Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) in Thailand: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight-loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small sleeve-shaped stomach the size of a banana. 

This reduces the stomach’s capacity, limiting food intake and promoting significant weight loss. The procedure also reduces hunger-inducing hormones, making it easier to maintain weight loss.

The main goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to help patients achieve substantial weight loss, improve health conditions related to obesity (like diabetes and hypertension), and boost overall quality of life.

Key benefits:

✅ Significant weight loss (60-70% of excess weight).

✅ Reduction of obesity-related health risks (diabetes, heart disease).

✅ Long-lasting results with proper lifestyle changes.

✅ Minimal scarring due to laparoscopic technique.

✅ Improved self-esteem and body image.

Main Types and Techniques of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Thailand offers a variety of techniques for gastric sleeve surgery, providing tailored solutions based on the patient’s needs:

1️⃣ Traditional gastric sleeve

This technique removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-like structure limiting food intake.

2️⃣ Laparoscopic gastric sleeve

Minimally invasive with small incisions, resulting in faster recovery and more minor scars.

3️⃣ Da Vinci gastric sleeve surgery

Robotic-assisted procedure offering precise control, reduced recovery time, and improved accuracy.

4️⃣ Mini gastric sleeve

A variant that removes slightly less stomach tissue. It’s ideal for those seeking a less aggressive approach while achieving substantial weight loss.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery vs. Other Weight Loss Techniques

While weight loss sleeve surgery is focused on removing a portion of the stomach to limit food intake, other weight-loss procedures like gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and liposuction address different aspects of weight loss. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Stomach Sleeve Surgery?

Many choose gastric sleeve surgery. Thailand offers top care at lower costs, making many people flock there for treatment. Yet not everyone can undergo it.

Sleeve gastrectomy is designed for individuals who are:

✅ Overweight (BMI of 30 or higher).

✅ Unsuccessful with other weight-loss methods like dieting and exercise.

✅ In good health and have no serious medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease).

Not suitable for:

❌ People under 18 years of age (as their bodies are still growing).

❌ Those with untreated eating disorders.

❌ Patients with severe health conditions that may hinder recovery.

Why Choose Restrictive Bariatric Surgery in Thailand?

Thailand continues to be a leading destination for medical tourism, drawing between 1.4 and 3 million international patients each year. The country's advanced medical facilities contribute significantly to its reputation, ensuring high standards of healthcare and expertise in surgical procedures.

1️⃣ Experienced surgeons

Thailand is a global hub for bariatric surgery, with world-class surgeons trained internationally and members of respected organizations like the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and the Thai Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (TSBMS).

2️⃣ Affordable costs

Gastric sleeve surgery in Thailand, including surgery fees, costs 60-80% less than in the US, UK, or Australia.

3️⃣ High-quality clinics

Thai clinics adhere to international standards and hold international certifications such as JCI and ISO, ensuring you receive safe and effective treatment.

4️⃣ All-Inclusive packages

Clinics offer all-inclusive packages that cover consultations, surgery, accommodation, and transfers, making it a convenient and affordable option for international patients.

How Sleeve Resection Is Performed in Thailand

1️⃣ Consultation & pre-surgery planning

The process begins with a consultation where your surgeon will assess your health, review your medical history, and perform tests (such as blood work and imaging).

It is also important to consult a specialist regarding mental health to ensure psychological readiness for the surgery.

2️⃣ Surgery

In Thailand, gastric sleeve procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped structure. The procedure is minimally invasive, with small incisions made for the laparoscopic tools.

3️⃣ Post-surgery care

After the surgery, patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for observation and initial recovery. Follow-up appointments will monitor progress and address any complications.

Results: When to Expect the Effect?

Immediate results:

You will start losing weight right after surgery, typically 1-2 weeks post-op.

Final results

Most patients achieve the final weight loss results within 6-12 months. Your weight loss will continue as your body adjusts to the smaller stomach size.

Longevity

✅ With a proper diet and regular exercise, the weight loss results can be maintained long-term.

What are the Risks and Possible Complications?

While gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, for example, A Thailand-based study proved the device works — patients lost 13.1% of their body weight in 12 months with no significant complications.

Patients can expect some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but prescribed pain medication can help manage these symptoms during recovery, ensuring a smoother healing process.

💡Potential risks include:

• Infection at the incision site.

• Nutritional deficiencies, if diet recommendations aren’t followed.

• Leakage from the sleeve, which may require revision surgery (rare).

• Blood clots or complications due to anesthesia.

📝 How to reduce risks:

• Choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

• Follow post-operative care instructions carefully.

• Attend follow-up consultations to monitor progress.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery Process in Thailand

What to Know Before Traveling to Thailand for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Visa

Most visitors can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. Check the Thai government website or ivisa.com.

Clinic stay

You will typically need to stay for 7-10 days in a reputable medical center in Thailand for consultation, surgery, and initial recovery.

Payment

Clinics accept Thai Baht, but USD and credit cards are also commonly accepted when getting a sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Thailand allows paying in Baht avoids extra fees.

Gastric Sleeve in Thailand: Packages

Many clinics in Thailand offer comprehensive packages that cover everything from consultations to post-op care.

💚 Patients often save more by booking through Bookimed rather than directly with clinics, gaining access to exclusive, limited-time deals for even greater discounts.

Typical inclusions are:

*Before booking, patients are advised to confirm directly with the clinic what is included in the treatment package.

💚 Start by visiting the Bookimed website for patient testimonials on gastric sleeve. Thailand reviews help to make sure the chosen clinic is what you expect it to be.