What exactly is sleeve gastrectomy, and how does it work?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive bariatric surgery that involves removing approximately 75–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, banana-shaped "sleeve." This significantly reduces the stomach’s capacity, allowing patients to feel full sooner and consume fewer calories.
Beyond its restrictive mechanism, sleeve gastrectomy also impacts hormonal activity, particularly by reducing levels of ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone. This dual action—mechanical and hormonal—leads to effective, sustained weight loss.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
International patients may consider sleeve gastrectomy if they:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 40, or
- Have a BMI ≥ 35 with associated comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea).
- Have not achieved significant results through diet, exercise, or medication.
- Are psychologically and physically ready for a permanent lifestyle change.
How does sleeve gastrectomy differ from other bariatric surgeries?
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What is the Detailed Treatment Protocol in India for Sleeve Gastrectomy?
What does the pre-operative evaluation include?
Before undergoing surgery, international patients are required to:
- Undergo blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and nutritional assessment.
- Attend psychological counseling to evaluate readiness.
- Follow a 2–3 week liver-shrinking diet.
- Discuss medical history and current medications with bariatric specialists.
What happens during the surgery?
- The procedure is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia.
- Surgeons insert small instruments through 4–5 tiny incisions.
- 75–80% of the stomach is removed, and the remaining portion is sealed with surgical staplers.
- The surgery lasts 60–90 minutes.
What is the recovery timeline?
- Hospital stay: 2–3 days
- Full recovery: 2–3 weeks
- Return to work: Usually within 10–14 days (light duties)
- Diet progresses from clear liquids to soft solids over 4–6 weeks.
Is long-term support provided?
Yes. Patients receive:
- Nutritional counseling
- Vitamin supplementation
- Regular follow-ups (virtually or in person)
- Psychological support to maintain weight loss outcomes
Why Should Foreign Patients Choose India for Sleeve Gastrectomy?
India offers an unmatched combination of cost efficiency, surgical expertise, and state-of-the-art infrastructure for international patients seeking bariatric surgery.
Key advantages:
- Affordable cost: Sleeve gastrectomy in India costs only $5000–$7000, nearly one-third the price in the USA.
- World-class hospitals: Many Indian hospitals are NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) and JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited.
- Renowned surgeons: Bariatric surgeons in India often receive international training and perform thousands of successful procedures annually.
- Minimal wait time: Fast-tracked surgeries and visa support make scheduling easy.
- Tourist-friendly experience: Medical visa, airport pickup, accommodation, and interpreter services are arranged seamlessly through Healzone Medical Tourism.
Why Choose Healzone Medical Tourism for Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Healzone is a trusted medical tourism facilitator for foreign patients seeking surgery in India. Here’s why it stands out:
- Top-tier network: Connects patients with India’s best bariatric surgeons and hospitals in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
- End-to-end service: From visa documentation to post-op care, everything is streamlined.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden charges – receive a clear, detailed quote before travel.
- Global follow-up care: Online consultations and assistance continue even after patients return home.
- Multilingual support: English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, and other language support is available.
- Accredited facilities only: Healzone partners only with hospitals recognized for safety and patient satisfaction.
What Types of Devices and Techniques Are Used in Sleeve Gastrectomy in India?
India’s top bariatric centers use internationally approved, cutting-edge equipment for sleeve gastrectomy:
Surgical Tools:
- Laparoscopic devices (minimal invasion, quicker recovery)
- Titanium surgical staplers for gastric sleeve creation
- Energy-based sealing systems (like LigaSure or Harmonic) for bloodless dissection
- Advanced Techniques:
- Robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (available in premium hospitals) for enhanced precision
- 3D imaging & intraoperative guidance systems for safety
Anesthesia and Monitoring:
- Monitored by certified anesthesiologists
- Advanced post-anesthesia care units (PACUs)
- ICU support if needed
All tools and implants used are FDA- or CE-approved, ensuring safety and global compliance.
What is the Cost Breakdown of Sleeve Gastrectomy in India?
The total cost of sleeve gastrectomy in India typically ranges from $5000 to $7000, depending on the city, hospital, surgeon’s experience, room category, and post-op services. Below is a detailed cost breakdown:
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Healzone’s packages are all-inclusive, ensuring no hidden charges. Optional services like companion stay, deluxe room upgrades, or robotic surgery may incur additional fees.
Why India is Cost-Effective Without Compromise:
- Lower operational and administrative costs
- Competitive surgeon pricing
- Medical tourism incentives from government
- Currency exchange benefits for international travelers
What Type of Procedure Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic bariatric surgery, often completed in 60–90 minutes under general anesthesia.
Key Features:
- Minimally invasive: Small incisions, less bleeding, and faster healing.
- Hospital stay: 2–3 days, with a total India visit duration of 10–14 days.
Recovery timeline:
Day 1–2: Liquid diet and mobilization
Day 3–7: Discharge, soft foods introduced
Week 2–4: Return to light activities
Month 1–3: Gradual solid food intake, weight loss begins
