Khaled El Sawy and his gastric sleeve: the story in his own words

What did Khaled El Sawy say about his operation?

Laha Magazine reported in February 2026 that on the YouTube programme “Mirror” the actor spoke for the first time about his sleeve gastrectomy. He said he had the sleeve and a gallbladder removal at the same time, after his health deteriorated because of gallbladder problems and his weight rose in a way he called “abnormal”, which led to depression and affected his work.

According to the magazine, he said the decision followed his doctor’s view that the sleeve was the last resort after other attempts had not brought results. He also admitted that if he had kept to a disciplined diet and regular exercise five or six years earlier, he would not have needed surgery, and said he would advise nobody to let things go that far. He said he had lost about 40 kilograms so far and was continuing the journey.

In April 2026 he returned to the subject on the programme “Maakum Mona El Shazly”. Al Ain News reported that he explained the operation was done on medical advice because of his excess weight and a herniated disc, called it a real turning point in his life, and described his routine since: a balanced diet, supplements and vitamins, regular exercise and fixed sleeping hours.

That is all we rely on here. The article does not add medical details that he did not share, and the explanations below describe sleeve gastrectomy in general, not his treatment.

Why his openness matters

El Sawy did not present the operation as an easy shortcut. He talked about fear before surgery, about the doctor’s role in the decision, and about the lifestyle changes that came after it. His advice not to wait until surgery becomes the only option is a message many doctors repeat. For people living with obesity, hearing a well-known actor describe the decision honestly can make it easier to ask a doctor about options early.

What a gastric sleeve is

A sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic operation: the surgeon works through four small punctures of 5–15 mm and removes a large part of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube-shaped “sleeve”. Smaller stomach volume means people feel full sooner and eat less.

It is one of several bariatric operations. The main options compared:

Who is it for?

Bariatric surgery is usually considered when:

• the body mass index (BMI) is above 40;
• the BMI is above 35 and there are serious weight-related conditions;
• in some cases with a lower BMI, if non-surgical approaches have not worked.

Before surgery patients have blood and urine tests, a glucose (HbA1c) test and consultations with several specialists, including an endocrinologist, a cardiologist and a psychiatrist. It is also recommended to cut fast carbohydrates and fats two to four weeks before and to stop smoking a month before. Like any operation, it has risks and contraindications, which the surgeon discusses before recommending it.

What recovery looks like

Patients are usually up and walking on the first day and stay in hospital for one to five days. The diet moves in stages over one to two months, from liquid to soft to normal food. Office work is usually possible after two to four weeks, and long trips are best planned no earlier than a month after surgery. The habits El Sawy described — regular meals, vitamins, exercise and sleep — are exactly what doctors ask patients to build after a sleeve. The final result is judged after one and a half to two years. The timeline below shows the usual stages.

1. Day of surgeryLaparoscopic operation through four small punctures under general anaesthesia.
2. Day 1Patients get up and walk; drinking starts in small sips.
3. Days 1–5Hospital stay, depending on the operation and how you feel.
4. Months 1–2Staged diet: liquid, then soft, then normal food; swimming after about 30 days.
5. Months 1–12The fastest weight loss and regular follow-up with the team.
6. 1.5–2 yearsThe final result is assessed.

Bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and SADI-S for international patients, all laparoscopically. The first consultation with the surgeon is free: the doctor looks at your weight history and health, recommends the suitable operation and names the cost, which is then fixed in the contract. A sleeve gastrectomy costs $3,600 and a gastric bypass $4,000. The team follows up with patients during the first year. More details are on the bariatric surgery page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Khaled El Sawy or his treatment. His story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about the operation.

Frequently asked questions

What operation did Khaled El Sawy have?

He said he had a sleeve gastrectomy together with gallbladder removal. He first spoke about it on the YouTube show “Mirror”, reported by Laha Magazine, and later on “Maakum Mona El Shazly”, reported by Al Ain News.

How much weight did Khaled El Sawy lose?

According to Laha Magazine, he said he had lost about 40 kilograms so far and was continuing to work on his health.

Why did Khaled El Sawy choose surgery?

He said his doctor considered the sleeve the last resort after other attempts failed, and Al Ain reported that excess weight and a herniated disc were among the reasons.

How much does a gastric sleeve cost at City Medical Centre?

A sleeve gastrectomy costs $3,600 and a gastric bypass $4,000. The final price is confirmed after the free consultation and fixed in the contract.

When can I travel home after bariatric surgery?

The hospital stay is usually one to five days, and long trips are best planned no earlier than about a month after surgery. Your coordinator helps plan the dates at the consultation.