Change can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know anything about it. Especially when it comes to surgery. However, there is nothing to be afraid of – modern technologies, outstanding skills of doctors allow surgery to be performed quickly and painlessly. Gastric sleeve surgery is exactly like that. Learn more about it – professor Antanas Mickevičius provides the most valuable facts and advice in this blog.

What is Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve accounts for almost 60% of all bariatric procedures, making it the most popular weight-loss surgery. What makes it so special? The vertical sleeve gastrectomy helps patients lose weight safely and effectively, and studies show that many patients see results that last long after surgery. It is a procedure, where the size of the stomach is reduced with the aim to lower its food consumption capacity and increase a faster sense of fullness. The procedure reduces food intake, affects the absorption of nutrients and the secretion of metabolic hormones. During the procedure surgeon removes around 70-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow gastric tube or ‘sleeve’ from the remaining part. The capacity of this tube is significantly lower than of the stomach prior to the treatment. Food is not deviated from its usual course in the digestive system. The estimated results – up to 60-70% excess body weight loss in 1-1.5 years after the surgery. It is important to note that, if you choose this treatment, strong self-control is a crucial success factor in achieving your weight loss goals.

Why is this worth a try?

• You eat a smaller amount of food – following the surgery, patients tend to feel full after eating only a small amount of food and you’ll keep the feeling of fullness for longer than you did before the surgery. Smaller portion size mean you’ll consume fewer calories of food.
• It reduces your appetite – in addition to reducing its size, the portion of the stomach removed in a gastric sleeve includes most of the section of the stomach responsible for producing ghrelin – the hormone that stimulates your appetite by sending hunger signals to the brain. Lower ghrelin production means fewer hunger signals and a reduction in your desire to eat, which also reduces your overall calorie intake.
• It reduces your cravings – the hormone changes that result from Gastric Sleeve surgery also tend to dramatically reduce a patient’s craving for trigger foods such as sweets and carbs.

What can I expect before surgery and how much does it cost?

Basic surgery package costs – 5,100 euros. The package includes:

• Pre – operative appointment with bariatric surgeon Antanas Mickevičius
• Pre – operative consultation with anesthetist
• Consultation with endocrinologist, set of blood tests to investigare thyroid gland function
• Consultation with dietitian and nutrition recommendations for the first month
• Consultation with psychologist
• Personal coordinator services
• All perioperative blood tests
• Electrocardiogram
• Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• All medications during your in hospital stay
• Post-operative treatment and care with 24-hour medical care (2 nights)
• English written discharge letter with recommendations to your GP
• Written individual postoperative nutrition plan
• 24/7 helpline for our patients
• Medication and nutrition kit after surgery (for 2-3 days)
• 3 postoperative bariatric surgeon Antanas Mickevičius consultations (1, 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery)
• Plastic surgeon consultation (12 months after bariatric surgery, for the reduction of excess skin)

It‘s a whole package – in our NEWMAN bariatric clinic you will be treated from the start to the end of your weight loss and New You journey.

Finding the right bariatric surgeon

Not all weight loss surgeons and bariatric clinics are created equal. Who you ultimately choose as your bariatric surgeon will likely have a significant impact on your success. When picking a surgeon, there are two main areas to focus on: choosing a surgeon with the experience and skills necessary to safely construct a perfect sleeve. With a little digging and the right questions, you can dramatically increase the odds of finding an outstanding surgeon and bariatric clinic to help guide you on your weight loss surgery journey.

How long is the surgery and the recovery time after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Due to its minimally invasive surgical techniques which lessens the stress on your body, the recovery time after a gastric sleeve surgery is relatively quick. The actual surgery portion generally takes less than 1 hour. Patients are monitored post-surgery and typically discharged within 24-48 hours. Most patients are back to their normal-selves in about a week or less. However, if possible, we suggest patients take about two weeks off from work to focus on adjusting to their new stomach and lifestyle. While the recovery time for gastric sleeve surgery is quick, the journey to permanent weight loss is ongoing. It is important to follow the individualized aftercare program outlined by your bariatric surgeon so that you can ensure long term success with your new stomach.

Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us for a complimentary, no-pressure consultation to see if this surgery is right for you: https://newmanbariatric.eu/contact/

More info about the surgeon who does this procedure:

Dr. Antanas Mickevičius believes that a healthier body leads to a better quality and more harmonious life. Every day he is driven by the success stories of his bariatric patients who have beaten second type diabetes and joint pains, reduced blood pressure, improved cardiovascular and general mental health – all side-effects of excess weight and, for some, a life-long battle with it.

Over 20+ years of experience Dr. Antanas Mickevičius has been involved in general, upper GI, bariatric and gastric cancer surgery fields and carried out more than 6000 operations at emergency, state and privately-run hospitals. His advanced surgical training took him through Sahlgrenska university hospital in Gothenburg (Sweden), Health Sciences university hospital in Kaunas (Lithuania) and seven years as the NHS registered Locum Consultant General, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon at various NHS trusts including Whittington Hospital in London, University Hospital of North Midlands and Royal Bournemouth General Hospital – to name just a few.

Dr. Antanas Mickevičius specialises in open and minimally invasive upper GI, obesity, upper GI cancer as well as general surgery fields. Every day he performs different bariatric surgery procedures, including Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Bikini Line Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Plication, Revisional Bariatric surgery and Gastric Ballon. He also regularly conducts bariatric clinics in Lithuania and the UK, personally ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality of preparation before each surgery and post-operative follow-ups.