How to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Home > Blog > Obesity

How to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
  • 27/01/2026
  • Obesity

How to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Obesity has become an increasingly common disease in modern life. The decline in food quality has negatively affected people’s metabolism. As a result, the fight against obesity has intensified, and physicians have continued to improve methods aimed at restoring patients’ health. Among obesity surgery options, gastric sleeve surgery has become one of the most preferred procedures.

Why? Because it provides more permanent results compared to other obesity treatment methods. Today, access to information is as easy as access to food. People are more conscious and research-oriented; they know that not every method works and are not easily convinced by unrealistic promises.

Although gastric sleeve surgery is known to deliver successful outcomes, there is also a scientific aspect to consider. The success of the procedure is not limited to the surgical operation alone. Preoperative preparations and medical evaluations directly affect both the safety of the surgery and long-term weight loss success.

So, what preparations are required before gastric sleeve surgery, and which medical evaluations do patients undergo? Here are the details.


Why Is Preoperative Preparation Important for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is not a simple procedure. Patients are carefully prepared for surgery based on their overall health condition. The main goals of the preoperative preparation process are to determine whether the patient is suitable for surgery, identify potential health risks in advance, minimize surgical complications, and prepare the patient physically and psychologically for the postoperative period.

Therefore, the preparation phase is just as critical as the surgery itself.


Medical Evaluations Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before gastric sleeve surgery, patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary medical team.

1. Internal Medicine and Endocrinology Evaluation
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances are assessed.
The impact of metabolic diseases on surgery is evaluated.

2. Cardiology Examination
An ECG and, if necessary, an echocardiogram (ECHO) are performed.
Cardiovascular health is assessed for surgical suitability.

3. Pulmonology Evaluation
Pulmonary function tests are conducted.
The risk of sleep apnea is investigated.

4. General Surgery and Anesthesia Consultation
The surgeon plans the operation.
The anesthesiologist evaluates the patient’s suitability for general anesthesia.

5. Psychological Evaluation
The patient’s readiness for postoperative lifestyle changes is assessed.
Eating disorders and psychiatric conditions are evaluated.


Preoperative Diet and Nutritional Preparation

As mentioned in our previous article, the preparation diet is the liver-shrinking diet. You can click here to read that article => https://www.drmahmutdogan.com/en/blog/what-is-the-liver-shrinking-diet

Before surgery, most patients follow a liver-shrinking diet aimed at reducing liver fat, improving surgical visibility, and lowering surgical risks.

The duration of this diet varies from patient to patient and typically lasts 7–14 days or 3–4 weeks.


Preoperative Tests

Before gastric sleeve surgery, the following tests are commonly requested:

  • Blood tests

  • Endoscopy

  • Ultrasound

  • Chest X-ray

  • Advanced imaging methods when necessary

These examinations help ensure a safe and well-planned surgery.


What Patients Should Know Before Surgery

  • Gastric sleeve surgery is a starting point, not a miracle solution

  • Long-term success requires permanent dietary and lifestyle changes

  • Doctor and dietitian follow-up is an essential part of the process

If you are ready to take this life-changing step, we are here for you with over 10 years of experience and thousands of satisfied international patients.
For more information, feel free to contact us.

Body Mass index