Gastric Sleeve: The Path to a Healthier Life
The Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure that involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach. Today, it is the most frequently performed bariatric surgery worldwide.
Compared to other surgical weight loss options, sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively straightforward and quick procedure, typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Although the surgery itself is not overly complex, your doctor may recommend staying in the hospital for one or two days afterward. This allows them to monitor your recovery, manage any discomfort, and address temporary post-surgery effects like nausea.
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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Costs: € 5.900
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Hiatal hernia repaired during weight loss surgery for FREE
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The procedure performs: Top class Bariatric Surgeon
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Expected weight loss: 60—70% of excess body weight
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Surgery Time - 1—1.5 hours
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Hospital stay: 2 nights (included)
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Patients can safely fly home 5 days after surgery
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Time off Work - 1—3 weeks
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Full Recovery - 4—6 weeks
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Waiting time: none / very short
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Possible refund from your local health board: yes (you only pay for the flight)
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Trustpilot rating (by UK & EU patients): 5/5 Top Clinic in Lithuania, EU
What is included
BASIC PACKAGE: Consultation with the surgeon, necessary health tests, surgery, anaesthesia, hospitalisation (2 nights) with free Wi-Fi, a massage to help you recover, medications, special postoperative clothing, quickly, personal assistance during your stay. No hidden costs.
VIP PACKAGE - € 580: 5 nights in apartments + Transport from/to airport, hospital, apartment.
EU Cross Border Healthare Directive Ireland. How To Apply?
You can have your surgery done for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. We assist patients with the necessary documentation to claim a refund through the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. Patients usually choose this route due to long waiting times in their home country.
The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive outlines the rights to receive planned medical treatment within the European Economic Area.
If you live in any other EEA country and face long waiting times for treatment at home, you have the right to receive treatment in Lithuania and get reimbursed by the HSE in Ireland.
You just need to follow a few simple steps:
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Contact your GP for a referral,
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Get in touch with us to arrange your appointment and medical treatment,
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Receive treatment and pay privately,
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We will assist you in completing all necessary documentation and submitting the reimbursement application.
The procedures is performed by a Bariatric Surgeon DONATAS DANYS MD, PhD
Highly experienced surgeon with more than 10 years of international experience already (see CV below). Dr Donatas’ career focus is the improvement of bariatric operations. His focus area is operations of obesity with various gastric reduction operations such as aesthetic (bikini line) gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, gastric plication and intragastric balloon.
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First surgeon in Europe to perform a bikini gastric sleeve surgery;
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Has over 10 years of laparoscopic surgery;
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Master and innovator of laser proctology;
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International speaker of more than 5 workshops in laser proctology.
Dietologist Physician Rūta Petereit MD, PhD
Nutrition is one of the main focus after weight loss surgery to maximize weight loss and prevent weight gain. We offer a dietitian who will talk with you about the diet you’ll need to follow after surgery, explaining what types of food and how much you can eat at each meal.
Dr. Rūta Petereit specializes in nutrition consultations before and after gastric sleeve surgery. She helps patients prepare a suitable nutrition plan prior to the procedure to ensure successful recovery and weight loss. After surgery, she provides individualized dietary recommendations to help patients maintain their results and adapt to a new lifestyle. Dr. Petereit also advises on healthy eating and lifestyle changes essential for long-term weight management.
What is a gastric sleeve?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical procedure in which a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a narrow, tube-like structure. The stomach serves as a temporary food reservoir and produces various hormones, including gastrin and ghrelin. Ghrelin is closely linked to the sensation of hunger, so by removing a large part of the stomach, the production of this hormone can be reduced, leading to decreased appetite. After the procedure, patients consume smaller portions and feel full more quickly. This type of bariatric surgery can help individuals lose between 50% and 70% of their excess weight.
