body weight in the first year after surgery.

Many obesity-related illnesses improve or resolve after bariatric surgery.                                   Diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and abnormal cholesterol levels are improved or cured in more than 75% of patients undergoing LSG. Though long-term studies are not yet available, the weight loss that occurs after LSG results in dramatic improvement in these medical conditions in the first year after surgery.

This operation is the only bariatric procedure that has no malabsorption (as the RNY and DS do) and no foreign body issues (as the Lap Band does). There is a very low risk at the time of surgery, relative to the RNY and the DS, and an extremely low risk of needing another operation in the future.

There are also significant effects on the hunger mechanisms that make the weight loss seen with the Sleeve Gastrectomy even better than would be seen just with a small stomach pouch. Hunger is favorably affected because there is a reduced capacity to produce Ghrelin, a substance that plays a role in how you feel and relieve hunger.

Also very important is the fact that it preserves the pylorus, the valve that regulates emptying of the stomach. This acts as “nature’s band” and allows food to hold up in the stomach for a while, making the person feel full while the food trickles out. Coupled with the fact that there is no rearrangement of the bowel, it also means dumping and marginal ulcers are not a problem. The normal satiety mechanism is therefore enhanced.

Before traveling to Cyprus, as part of your Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery preparation you will complete a detailed bariatric specific questionnaire, which will allow our doctors to determine your eligibility for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. If you are not ready to make lifestyle changes, you will not be considered eligible for the procedure. 

To help you adjust to your new lifestyle, we advise you to empty your home of all edible “temptations”, creating a suitable environment for your return, post operatively.

Ten days prior to your arrival in Cyprus, you will receive all the necessary pre operative instructions, to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for your chosen procedure.

After hospital admission, you will receive psychological advice. This will help you adhere to a healthier lifestyle. Without changing your lifestyle, the surgery will not be a success. You will also receive nutritional counseling before (and after) your surgery, by our specialists.

Following surgery, most patients make a full recovery within one month. You are able to return to work, resume some lifting and less strenuous activity, in most cases, in about two weeks post operatively. 

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure. It greatly reduces the size of your stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. After eating a small amount of food, you will feel full very quickly and continue to feel full for several hours. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy may also cause a decrease in appetite.

Daily light exercise such as walking should begin about one month after surgery. exercise and attending a group support can boost your self-esteem and help you stay motivated.

ollowing your recovery diet you will slowly begin to introduce new foods in increasing quantities until about 6 months after surgery when your new bariatric diet will be in full swing. All weight loss surgery procedures require a complete change in diet for your procedure to continue to be effective and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is no different.

Assuming you follow the diet and exercise guidelines of our surgical team, all indications are that weight loss and health improvement following Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery may be permanent. However, some patients are likely to experience weight regain as a result of your stomach stretching over time. 

After surgery, you will need a new nutrition plan. Our surgeon and/or dietitian can help you learn about and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make. It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the operation. 

In the first few weeks after your surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, you will be able to eat solid foods.

When you are at the stage to eat solid foods without problems, you will need to pay close attention to your diet. 

You will also need to learn to eat slowly and chew your food very thoroughly.

It is recommended that you eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. Foods that have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value, such as milkshakes, syrups, jam, and pastries, should be avoided as much as possible.

Exercise is very important and incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is as important as following your nutrition plan. 

Often Weight Loss Surgery patients have been inactive due to decreased activity tolerance, psychological constraints and in some cases, physical disabilities. After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy aerobic activities, particularly walking and swimming are generally best tolerated. Your surgeon will advise you on which activity is right for you.

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Doctors performing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

All procedures at GMS Cyprus are performed by internationally recognized surgeons from Israel, the EU, and the US. Each selected for their exceptional qualifications, surgical expertise, and commitment to patient care.

Our doctors are leaders in their fields, with extensive experience in advanced techniques and consistently high success rates. They work closely with our medical board and patient support team to ensure each treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual.

The GMS Cyprus Promise

We are committed to providing every patient with access to world-class surgeons, personalized care, and unwavering support throughout their medical journey.

We carefully select our surgeons based on international standards, clinical excellence, and patient outcomes. We believe that medical travel should be stress-free, transparent, and guided by people who genuinely care. Our promise is to treat you with dignity, protect your privacy, and give you peace of mind every step of the way.

How it works

Step 1
Submit a consultation request
Fill out a short form and let us know your medical concern. A coordinator will contact you within 48 hours.
Step 2
Share Your Medical History
Send your relevant documents (scans, reports, etc.). We’ll help you prepare them and handle translation if needed.
Step 3
Receive your medical proposal
Receive a detailed proposal, including surgeon profile, recommended treatment, estimated costs, and recovery plan.
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Testimonials

Ilanit Boker

Ilanit Boker

I happily recommend the services of the GMS team. I needed a unique procedure which is not performed in Israel and I turned to them. 

