Last updated: 2024-09-17
In recent years, gastric sleeve has emerged as an alternative to gastric bypass as one of the established surgical methods against obesity. Although the method is somewhat newer than gastric bypass, it has solid documentation demonstrating its effectiveness.
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
- Hospital stay: 1-2 nights
- Recovery: 2 weeks
- Follow-up: 6 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years
- Price: 79 900 SEK
If you're a private patient interested in weight-loss surgery, please log in with BankID to submit a self-referral. Don’t have BankID? Call us directly at 020-240300 (from abroad: +468219020).
Self-referralWe’re making it easier for patients travelling from outside Östergötland to undergo weight-loss surgery by covering the expenses of both hotel and travel arrangements. Arrive the day before your procedure and stay at Quality Hotel Ekoxen, conveniently located in the same building as the clinic. You’re welcome to bring a companion, who can stay at the hotel during the 24 hours that your are admitted to the clinic. All expenses are included in the surgery price.
During gastric sleeve surgery, about 70-80 percent of the stomach is removed. The remaining part of the stomach is reshaped into a narrow tube. Unlike gastric bypass, there is no rerouting of the gastrointestinal system.
The effect after a gastric sleeve is achieved partly because the stomach can hold a smaller amount of food (about the size of a drinking glass), and partly because the body's hunger and satiety hormones are affected to some extent as part of the stomach is removed. This hormonal change, combined with the physically smaller stomach, results in smaller portions and quicker onset of satiety.
Losing weight through a healthy diet and proper exercise will always be the better alternative. However, for those who have been dieting back and forth for years with little to no result, surgery might be the answer. These forms of dieting, which often work for a little while only to disappoint later on, impact the body’s ability to preserve its weight and often lead to gradual weight gain over time. In turn, this increases the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, join problems, and nighttime breathing issues, known as sleep apnea. For these individuals, weight loss surgery can be a good option to tackle current and future health issues. Along with a change of eating habits and lifestyle, a gastric bypass can be a powerful tool to battle obesity. Many of our patients have described the relief of finally feeling full after a meal and many express relief over not having to think about food and diet at all times.
Understanding the relationship between calorie intake and calorie expenditure is necessary to achieve optimal results. As a patient, you must avoid unhealthy food and prioritise what and how often you eat.
So, who is suitable? Firstly, the patient must be of legal age and have a BMI of 30 or higher (you can calculate your own BMI using the calculator on the website). Additionally, the patient should not suffer from any severe diseases. If you have a serious condition that affects the heart, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract, the operation may be contraindicated, meaning that the benefits would not outweigh the risks. The same applies to certain mental illnesses and to those who struggle with substance abuse.
This is a common question, and the answer depends on several different factors, including whether you have other medical issues such as reflux (acid reflux). The surgeon who will operate on you will discuss both surgical methods with you and provide a recommendation.
Gastric sleeve is a good surgical method for most patients, but not for those who suffer from severe acid reflux that cannot be treated with medication. In such cases, gastric bypass is a better choice, as this method can alleviate these problems. The hormonal regulation that reduces hunger and provides a feeling of early satiety is experienced by most patients even after a gastric sleeve.
After a gastric sleeve operation, the risk of bowel obstruction is minimal, even if you, as a woman, were to become pregnant. With gastric bypass, there is a generally higher risk of bowel obstruction, and particularly during pregnancy, the lower connection can kink. For young women planning to become pregnant, gastric sleeve is recommended as the first option.
We take pride in our long history of satisfied patients, many of whom have graciously shared their experiences. Below, you can explore a selection of their stories.
"Be informed, be prepared, and be fully aware of what you are getting into. Your mindset must be in the right place for it to work, but if you are determined, weight-loss surgery is a fantastic help along the way.”
"The doctors said there was a high risk in suffering from both sleep apnea, heart problems, and obesity. I realized that I had to do something immediately. I wanted to see my kids grow up."
A gastric sleeve surgery costs 79 900 SEK, including:
- Travel expenses to and from the clinic (up to 2 500 SEK reimbursed) if you live outside Östergötland.
- Overnight stay after the surgery (if you live outside Östergötland, a hotel night before surgery is also included, as well as a hotel night for an accompanying relative or friend during your inpatient stay at the clinic).
- Two surgeons.
- Personalized care, where you will know the surgeon performing your operation.
- Five years follow-up.
- Comprehensive support before and after the surgery.