How is a gastric sleeve procedure carried out?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes around two hours. The procedure involves making a few small incisions in the abdominal area to insert a laparoscope and specialized surgical tools needed for the gastrectomy. During the surgery, approximately 75% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-like section, which is then sealed with medical staples. To ensure there are no leaks when the patient begins eating again, the staples are reinforced with manual stitching, and a fluid test is conducted while the patient is still in the operating room. The newly formed stomach takes on a sleeve-like shape but continues to function as before, allowing normal digestion. The main difference is a significant reduction in hunger levels. Additionally, the patient feels full more quickly and can only consume smaller food portions.
Who is a good candidate for gastric sleeve?
Not everyone struggling with obesity is eligible for gastric sleeve surgery. A qualified medical professional will assess whether a patient meets the necessary criteria for the procedure. However, there are specific conditions that must be met to receive approval for the surgery.
An ideal candidate is someone who has attempted to lose weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise but has not achieved the desired results.
Generally, a patient should have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. If the BMI falls between 30 and 35, the procedure may still be an option if the patient has obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
It is important to note that the outcome of the surgery largely depends on the patient’s dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strictly following medical advice during the recovery process. Additionally, having a positive approach to both physical and mental well-being plays a crucial role in achieving long-term success.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
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Gastric sleeve surgery is a transformative procedure that helps patients lose more than 60% of their excess weight.
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Research has shown that significant weight loss can alleviate or even resolve serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart failure, joint problems, and back pain.
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Additionally, many patients report feeling more energetic, revitalized, and motivated to engage in physical activities and lead a more active lifestyle.
How to prepare for gastric sleeve surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a major life decision, so patients should also be mentally prepared. The process goes beyond just the surgery; it marks the beginning of a new way of living. As such, patients must understand the significant lifestyle changes required to ensure a successful recovery and achieve long-term success. CONSULTATION. Initially, the patient should meet with a general practitioner who will assess their suitability for the procedure and evaluate their emotional state. This step is crucial, as obesity may be linked to factors like stress or emotional eating, which might require different treatment approaches. PREPARATION. Please note that the preparation process may begin up to a year before surgery, with the goal of losing 5-10% of body weight. A medical team, including a bariatric doctor, dietitian, and psychologist, will create a treatment plan and monitor the patient throughout the pre-surgery period. Adopting healthy habits helps ensure consistent weight loss and a smooth recovery. MEDICATIONS. It is important to discuss the use of certain medications, particularly blood-thinners, with the doctor several weeks prior to the surgery. DIET. Two weeks prior to surgery, the patient must follow a specific diet and calorie intake. The primary goal of this pre-surgery diet is to reduce the size of the liver by burning the fat surrounding it, making it easier for the surgeon to access the stomach. To avoid the risk of regurgitation, the patient must refrain from eating anything for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
After the surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for two days. Initially, pain relief medication will be administered intravenously, and upon discharge, the patient will be prescribed oral painkillers to take at home. The first shower is recommended at least 48 hours after surgery, while baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs should be avoided for at least four weeks until the incisions are fully healed and dry. Healthcare professionals will provide detailed instructions on proper wound care. Patients can typically return to daily activities within 2–4 weeks, but intense physical exercise, including sports, should be postponed for around 2 months. To maintain steady weight loss, it is advisable to gradually incorporate light physical activities such as walking or swimming into the routine. Additionally, a specific diet plan will need to be followed after the surgery.
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With over 20 years of experience, our highly qualified, English-speaking surgeons and medical staff deliver world-class treatments using the latest technologies, offering a wide range of procedures, including comprehensive bariatric care.
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Self-catered accommodation with care
Don't miss the opportunity to stay in one of our clinic's serviced apartments! The double apartment is located in the very heart of Kaunas, next to the city's largest shopping center and a beautiful avenue that stretches all the way to the Old Town.
It takes 10 minutes by car to reach the clinic from the apartments and 20 minutes to the airport.
Each newly furnished apartment features a kitchenette, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a double or single bed, a private bathroom, and amenities such as free WiFi, a Smart TV, private parking, a kettle, a washing machine, ironing facilities, an induction hob, and a fridge.