Gastric sleeve

What is it?

The sleeve gastrectomy is currently the most frequently performed weight loss surgery. The procedure involves cutting out a large part of the stomach. The volume of the “new stomach” is about 150 – 250 ml. After the operation, the patient is unable to accept a larger volume of food at one time, which is also associated with the lower caloric intake. It is also significant that the removed part of the stomach includes physiologically produced hunger hormone – ghrelin. After the gastric sleeve surgery, thanks to the reduced production of ghrelin, the feeling of hunger is much smaller and the desire to reach for another portion of food is considerably smaller than before.

Who it is for?

Gastric sleeve procedure is to be considered as a surgical method of weight loss by patients between 18 and 60 who are obese and possibly have some other co-existing medical conditions.

In order to check if you qualify for the treatment please fill in the medical questionnaire HERE.

Surgery info

Your surgery will take place in a private hospital. The procedure will be performed under general anaesthetics by a fully qualified and experienced surgeon with and assistance of a certified anaesthetist and nurses. The surgeon will be using a minimally invasive laparoscopic method (“keyhole surgery”).

Hospital stay

You will be admitted to the hospital on day 1. Day 1 and day 2 are diagnostic days which means you will then have all the required medical tests and consultations. Surgery will be performed on day 3. Day 4 is for you to rest. Depending on the doctor’s decision, based on your state after surgery, you will most probably be released from the hospital on day 5. After that, we recommend staying minimum additional 2 nights at a nearby hotel. While in the hospital, you will stay in one of the patients double or triple rooms. During your stay, you will be looked after by a doctor and nurses. They will provide all needed medication and meals.

Hospital info

The procedure is performed in a private hospital in Wrocław city (Wrocław clinic). Please find details in ‘Our clinics’.

Required stay in Poland

The minimum required stay in Poland is 7 nights. Up to 4 of those nights are spent at the hospital. Please note we strongly recommend coming over with an adult companion.

Accommodation

We recommend one of the ‘Wrocław hotels‘. Please find more info in ‘Accommodation’.

Contraindications

Mental disorders (schizophrenia, severe depression, bulimia, suicidal tendencies), endocrine disease (adrenal or thyroid dysfunction), abuse of alcohol or drugs, inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bad medical tests results, heart problems, blood coagulation disorders.

Possible complications

The procedure is connected with some level of risk of complications. Full success for every patient cannot be guaranteed. Some of the possible complications are failure of adjacent organs, bleeding, infection, skin damage, blood clots and blockage of blood vessel by wandering thrombosis (which can cause ex. pulmonary embolism), after-surgery bleeding, petechiae on the skin, inflammation, infection, breaking of stitches and separation of wound, tissue necrosis, adhesions, nerves damage, incisional hernia, death. During performing the operation by a laparoscopic method there might arise a necessity to do it conventionally, which is by opening the abdomen.

Post-operative guidelines

Include regular check-ups, performing recommended tests, following the doctor’s post-op instructions, taking additional vitamins and trace elements, dieting, changing eating habits and exercising. Details provided by the doctor at a consultation.

Surgery cost

26 238 PLN / £4859 / €5704

This includes a consultation with a surgeon, an anaesthetist and a dietitian, a large package of required pre-op medical tests (2 days of diagnostics), required additional consultations (i.e. cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist), general anaesthetics, surgery fees, up to 4 nights of hospital stay (2 before the procedure and 2 after-depending on the doctor’s decision, based on your state after surgery), check-ups before release from the hospital, a follow-up with specialists (surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist) one month after the procedure (in person, via email or on the phone) and 12 months of email follow-ups with a patient coordinator.

Depending on the current epidemic situation, after arrival at the hospital, the patient may be required to take a fast Covid-19 swab test or/and show proof of being fully vaccinated against Cpvid-19. A negative result of the test allows being admitted to the hospital.

An additional cost is medications prescribed by the doctor (around 800 PLN / £148 / €174).

You are recommended to purchase compression stockings and an anti-hernia abdominal belt for after surgery. The purchase requires own arrangements (online or local pharmacy/medical equipment shop) and should be made before surgery.

Our price does not include follow-up check-ups or blood tests required every few months during the first year post-surgery. You are advised to search for available aftercare options back home (own arrangements required) before you have your surgery. You may also have them done with us (at an additional cost).

Flights

Return flight prices from most popular locations start from around £50 / €56.

Wrocław airport WRO – 20-min drive from the town

Katowice airport KTW – around 2,5h drive (own arrangements or additional charge for the transfers applies – subject to availability)

Transfers

Available upon request. Subject to availability.