Over a telephone conversation with GMS representative Roy, I felt caring attention and confidence that he would help in everything. He accompanied us throughout the entire process, before the flight and even after. 

In addition to Roy, we would like to sincerely thank Oriya, our allocated Israeli speaking patient coordinator of the company in Cyprus. 

Even before our departure, Oriya was in touch with us helping with any issues and made sure that we arrived fully prepared – taking into account the smallest details; even to the point of finding out our food preferences, and despite the late hour of our arrival at the hotel, she ensured an exquisite meal was waiting for us in the room. Oriya greeted us upon arrival and truly made us feel like we were her personal guests. She accompanied us throughout the entire day of the operation – attentively, with endless care and continued patience.

I felt like I had a good friend with me in the hospital. This kind of treatment doesn’t happen very often… At the end of the day we parted, hugging each other, and Oriya gave recommendations on where to go and what to do in the time remaining before returning home.

I just don’t have enough words to thank GMS and Oriya for everything. I can only recommend with a reassurance that those who need it should use their services.

Almog Brand

Almog Brand

When I was looking for information about palm surgery, I found many recommendations about Dr. Amir Oron. After a consultation with Dr. Amir, I was surprised to learn that my health insurance does not guarantee that he will be the surgeon to perform the procedure.

That is when I contacted GMS, who explained how I could have the surgery performed by the physician of my choice – which gave me peace of mind. It is very important for me to share my experience, as the service I received through GMS exceeded any similar experience in Israel: From the beginning I was assigned a GMS representative from Israel, who explained in detail what my experience would be and answered all my questions about the operation and the treatment process. (Thanks, Roy!)

All I had to do was fill out the application form. GMS representatives took care of everything themselves!

They contacted the insurance company on my behalf and even had them check the status of the application until the financial commitment for the surgery was received. We agreed with on the surgical date, booked the flights at a convenient time for me, and also dealt with the hotel reservation. The GMS staff even reviewed the menu and took any dietary restrictions into consideration on my behalf.

We were picked up from the airport in Larnaca, Cyprus where we met the wonderful Oria, who accompanied us throughout the entire visit and took care of every detail; from registration to preparation for the operation.

This is essentially a VIP service that made the entire experience relaxed and stress-free.
The assigned coordinators continued caring after my return to Israel. They were interested in my recuperation post-operatively and also ensured all financial matters were dealt with; all this, by the way, without any commissions or payouts on my part, but directly with my insurance.
In a word – an amazing experience!
In short – I recommend it!

Thank to GMS, thank you Roy, thank you Uriah and thank you Dr. Oron.

Nirit Shortz-Raphael

Nirit Shortz-Raphael

I do not even know where to start!!
Overall, the service exceeded all my expectations!

Roy – thank you for your patience, quick responses (minutes!), availability, caring and clear explanations! You are inimitable! Oriya – you are amazing! Thank you for every smile, hug, help, guidance, explanation… really! You are simply amazing!

Every time I was asked by friends and family about the surgery, I immediately started talking about your amazing service! I felt warmth and love, and everyone who was with me felt the same!
We never stop talking about you, and really, only good things!

You have entered our hearts!
Thank you very much for everything! I hope to see you in the future, under different circumstances.

Nadav Ben-Ezer

Nadav Ben-Ezer

When one thinks of “Medical Operation” overseas, the last thing that comes to mind is a “Great Experience”, but this is exactly what I have experienced, going through a prostate removal procedure via GMS Cyprus. With their professional and compassionate approach, the GMS Cyprus team provides to the confused and worried patient a complete transparent VIP envelop, which takes care of all the logistics involved in “Medical Tourism” for the patient and their escort, as well as assembling a world class international medical team and medical facilities suitable to treat the medical diagnosis at hand.

From the first time the medical situation was diagnosed, and the first contact was made, the GMS team was there to remove the hassle and understand my concerns and worries about the medical issue and being far from home, and they handled every detail of the logistics of travel, insurance company requirements and medical preparations. From first arrival at the luxurious hotel, assigned to the first night and for my personal escort, the GMS management, Udi and Clair, has treated me as family away from home and personally came to greet me and attend firsthand to all my needs and requests. To top it all, they assigned their own personal escort, the wonderful Aia, which was available 24/7 and door to door to handle any need and detail and helped interface with the local hospital team.

I want also to recommend the choice of the hospital at Limassol, which is modern and clean, and of course GMS team have in advance reserved a private and spacious room and nominated a local doctor, which was familiar with my case and participated in the treatment and which came often to check my condition and parameters.

To summarize, I would not go so far as to wish such treatment to anybody, but if you must go through the medical procedure, the VIP treatment provided by GMS is a legitimate alternative, combining easy logistics, professional medical treatment by your own doctor, modern hospital, relaxed overseas experience and personal compassionate escorting to ease and sweeten the experience.

Dorit

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Have questions? Contact our team for a free consultation and find out how GMS Cyprus connects you with top international surgeons and personalized care.

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