How Long Does Gastric Sleeve Procedure Take? Surgery, Recovery & Results

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a VSG operation, is one of the most common weight loss procedures. During this surgery, around 75% of the stomach is removed vertically, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that helps you feel full faster and supports significant weight loss.

At Turkey Luxury Clinics, we help you fully understand how long gastric sleeve surgery takes, with a clear breakdown of the procedure, recovery time, and long-term results. Contact us for personalized advice and a tailored consultation for your sleeve gastrectomy journey.

How Long Does the Gastric Sleeve Procedure Take?

A gastric sleeve surgery typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete when performed laparoscopically. This duration may vary slightly based on the patient’s health condition, the surgeon’s experience, and whether additional procedures are needed during the operation.

After the surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 1–2 days under observation to ensure there are no complications. This hospital stay is not related to the actual gastric sleeve operation time — it is simply a precaution to monitor your recovery and ensure no complications arise.

Once discharged, the recovery process begins and generally lasts 2–4 weeks, depending on how well the patient follows post-operative instructions and how quickly their body heals.

The results of a gastric sleeve are designed to be long-term — often lasting for many years or even a lifetime, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stick to dietary guidelines, and attend regular follow-up appointments.

Gastric Sleeve Operation Time Breakdown

How long does weight loss surgery take? A gastric sleeve surgery usually takes 1–3 hours in total. It involves pre-operative preparation (about 30 minutes), the sleeve gastrectomy itself (60–90 minutes), and 30–60 minutes in the recovery room. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–2 days under observation before continuing recovery at home.

The day before surgery:

You’ll be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 12 hours before the procedure. This ensures that your stomach is completely empty during surgery for safety.

On the day of gastric sleeve weight loss surgery:

1. Pre-surgery paperwork and tests: You will arrive at the hospital a few hours before the scheduled operation to complete any required paperwork and undergo routine medical tests.
2. Pre-operative preparation: The surgical team will take you to a preparatory room where you will change into hospital clothing and have your vital signs checked (blood pressure, pulse, etc.). Meanwhile, the anesthesiologist will prepare the anesthesia. This step usually takes around 30 minutes.
3. Sleeve gastrectomy steps: Once you are moved to the operating room, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain. The surgeon will then perform the procedure laparoscopically, making 3 to 5 small incisions to insert a laparoscope and surgical instruments. About 75% of the stomach is removed longitudinally, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach. Finally, the incisions are closed. This step typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
4. Recovery room: After the operation, you’ll be moved to a recovery room where you will spend about 30 to 60 minutes waking up from anesthesia.
5. ICU monitoring (rare cases): Only in complicated cases will patients be moved to the ICU for additional monitoring.
6. Initial recovery in the hospital: Most patients remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for observation, especially if drainage tubes are used to prevent fluid buildup.
7. Diet during hospital stay: During these first 2 days, you will only be allowed to consume clear fluids — solid foods are not permitted. Once discharged, the recovery period continues at home with gradual diet progression.

How Long Does Recovery for Gastric Sleeve Take?

Recovery after gastric sleeve surgery happens in several stages and can vary slightly from one patient to another.

In most cases, the external incisions heal within the first 2 weeks, while returning to normal daily activities and work usually takes around 4–6 weeks.

However, the internal healing of the stomach, including the staple line, requires more time and typically takes 2–3 months.

Full recovery — including adapting to a new diet, adjusting eating habits, and regaining normal energy levels — may take several months, depending on how well the patient follows post-surgery instructions and maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Gastric Sleeve Recovery Timeline

First 2 weeks:

External incisions heal during this stage. Patients typically follow a liquid diet to allow the stomach to recover, starting with clear fluids and gradually moving to full liquids like protein shakes, broth, and milk.

2 to 4 weeks:

Patients transition from a liquid diet to pureed foods and can start light physical activities.

4 to 6 weeks:

Soft foods are introduced, and most patients are able to return to work and regular daily routines.

2 to 3 months:

The internal incisions (stomach staples) heal completely, and rapid weight loss is common, often reaching 20–35% of excess weight during this period.

Discover: can you get the gastric sleeve twice?

How Long Does Gastric Sleeve Last?

A gastric sleeve procedure is a permanent change to the size and shape of your stomach, designed to last for the rest of your life. However, maintaining the long-term results depends heavily on lifestyle choices. While the stomach remains smaller, it can stretch over time if a patient consistently overeats, which may lead to weight regain.

Several months after surgery:

During the first months, patients are expected to adopt a new lifestyle that includes a healthy, balanced diet under the guidance of a dietitian, along with regular exercise as part of daily routines.

One year after gastric sleeve:

Most patients continue to lose weight but at a slower rate. Monitoring meal portions and maintaining healthy habits are crucial to prevent stomach stretching and weight regain.

2 years after gastric sleeve:

At this stage, many patients have stabilized their weight. While some continue to lose additional weight, others may experience minor weight regain as the body adapts to the smaller stomach and the initial surgical impact decreases.

10 years after gastric sleeve:

A decade post-surgery, most patients maintain a 50–60% reduction of their excess weight. Individual results vary, and some weight regain can occur, especially if lifestyle changes are not consistently maintained.

How Long Does a Gastric Bypass Surgery Take Compared to Sleeve?

Gastric bypass surgery typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, which is longer than gastric sleeve surgery. This additional time is mainly due to the more complex nature of the bypass procedure, which involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine.

While both surgeries usually require similar hospital stays of 1–2 days, gastric bypass surgery tends to have a longer overall recovery period. Most patients return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks, similar to sleeve recovery, but dietary adjustments and energy recovery can take longer with bypass.

Interesting read: What They Don’t Tell You About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Take a Step Toward Successful Gastric Sleeve with Turkey Luxury Clinics

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Our expert team at Turkey Luxury Clinics offers personalized consultations, advanced surgical care, and full post-operative support to ensure the best results. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier life.

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