Khaberni - Recent research has shown that obesity patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery are able to maintain weight loss for a period exceeding ten years; this reinforces the position of this procedure as a long-term solution for treating obesity.
According to a study conducted by researchers from the Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv, which included following 300 patients over a full decade, the surgery not only significantly reduced weight but also contributed to improving the quality of life in the long term.
The results, according to the "Daily Mail", showed that the patients were, after 10 years from surgery, approximately 25% lighter compared to their weight before the operation, while only 6% indicated a deterioration in their condition, primarily due to not achieving sufficient weight loss.
These results come at a time when weight loss surgeries are increasing; the British National Health Service recorded about 7,000 operations in 2025, an increase of approximately 1,600 operations from the previous year.
The gastric sleeve procedure involves removing between 70 to 80% of the stomach's volume, turning it into a narrow tube resembling the shape of a banana, and is mostly performed using a laparoscope through small incisions in the abdomen.
Studies indicate that patients lose between 50 to 70% of their excess weight during the first or second year after the operation, provided they commit to changing their lifestyle.
The researchers explained that the results confirm the effectiveness of the gastric sleeve in achieving significant weight loss and improving lifestyle and promoting healthy behavior in the long term.
On the other hand, experts warn of potential complications including blood clots, hernias, and gallstones, with about one death recorded for every 200 surgeries.
