Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is one of the most requested procedures we arrange — and one of the most life-changing. It's also major surgery, which means it deserves a clear-eyed look at the full journey, not just the headline price.
Who is actually a good candidate
Most accredited surgeons follow international criteria: a BMI over 35, or over 30 with an obesity-related condition like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. A responsible clinic will review your medical history and may request additional tests before confirming you're a safe candidate — anyone who skips this step is a red flag.
What the week in-country actually looks like
- Day 1: Arrival, blood work and final consultation with your surgeon
- Day 2: Surgery — typically 1-1.5 hours, laparoscopic (keyhole)
- Day 2-4: Hospital recovery and monitoring
- Day 5-6: Hotel recovery, liquid diet, short walks
- Day 7: Final check-up and clearance to fly home
The diet progression matters more than people expect
You'll move through liquids, purées and soft foods over several weeks before returning to solid food — this isn't optional, and skipping stages risks complications. A good programme sends you home with a written, week-by-week plan, not a vague "eat sensibly" instruction.
Long-term success depends on support, not just the surgery
The sleeve is a tool, not a fix — patients who keep in touch with a dietician and attend follow-up calls see meaningfully better long-term results than those who go it alone after flying home. Ask any provider exactly what aftercare support continues once you land back home.
What we build into every bariatric plan
Every HealVoyage bariatric patient gets a pre-op medical review, in-hospital monitoring, a structured diet plan to take home, and scheduled follow-up calls with a dietician for months after surgery — not just the operation itself.