Shaimaa Seif and her gastric sleeve: the story in her own words

What did Shaimaa Seif say about her operation?

According to Emarat Al Youm, which reported the interview on 25 May 2024, the actress said: “I had the sleeve operation, and I made the decision knowing that people would be upset with me.” She explained why: people remembered her joking that dieting was pointless, but she had always said that her health came first.

She described how the decision came about. Her leg and knee started to hurt, especially on stairs. A second doctor told her that her legs were carrying more than they could bear, and she said that sentence made her decide. About the result she said that at first the weight went down by around 20 kilograms, then gradually by about 6 kilograms a month, and that going from a three-digit to a two-digit weight was a wonderful feeling.

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

Why her openness matters

Weight-loss surgery is still often discussed in whispers. Shaimaa Seif knew some fans would react badly and still explained her reasons publicly: pain, mobility and health rather than appearance. For people living with obesity, hearing a well-known person describe the decision calmly can make it easier to ask a doctor about options instead of postponing the conversation.

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.

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. Weight loss is fastest in the first months — as Shaimaa Seif described — and 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 Shaimaa Seif or her treatment. Her story is simply a well-known example of someone who talked openly about the operation.

Frequently asked questions

What operation did Shaimaa Seif have?

She said on MBC Masr's “Kalam El Nas” that she had a gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy). The interview was reported by Emarat Al Youm in May 2024 and later by Laha Magazine.

How much weight did Shaimaa Seif lose?

In the interview she said she had lost about 50 kilograms: roughly 20 kilograms at first and then around 6 kilograms a month.

Is a gastric sleeve safe?

It is a common laparoscopic operation, but like any surgery it has risks and contraindications. The surgeon assesses them after tests and specialist consultations before recommending it.

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.