Medical Professionals Corporate Health Solutions Clinical Research
Insurance Partners
EN AR
Book an Appointment
EN AR

Gastric Sleeve

Overview

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is currently one of the most commonly performed and highly effective weight loss procedures worldwide, formally known as sleeve gastrectomy. It's designed to help individuals with significant obesity achieve substantial, lasting weight loss, falling under the umbrella of bariatric surgery.

The procedure itself is straightforward and precise. Using keyhole, also known as laparoscopic techniques, the surgeon removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach which leaves a slender, tube-shaped pouch about the size and shape of a banana. This new, smaller stomach is called a 'sleeve'. Unlike gastric banding, which uses an external device, or gastric bypass, which reroutes the intestines, the gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure that permanently reduces stomach volume. It does not involve any intestinal bypass.

Restricting food intake is a major objective of a gastric sleeve, although it also has a significant impact on metabolic effect. The portion of the stomach removed is responsible for producing ghrelin, often referred to as the 'hunger hormone'. By removing it, the procedure actively helps reduce appetite and food cravings, not just capacity.

When to Consider Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Not typically the first option explored, weight loss surgery becomes medically appropriate, often necessary, when excess weight poses a serious threat to health. When they meet specific criteria, we advise patients to consider a surgical consultation at NMC.

Generally, gastric sleeve surgery is considered suitable for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. For those with a BMI between 35 and 40 who are living with a significant obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnoea, hypertension or osteoarthritis, it's also an option.

The right time to consult a specialist is when weight has become a barrier to living fully, beyond numbers. An inability to keep up with children, joint pain that prevents walking reasonable distances or multiple failed attempts at sustained weight loss through supervised diets and exercise are all ways that inhibit living fully. Individuals with type 2 diabetes that has become increasingly difficult to control despite medication can also benefit.

Request appointment information

A detailed process that extends far beyond a single BMI calculation takes place to determine who is a suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve. While safety is a key consideration, we also evaluate whether a gastric sleeve is the right tool for that particular patient's long-term health.

A comprehensive consultation with a deep dive into medical history, weight history, previous weight loss attempts and current eating patterns usually mark the state of the diagnostic journey. As understanding and committing to the necessary lifestyle changes post-surgery is critical for success, we also assess psychological readiness.

Following this, a series of investigations are typically conducted. These often include blood panels where we check for nutritional deficiencies, thyroid function and markers of metabolic health like blood sugar and cholesterol. Cardiac assessments are also important, to ensure the heart is fit for anaesthesia and surgery. If sleep apnoea is suspected, a respiratory evaluation is also required. Lastly, an upper GI endoscopy allows for the stomach and oesophagus to be examined. This looks for conditions like hiatus hernia or ulcers that may need treatment prior to, or during, surgery. Complete assessments ensures that we have a complete understanding of the patient's physical and metabolic profile, when we proceed with gastric sleeve surgery.

While the gastric sleeve is a powerful tool for weight loss, it is also a treatment for several chronic diseases. At NMC, we view it as metabolic surgery as much as weight loss surgery. The conditions we commonly treat in conjunction with obesity include:

  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: It often goes into remission as insulin sensitivity improves dramatically after surgery.
  • Hypertension: Significant weight loss frequently leads to normalisation of blood pressure.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Weight loss reduces airway pressure which often resolves the condition entirely.
  • Dyslipidaemia: A common positive outcome is seen with improvement in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): One of the earliest metabolic benefits seen post-sleeve is a reduction in liver fat.
  • Mechanical Joint Pain: Reducing load on knees and hips can provide significant pain relief and delay the need for joint replacement.

Safety, expertise and continuity of care are the foundations our gastric sleeve surgery is built on. Undergoing bariatric surgery is a major decision in a patient's life, and our role is to ensure they feel supported and informed at every juncture.

We utilise advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques, which involve small incisions, specialised cameras and fine instruments. An approach like this minimises tissue trauma, significantly reduces post-operative pain and shortens hospital stays. Most patients are up and walking within hours of their procedure and return home within one to two days.

Critically, surgery is not the end of the journey and is actually the beginning. Our service is multidisciplinary. This means that alongside our consultant surgeons, patients are supported by dedicated bariatric dietitians who guide the crucial dietary progression from liquids to solids. To support behavioural change, we also coordinate with psychologists and with endocrinologists for patients with complex metabolic disease.

Our integrated model ensures that patients undergoing gastric sleeve Dubai procedures receive consistent, expert oversight from the very first consultation through to the critical first year of follow-up and beyond. Helping patients navigate the transformation beyond the operation is a process we take pride in.

NMC is home to a select team of consultant bariatric surgeons with many being UK-trained, holding Fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and recognised as Master Surgeons by international accreditation bodies like the SRC.

Our lead specialists have each performed thousands of successful weight loss procedures. Experts in not only primary gastric sleeve surgery, they also perform complex revisional procedures for patients who may have had previous bariatric surgery elsewhere and require a corrective or conversion surgery.

What truly distinguishes our team, however, is their approach to care, discussing the realistic outcomes and commitments required. They understand the vulnerability patients often feel when discussing their weight. A rare combination of technical mastery and genuine, patient-centred compassion is offered by our consultations who are ready to help anyone seeking a bariatric surgeon in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or across the Northern Emirates.

FAQs

Find the Answer to Your Medical Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It’s a permanent procedure. A sleeve gastrectomy, unlike a gastric band, which can be removed, involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This is why careful pre-operative counselling and education are essential components of our process.
Within the first 12 to 18 months, patients typically lose 60-70% of their excess body weight. Outcomes, however, vary based on a patient’s ability to adhere to dietary guidelines and physical activity. It requires effort from the patient to achieve the best results.
The sleeve works primarily through restricting and reducing appetite. A gastric bypass reroutes the intestines, working via restriction and malabsorption. Patients with very severe reflux or those requiring greater metabolic correction for diabetes, often benefit from a bypass.
Location

NMC Footprints

0 Results found

Loading......

© Copyright 2026 NMC Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. MOH License No - IRL1J3AD

Terms of Use Privacy Statement

Hospital Details

Booking Details

By Proceeding you agree Terms & Conditions