Bariatric surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed with the aim of helping the patient lose weight. Some procedures work by changing the functioning of your digestive system, while others limit the amount of food you can eat. These procedures are suitable when diet and exercise programs have not worked in promoting weight loss. 

At the Nairobi Bariatric Centre, we offer gastric sleeve and bypass surgery along with other non-surgical solutions to help you sustainably achieve your weight loss goals.

Gastric Sleeve

This is a type of bariatric surgery which induces weight loss through the restriction of food intake. It was initially intended to be a first-stage procedure for super obese patients but is now commonly used as a destination solution for weight loss.  Although it is non-reversible, it is extremely safe making it suitable for high-risk patients looking for an alternative weight loss option i.e those with anaemia or Crohn’s disease.

It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed laparoscopically by a qualified surgeon. The entire operation lasts between 40-70 minutes and requires you to stay overnight at the hospital for only two days. Although the recovery period differs between patients, some patients of the Nairobi Bariatric Centre report a full recovery within 2 weeks. 

Who Is Eligible for the Gastric Sleeve?

This form of weight loss surgery is suitable for:

• Female patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 35
• Male patients with a BMI higher than 34
• Patients with diabetes mellitus and a BMI higher than 30 

If your BMI is lower than 30 and you are unhappy with your current weight, the gastric sleeve is still an option for you. In the event that you have recently lost weight, your previous BMI will be considered when approving you for surgery.

How Does the Gastric Sleeve Support Weight Loss?

During the procedure, your surgeon will remove approximately 75% of your stomach by stapling and vertically dividing it. As a result, your stomach will take the shape of a tube or sleeve that holds less food. The gastric sleeve procedure does not alter the functioning of the stomach; Instead, it causes the organ to operate at reduced capacity resulting in weight loss.

Gastric sleeve promotes weight loss through: 

• A reduction in the stomach volume which causes you to feel full quicker 
• Hormonal changes: Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is secreted less resulting in you feeling satiated longer

This procedure also causes improvements in or complete recovery from obesity-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Back Pain.

Is Gastric Sleeve Available in Kenya?

The gastric sleeve is available in Kenya at the Nairobi Bariatric Centre and is performed by highly qualified and experienced local and international surgeons. 

We offer the Gastric Sleeve procedure at Ksh. 850,000 which is inclusive of: 

• Consultation with the surgeon and anaesthesiologist 
• Bariatric surgery 
• Anaesthesia 
• Hospital stays of up to 2 days with 24-hour medical care in a private room 
• Pre & Post-bariatric diet 
• Free dietetic follow-up for 5 years 

Gastric Bypass

This is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure and is available in Kenya at the Nairobi Bariatric Centre. It promotes weight loss in two ways, restricting the intake of food and reducing the absorption of calories consumed. It is also used to successfully treat obesity-related diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

The Gastric Bypass is a minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery period, performed by a bariatric surgeon using the laparoscopic method. It lasts around 90 minutes and you will be required to stay at the hospital for 2 nights purely for observations.

There are two major types of gastric bypass surgery each with its unique way of supporting weight loss goals: 

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 
• Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD)

At Nairobi Bariatric Centre, we offer the Roux-en-Y procedure for patients who: 

• Have a BMI of 35 and above with or without associated health conditions
• Have a BMI of 30-35 with associated health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. 

How is the Roux-en-Y carried out?

The gastric surgeon will separate your stomach into two sections which creates the restrictive element: a small pouch and the larger remaining part. The pouch will serve as the new stomach that receives the food while the remaining section will continue to secrete digestive juices. 

The small intestines will also be divided into two sections which creates the malabsorptive element. The lower part (jejunum) will be surgically connected to the small pouch while the other end will be sewn back at a specific point further down the small intestine. This process creates a shape resembling a Y.

Gastric bypass supports weight loss in two ways: 

• Reducing the size of the stomach which limits the amount of food intake 
• Bypassing a portion of the small intestine which limits the absorption of foods in the intestinal tract.

Due to a decrease in the absorption of calories and nutrients, patients who undergo bypass surgery are likely to experience nutritional deficiencies. Our surgeons and doctors at Nairobi Bariatric Centre will help you develop a healthy lifestyle and eating habits which will minimise this risk.

The Gastric Bypass procedure is offered at Nairobi Bariatric Centre at Ksh. 850,000 and is inclusive of: 

• Consultation with the surgeon and anaesthesiologist 
• Bariatric surgery 
• Anaesthesia
• Hospital stay (2 days) with 24-hour medical care in a private room
• Pre & post-bariatric diet 
• Free dietetic follow-up for 5 years

In Summary

Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve are two types of weight-loss surgery that are offered at the Nairobi Bariatric Centre. For your peace of mind, our doctors and surgeons will be with you at every step of your journey towards weight loss. With smart food choices, regular exercise, and good eating habits, patients who undergo any of these procedures will enjoy and maintain a healthy weight.