Gastric Sleeve

The sleeve removes approximately 80% of the stomach but does not reroute the intestines, resulting in fewer vitamin deficiency risks. Average excess weight loss is 55-70% over 2 years versus 60-80% with bypass. Bypass produces stronger resolution of type 2 diabetes and GERD, while the sleeve is favored for its simpler anatomy and lower supplement burden.

Yes — if significant weight regain occurs due to stomach pouch stretching, revision options include conversion to gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or re-sleeve. Revision surgery is more complex and carries higher complication risk, so it is typically considered only after non-surgical interventions have been exhausted. Approximately 15-20% of patients may require revision within 10 years.

Standard packages cover pre-operative testing (blood work, cardiac clearance, imaging), the surgical procedure, a 2-4 night hospital stay, nutritionist consultation, compression garments, and post-operative follow-up appointments. Premium packages may add airport transfers, hotel accommodation, and virtual follow-up for 6-12 months. Items typically excluded are flights, travel insurance, and long-term nutritional counseling at home.

Before traveling, identify a local bariatric team or gastroenterologist to manage ongoing care. Ask the overseas center for a detailed surgical report, dietary progression plan, and recommended blood work schedule. Many international bariatric centers offer virtual follow-up calls during the first year. Your home team will need the operative report to guide your monitoring.

Seek centers with Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Center of Excellence designation, JCI accreditation, or IFSO membership. The surgeon should be board-certified with 200+ sleeve procedures. Ask for published outcomes: complication rate, 30-day readmission rate, and average excess weight loss at 1 and 2 years. A dedicated bariatric coordinator for international patients is also a strong quality indicator.