It is always important to prioritise safety during surgery and weigh the pros and cons in a realistic and responsible manner. The patient should benefit from the operation for many years to come, and as doctors, it is our duty to look after our patients’ interests and well-being. At Nordic Center for Surgery, we are carefully selecting the personnel we work with, ensuring that we can deliver high-quality service and professional care. With the right personnel, equipment, and meticulous planning, we make sure to avoid problems before they have the chance to occur.
A key part of the process and a crucial element in our care includes ensuring that the patient is mentally prepared for surgery and suitable for the lifestyle change it entails. It is important that the patient is motivated and that she or he fully understands the implications of the procedure. We emphasise that overweight surgery is not a quick fix, but rather a lifelong change which requires work and dedication from the patient.
We are proud to have an array of patients who are satisfied with the care we provide. If you are interested in reading more about Gastric Sleeve and comparing the two methods, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via mail or telephone, and we will schedule a consultation to discuss your situation. We welcome patients from all over the country.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for gastric sleeve?
An individual evaluation is always conducted, taking into account factors such as the degree of obesity, any underlying health conditions, and the patient’s mindset toward the surgery. To be eligible, you must be an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher. If you have other serious health issues, such as severe heart, lung or gastrointestinal disease, the assessment may conclude that the risks of surgery outweigh the potential benefits. You should have made genuine attempts to lose weight without achieving lasting success and be fully prepared to change your lifestyle and eating habits both before and after the procedure.
How much does a gastric sleeve cost?
A gastric sleeve surgery costs 79 900 SEK, including:
- Travel expenses to and from the clinic (up to 2 500 SEK reimbursed) if you live outside Östergötland.
- Overnight stay after the surgery (if you live outside Östergötland, a hotel night before surgery is also included, as well as a hotel night for an accompanying relative or friend during your inpatient stay at the clinic).
- Two surgeons.
- Personalized care, where you will know the surgeon performing your operation.
- Five years follow-up.
- Comprehensive support before and after the surgery.
Do you offer installment payments?
For financing or installment payment options, we collaborate with various financing companies, allowing you to pay in installments at your own pace:
- Medical Finance: https://medicalfinance.se
- Human Finans: https://www.humanfinans.se/nordiskt-centrum-for-kirurgi.html
- Svea Ekonomi: https://self.svea.com/Apply/d6d875d8-d7da-4315-a9cf-5dac883beaa4
- You can also explore financing options through Lendo at https://www.lendo.se.
- Alternatively, you are welcome to contact your bank or any other lending institution of your choice.
Is a referral needed for surgery at the Nordic Center?
No referral from another physician is required to undergo surgery with us. If you are a self-paying patient, you can submit a self-referral at any time. We will evaluate your submission and respond within one business day.
Can I submit a self-referral for gastric sleeve?
You can submit a self-referral to us if you plan to finance your surgery yourself or through a loan. Click here to submit your self-referral today. We will review it and get back to you within one business day. However, if you want your surgery to be financed through your regional healthcare system, you will need to apply through your local health centre instead.
Can my regional healthcare cover the cost of my weight loss surgery?
You can explore this option by consulting a doctor at your local health centre for an initial evaluation. However, the Nordic Center for Surgery is a private clinic, and we do not have influence over whether your region will fund your surgery or where it will be performed. Therefore, if you are seeking public funding, you will need to apply through the appropriate regional channels rather than directly with us.
How long will I be on sick leave after a gastric sleeve?
Most patients are on sick leave for two weeks after the surgery, though some may require up to four weeks. We always make an individual assessment.
When might gastric sleeve be unsuitable?
Certain illnesses and conditions can pose serious risks or lead to less favorable outcomes from the surgery. The doctor always makes an individual assessment to determine if the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks. Examples of conditions that might prevent surgery include recent heart disease, blood clot, or stroke, pregnancy, alcohol or drug addiction, untreated eating disorders, or other serious health conditions where the risks of surgery are deemed too high.
Do I need to stop smoking before weight loss surgery?
It's crucial to stop smoking to promote proper wound healing and minimize the risk of complications. At our clinic, we require complete smoking cessation for at least four weeks before and after the surgery. Given the significant health risks associated with smoking, we highly recommend quitting for good after your procedure. If necessary, we can provide prescriptions to assist with smoking cessation.
Can I drink alcohol before the surgery?
Avoid consuming alcohol for four weeks before and four weeks after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
How long does a gastric sleeve take?
A gastric bypass typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes. You will be under general anaesthesia, and the procedure is performed using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy).
How long do I need to stay at the clinic after a gastric sleeve?
You typically stay for 1-2 days after the weight loss surgery.
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