The Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The day of our gastric sleeve surgery was one of the most emotional, nerve-wracking, and ultimately life-changing days of our lives.
After months of research, the liver reduction diet, and countless conversations with our coordinators, we finally arrived at the clinic in Riga ready to take the final step.

We’d decided to have our surgeries on the same day – one after the other. Kirsten went first, and that was entirely intentional.

James has always been calm and decisive – once he makes a decision, that’s it. Kirsten, however, is naturally anxious and tends to overthink things. If James had gone in first, she would have spent the entire time imagining the worst. By going first, she’d be asleep before she had time to worry – and when she woke up, James’s surgery would already be over.

It was a small decision that made a big difference to her peace of mind. On a day like this, managing emotions is just as important as managing the medical side.

Pre-Operative Checks

The day before surgery was a full one. After checking into the hospital, we spent the day completing a series of pre-operative assessments to ensure we were healthy and ready for surgery.

These checks included:

Blood tests – To check for anaemia, liver and kidney function, and general health.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) – To confirm our hearts were healthy enough for anaesthesia.
Chest X-ray – To check for any hidden respiratory or structural issues.
Ultrasound – To evaluate the liver and gallbladder for any abnormalities.
Endoscopy – To check for reflux or stomach conditions that might affect the type of surgery.
Consultations – With both a dietitian and psychologist to assess readiness and understanding of post-op changes.

It was a long but reassuring day. The staff explained everything clearly, and we never felt rushed. It was clear that safety came first.

Meeting Our Surgeon

Later that afternoon, we met our surgeon for the final consultation.
He reviewed all our test results and confirmed that we were both suitable for surgery.

At Weight Loss Riga, every patient is initially considered for either a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, with the final decision based on endoscopy results. Because neither of us had any signs of acid reflux or digestive issues, the gastric sleeve was confirmed for both.

The surgeon explained every step of the operation in detail and answered all our questions patiently. His confidence and experience immediately put us at ease.

Our Last Meal

After completing all the checks, we were allowed one last meal before surgery.
Some patients went out for a nice restaurant meal, but we wanted something simple and familiar – so we chose McDonald’s.

Kirsten ordered a wrap, and James went for a Big Tasty. As we sat there in a clinic dedicated to weight loss, tucking into fast food, we couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of it all. It felt symbolic – like closing one chapter before starting another.

Unfortunately, the McDonald’s in Riga wasn’t quite what we were used to back home. The taste was off, and we both ended up binning most of it.

So, in the end, our “last meal” wasn’t much of a meal at all – just a funny, imperfect memory before everything changed.

The Night Before Surgery

After our meal, we headed back to our private hospital room for the night. The staff checked in on us several times, made sure we were comfortable, and reminded us not to eat or drink after midnight.

It was a quiet evening – the calm before the storm. We talked about what lay ahead, double-checked our belongings, and tried to relax. James felt ready; Kirsten felt nervous but supported.

We were both asleep by 11pm, is what i’d like to say but we didn’t sleep a wink.

The Morning of Surgery

At 6am sharp, the nurses came into the room to prepare us. We changed into our hospital gowns, had our vitals checked, and were given pre-operative medications.

Kirsten went first. She remembers the warmth of the blankets and the soft, reassuring voices of the nurses as the anaesthetic kicked in. The next thing she knew, she was waking up in recovery – tired, but safe.

While she was asleep, it was James’s turn. He remembers feeling completely calm, trusting the process, and knowing this was the right decision. His surgery lasted around 45 minutes, and by the time Kirsten was fully awake, both operations were complete.

The Procedure Itself

The gastric sleeve procedure is minimally invasive, performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.

Here’s what happens during the operation:

Anaesthesia – You’re put under general anaesthetic so you’re completely asleep.
Small incisions – Tiny openings are made in the abdomen for a camera and instruments.
Resection – About 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow “sleeve.”
Sealing – The stomach is stapled and sealed with titanium staples.
Duration – The entire procedure typically takes between 30–45 minutes.

Despite how major it sounds, it’s a smooth and precise operation – far less intimidating than you might imagine once you understand what’s happening.

Immediate Aftercare

After surgery, we were both transferred to the recovery room, where nurses monitored us closely until the anaesthetic wore off.

We each stayed in the hospital for three nights. Pain was well managed with oral medication, and the staff were amazing – checking our vitals, helping us walk, and encouraging us to sip small amounts of water regularly.

James’s biggest discomfort came from gas pain in his shoulder, caused by the air used during laparoscopic surgery – completely normal, but unpleasant. Walking helped ease it.

Kirsten felt weak and sleepy but relieved beyond words to know everything had gone well.

Those First 24 Hours

The first day is mostly about rest and observation.
You start with tiny sips of water, then progress slowly to clear liquids like broth and sugar-free jelly.

That same evening, we took our first careful walk down the hospital corridor together – holding on to each other, still groggy but smiling. It’s a moment we’ll never forget.

Our Advice for Surgery Day

From our experience, these are the things that helped most:

Plan emotionally, not just medically. The decision for Kirsten to go first reduced stress massively.
Trust the professionals. The staff do this every day – their calm is contagious.
Walk early and often. It reduces pain, helps recovery, and gives you a small sense of control.
Keep perspective. This day is the gateway to everything you’ve been working toward.
Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel scared – courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s doing it anyway.

What This Day Meant to Us

For James, surgery day was the natural next step – the reward for months of preparation and discipline.
For Kirsten, it was about courage – facing something she feared and coming through stronger.

We didn’t know it at the time, but that day changed everything.
It wasn’t just the day our stomachs were made smaller – it was the day our lives opened up again.

Please Note: This is our personal experience of gastric sleeve surgery. Every patient’s journey is different. Always follow your medical team’s guidance before and after surgery.

The Hospital Room