Who is the Best Doctor for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

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Many people wonder who the best doctor for gastric sleeve surgery is. Gastric sleeve procedures are among the most popular weight-loss surgeries due to their simplicity and ability to achieve fast and effective results.

This article answers your questions about who the best doctor for gastric sleeve surgery is, the advantages and risks of the procedure, and its cost in Saudi Arabia.

Why Do Patients Undergo Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight after traditional methods, such as diet and exercise, have failed. Although relatively modern, gastric sleeve surgery has proven highly successful and often outperforms other weight-loss procedures.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia through several small incisions in the upper abdomen using laparoscopic tools. A large portion of the stomach is removed, allowing the patient to feel full quickly after eating small amounts of food, which aids in weight loss.

The surgery affects only the stomach and does not impact the intestines or any other part of the digestive system, so the normal path of food through the digestive tract remains unchanged.

Who is Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for patients aged 20 to 60 who suffer from obesity and excess weight and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise.

Ideal candidates include:

Patients with more than 35 kg of excess weight
Patients with 30 to 35 kg of excess weight who also have health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or infertility

Risks and Complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery carries certain risks, including:

Bleeding
Infection
Allergic reactions to anesthesia

Postoperative side effects may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty eating
Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies due to reduced food intake, which requires careful attention to nutrient-rich foods
Gallstones, which may develop due to rapid weight loss and increased fat accumulation in the gallbladder

Postoperative Advice

Patients should follow medical advice after the surgery to support recovery, including:

Following a prescribed diet that starts with liquid foods, then progresses to mashed and solid foods to help the stomach heal
Attending follow-up appointments for several weeks to monitor recovery and prevent complications
Consuming nutritious foods to maintain energy, as food intake is reduced after a large portion of the stomach is removed

Who is the Best Doctor for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Many patients prefer to undergo the procedure with the best bariatric surgeons despite its simplicity. Patients should seek a surgeon specialized in gastric sleeve surgery and discuss all concerns before the operation to ensure psychological and physical preparedness.

Important Criteria for the Best Gastric Sleeve Surgeon

The best gastric sleeve surgeon should meet several medical criteria, including:

Specialization in bariatric and weight-loss surgeries
A history of successful gastric sleeve procedures
Providing clear answers to patient questions before surgery
Conducting all necessary medical tests to ensure patient readiness
Providing a healthy preoperative diet for two weeks to reduce abdominal and liver fat
Offering guidance on a postoperative diet during recovery

How to Find the Best Gastric Sleeve Surgeon in Saudi Arabia

When looking for the best gastric sleeve doctor in Saudi Arabia, consider the following:

Look for a surgeon specialized in bariatric and weight-loss surgeries
Check the number of successful gastric sleeve procedures performed by the doctor
Review experiences of other patients who had successful surgeries with the same doctor
Ensure the doctor uses anesthesia that does not cause allergic reactions
Confirm the surgery is performed in a well-equipped hospital or medical center
Make sure the doctor monitors the patient’s health before and after surgery