Sleeve Gastrectomy: Inside the Operating Room
Can sleeve gastrectomy be done through only 3 ports at 134 kg?
Yes. Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi performed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through only 3 ports for a 134 kg patient. It depends on liver size and fat inside the abdomen, and the same part of the stomach is removed with less pain and fewer scars.
What the photo shows
The photo shows the abdomen of a 134 kg patient during sleeve surgery with only three ports (trocars): one for the camera and two for the surgeon’s instruments. The entire operation is done through these three openings, from freeing the stomach to cutting and stapling it and removing the excised part.
Why 3 ports instead of 5?
A standard sleeve usually uses 4 to 5 ports, including one to lift the liver. When the patient’s build and liver size allow, an experienced surgeon can complete the operation through only three, reducing abdominal-wall pain and the number of scars without any change to how the stomach is cut.
Reduced-port sleeve at 134 kg
It might seem that higher weights always need more ports, but what really decides the number is liver size, fat inside the abdomen and how clear the view is. That is why a low-calorie diet may be advised before surgery to shrink the liver, and the final decision is made during surgery based on what is safest.
Recovery after a 3-port sleeve
Patients start walking within hours of surgery, then clear fluids and the eating stages with the dietitian. With fewer wounds, most return to desk work within about one to two weeks, while keeping up with vitamins and follow-up.
The journey, step by step
- Assessment
Pre-operative tests at 134 kg and assessment for a reduced-port sleeve.
- Preparation
A pre-operative diet to shrink the liver, as the doctor advises.
- 3-port sleeve
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through only three ports.
- First days
Early walking, clear fluids and monitoring in hospital.
- Follow-up
Eating stages with the dietitian, vitamins and blood tests.
Reducing the number of ports is possible even at higher weights when the abdomen and liver size allow, and for the patient it means less pain and fewer scars. But we never trade safety or an accurate sleeve shape for the number of incisions. Results vary from patient to patient.
This story reflects one patient's experience. Your result depends on your starting weight, health, the chosen procedure and your commitment after surgery. Only a personal medical evaluation can tell you what to expect.
An operating-room photo from Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi’s bariatric and laparoscopic surgery center in Jordan during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for a 134 kg patient through only 3 ports instead of the usual 4–5. A reduced-port sleeve depends on liver size and fat distribution, and removes the same part of the stomach (about 80–85%) with less pain and fewer scars.
Frequently asked questions
How many incisions does sleeve gastrectomy usually need?
A standard laparoscopic sleeve usually uses 4 to 5 small incisions, which can be reduced to 3 or 2 in suitable cases.
Does the number of ports affect weight loss?
No. Weight loss depends on the size of the sleeve and following the nutrition plan, not on the number of incisions.
What are the ports visible in the photo?
They are thin tubes (trocars) placed through small cuts for the camera and the surgeon’s instruments; they are removed at the end and the wounds are closed.
Does high body weight always need more ports?
Not always. The key factors are liver size and fat inside the abdomen, and a pre-operative diet can help shrink the liver.
When can I go back to work after sleeve gastrectomy?
Usually within one to two weeks for desk work, a little longer for physical jobs. For an assessment, send your details via WhatsApp +962 79 570 2800.
