Patients' most frequent questions before and after the procedure, addressed with medical rigour and transparency — key figures drawn from the scientific literature.
The surgical sleeve consists of permanently removing about 75 to 80% of the stomach, laparoscopically with abdominal incisions. The Endosleeve achieves a comparable reduction in gastric volume but endoscopically: no incision, no removal. The stomach is preserved in its entirety.
The procedure is performed under light general anaesthesia, so it is completely painless. In the following 24 to 48 hours, some patients may feel moderate abdominal discomfort or nausea, which quickly subsides with appropriate treatment.
The Endosleeve procedure lasts on average between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of sutures to place. The hospital stay is very short: outpatient in most cases, or a single night of observation in a private room.
Most patients resume their normal activities within 2 to 3 days according to the MERIT study published in The Lancet. A return to intensive sport is generally possible after 2 to 3 weeks, following the physical-activity coach's recommendations.
According to the MERIT study (The Lancet, 2022), patients lose on average 49% of their excess weight at 12 months, i.e. 13.6% of total body weight. At 2 years, 68% of the loss is maintained. In high-volume centres, the results observed are generally around 18 to 20% of total body weight loss — in line with the standards of structured programmes. The benefits go beyond weight: significant improvement in diabetes, hypertension, hepatic steatosis and sleep apnoea.
The Endosleeve is considered a potentially reversible procedure. It removes no portion of the stomach and relies solely on internal sutures. If needed, the sutures can be loosened, cut or removed endoscopically — without further surgery — but this is assessed case by case.
Follow-up is one of the programme's major strengths. It is organised over 12 months with regular medical consultations with Dr. Sitte, nutritional support (a 4-phase protocol), tailored physical-activity coaching, a weekly review and availability 7 days a week. This structured support plays a central role in the durability of the results.
The price of the complete programme is presented to you at the initial consultation with Dr. Sitte. This programme includes far more than the procedure alone: pre-operative work-up, procedure, hospital stay, and the entire multidisciplinary follow-up over 12 months.
A gradual dietary protocol is set up over 4 phases: liquid diet (1-2 weeks), then puree and soft foods (2 weeks), gradual reintroduction of suitable solid foods, and finally a balanced long-term diet. The team's dietitian/nutritionist supports you at every step with a personalised plan.
The most common side effects are transient: nausea, abdominal pain, occasional vomiting. They generally disappear within 30 to 60 days. More serious complications are rare and managed immediately thanks to the hospital setting of the CHEM.
If the sutures loosen or the sleeve dilates over time, Dr. Sitte can perform a tightening procedure using the same endoscopic technique. And because no part of the stomach has been removed, resorting to conventional bariatric surgery remains perfectly possible if the indication warrants it.
The Endosleeve is not indicated for pregnant women, people with an active eating disorder (anorexia, binge-eating disorder), or patients with active gastric ulcers or severe erosive gastritis. The full pre-operative work-up rules out any absolute contraindication.
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