Surgical reduction of the stomach

Sleeve (or cuff) gastrectomy is currently the most commonly performed bariatric operation and it is considered the so-called "gold standard".

It is a programme dedicated to people whose body mass index (BMI) is at least 40 or their BMI is at least 35 and in addition they have diseases secondary to obesity (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea syndrome, degenerative joint changes). People aged 16 and over are eligible for the programme.

Surgical treatment of obesity by gastrectomy
Prof. Maciej Kielar, MD, PhD, Head of Obesity Treatment Clinic, Medicover Hospital

Qualification programme for surgical treatment:

If you decide to have a sleeve gastrectomy, you will need to undergo a qualification programme. It consists of a consultation with the following:

  • bariatric surgeon (your personal doctor)
  • surgeon
  • anaesthetist
  • psychologist
  • dietician

If you have not undergone obesity screening, laboratory tests and diagnostic studies are required as part of your eligibility screening.

During the programme the patient is under the care of a bariatrician, a dietician and a psychologist. The programme is based on a surgical procedure (sleeve gastrectomy) to reduce the capacity of the stomach by up to 90%. This results in a reduced ability to take in food, and a reduced feeling of hunger due to a reduction in the secretion of 'hunger hormones'. Patients feel full after eating very little food. With this programme, patients can expect significant, sustained weight loss.

Contact us to learn more about our offer and get more details
Call 500 900 900
or fill in the form – and we will call you back.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure involves cutting off the greater curvature of the stomach using staplers (mechanical staplers with titanium staples). A tube with an internal diameter of about 11 mm (the thickness of a thumb) is left instead of a 'bag-shaped' stomach. During the operation, a leak test is performed on the new stomach with blue dye, and a thin drain is left in the abdominal cavity.

Because the procedure is performed laparoscopically, little scarring remains after the operation - the surgeon will only make 5 small incisions that will heal quickly.

The whole procedure takes about 2 hours and is carried out under general anaesthesia.

How to prepare for the procedure?

The patient needs to have the following basic laboratory tests done:

  • complete blood count, blood type and Rh;
  • basic biochemical tests (sodium, potassium, glucose);
  • ECG;
  • other tests ordered by the doctor.

What should the patient take with them to the hospital??

Please bring only the essentials with you. Each hospital room has a wardrobe for clothes and a cupboard for patients' personal belongings. Necessary documents and items on the day of surgery: medical records, test results, long-term medications, toiletries, towel, socks, pyjamas and slippers, and a change of clothes. Please do not take jewellery, watches or other valuables with you.

Standard length of hospital stay: up to 5 days

Price: Check the price

Contact us to learn more about our offer and get more details
Call 500 900 900
or fill in the form – and we will call you back.

Szpital Medicover
Aleja Rzeczypospolitej 5
02-972 Warszawa