The procedure
A smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach
During surgery, approximately 70–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped section.
The remaining stomach resembles a sleeve, which is where the procedure gets its name.
Bariatric Surgery in Poland
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A powerful step towards lasting weight loss
Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure designed to reduce stomach capacity, support appetite control and help suitable patients achieve meaningful, long-term weight loss.
Ask About Sleeve Gastrectomy
Private treatment in Poland with personal support
before, during and after your journey.
Minimally invasive bariatric procedure
Smaller stomach
Greater appetite control
Greater appetite control
Procedure Laparoscopic weight-loss surgery
Stomach reduction Approximately 70–80% is removed
Main goal Earlier fullness and long-term weight loss
Understanding the procedure
What is sleeve gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a bariatric procedure designed to help suitable patients achieve substantial and lasting weight loss.
It may be considered when previous attempts involving diet, physical activity or other non-surgical methods have not produced sustainable results.
Surgical approach
Usually performed laparoscopically
Sleeve gastrectomy is normally carried out through several small abdominal incisions using specialist laparoscopic instruments.
This minimally invasive approach may support a shorter recovery period and less post-operative discomfort than traditional open surgery.
Digestive pathway
The intestines are not normally rerouted
Unlike gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy does not usually change the normal route food takes through the intestines.
Digestion continues through the existing pathway, although lifelong nutritional guidance and medical follow-up remain important.
How it supports weight loss
Smaller portions. Earlier fullness. Better appetite control.
The reduced stomach capacity helps patients eat smaller meals and feel satisfied sooner. The procedure may also influence hormones involved in hunger and appetite regulation.
How the procedure supports weight loss
How does sleeve gastrectomy work?
Sleeve gastrectomy supports weight loss through a combination of reduced stomach capacity and changes to the signals involved in hunger, appetite and fullness.
01
Stomach reduction
A large section of the stomach is removed
The surgeon removes approximately 70–80% of the stomach, leaving a smaller, narrow sleeve-shaped section.
02
Smaller portions
Less food is needed to feel satisfied
The new stomach has a lower capacity, helping patients feel comfortably full after eating significantly smaller meals.
03
Appetite control
Hunger signals may become easier to manage
Removing part of the stomach may reduce the production of ghrelin, a hormone associated with hunger and appetite.
04
Long-term change
The procedure supports healthier daily habits
Surgery works alongside nutritional guidance, physical activity and long-term lifestyle changes to support sustainable results.
More than restriction alone
A physical and hormonal approach to weight loss
Sleeve gastrectomy does more than simply reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold. It may also affect appetite-related hormones, helping some patients experience less hunger and earlier fullness.
Results vary between patients, and successful long-term weight management still depends on following the recommended dietary, medical and lifestyle plan.
Your surgeon will assess your medical history, weight-loss goals
and overall health before recommending the most appropriate
treatment option.
Potential benefits
Benefits of sleeve gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy may offer suitable patients a powerful tool for weight management, but the best outcomes usually come from combining surgery with nutrition, movement and long-term medical support.
01
Meaningful weight loss
Supports substantial and sustained weight reduction
By reducing stomach capacity and supporting earlier fullness, sleeve gastrectomy can help suitable patients achieve significant weight loss over time.
Individual results vary and depend on factors such as starting weight, general health, dietary habits, activity levels and adherence to the recommended follow-up plan.
02
Appetite support
May help reduce hunger and improve portion control
The procedure reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and may influence hormones involved in appetite regulation.
This can help some patients feel satisfied sooner and make healthier portion sizes easier to maintain as part of a structured long-term plan.
03
Health improvements
Weight loss may positively affect obesity-related conditions
For some suitable patients, significant weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy may contribute to improvements in health conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea and joint pain.
Improvements vary between individuals and ongoing medical follow-up remains an essential part of long-term care.
04
Quality of life
Greater mobility, confidence and everyday wellbeing
Many patients report improvements in daily activities, physical comfort and overall quality of life after successful weight loss. Increased mobility can also make regular exercise easier and support long-term weight management.
Sleeve gastrectomy should be viewed as one part of a wider, lifelong commitment to healthier eating habits and lifestyle change.
Sustainable results are achieved through surgery combined with
healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and long-term
follow-up from your bariatric team.
Recovery Every patient recovers at a different pace.
Recovery after surgery
Returning to daily life step by step
Most sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed laparoscopically, which may support a shorter recovery compared with traditional open surgery. Patients are encouraged to follow the advice of their consultant regarding activity, nutrition and follow-up appointments.
Hospital stay
Many patients stay in hospital for one or two nights, depending on individual recovery and medical advice.
Diet progression
Food is gradually reintroduced, beginning with liquids before progressing to soft foods and eventually a balanced long-term diet.
Physical activity
Gentle walking is usually encouraged early after surgery, with activity increasing gradually under professional guidance.
Follow-up care
Regular appointments help monitor weight loss, nutrition, vitamin intake and overall progress during recovery.
Candidate assessment
Who may be suitable for sleeve gastrectomy?
Suitability is assessed individually following a detailed medical consultation. Your bariatric specialist will review your health, medical history, BMI and previous attempts at weight management before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
BMI Assessment
Body Mass Index is one of several factors considered when determining whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate.
Medical History
Existing health conditions, previous treatments and current medications are reviewed before surgery is recommended.
Lifestyle Commitment
Successful long-term outcomes require commitment to healthy nutrition, physical activity and regular medical follow-up.
Personalised Advice
Every patient receives an individual assessment to identify the safest and most appropriate treatment plan.
HSE Reimbursement
Eligible for HSE reimbursement
Irish patients may be eligible to claim reimbursement for Sleeve Gastrectomy performed in Poland under the HSE EU Cross Border Directive, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Potential reimbursement of up to €13,277*
Sleeve Gastrectomy may fall within the HSE reimbursement tariff for eligible laparoscopic bariatric procedures. Patients must meet the relevant medical and administrative criteria and follow the official Cross Border Directive process.
01
Check your eligibility
Confirm that you meet the HSE medical, referral and administrative requirements before arranging treatment.
02
Receive treatment in Poland
Undergo your Sleeve Gastrectomy with the required medical documentation and treatment records.
03
Apply for reimbursement
Submit your application and supporting documents to the HSE after the procedure, in line with the scheme rules.
Interested in Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Complete the enquiry form below to discuss the procedure, your suitability for surgery and the HSE EU Cross Border Directive reimbursement process with our patient coordinators.
*The reimbursement amount is determined by the HSE and is subject to individual eligibility, the applicable tariff and compliance with all scheme requirements. Reimbursement is not guaranteed.
