Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Am I a Candidate for a Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

As with all weight loss surgeries, gastric sleeve surgery should only be performed on people with a BMI greater than 40, or those with a BMI over 35 with other medical co-morbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Occasionally patients with BMI under 35 may also undertake this operation; however, the balance between risk and benefit is harder to gauge. Patients who are lighter than this run the risk of losing weight but at the expense of complications that can make them worse off. Other weight loss therapies should have been tried beforehand but have been unsuccessful.

Patients with eating disorders such as binge eating or a nocturnal eating disorder, and patients who habitually graze or emotionally eat, need to seek treatments for these disorders as well, otherwise, the surgery will fail after being initially successful.

Gastric sleeve surgery is non-reversible, unlike the gastric band and gastric bypass, so should only be undertaken by well-motivated people with acceptable operating risks, who are committed to improving their health through substantial weight loss.

Candidates should be well informed about the effect the gastric sleeve will have on their lifestyle, by accepting advice on eating and exercise practices. Although the operation is permanent, the impact it has on eating and weight loss may not last, even if the side effects of surgery do (such as reflux).

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How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Causes Weight Loss

The gastric sleeve itself does not make you lose weight. Instead, it is a tool to help restrict the amount of food you eat by affecting your hunger, stomach capacity and the rate at which you consume food.

With a smaller stomach size patients have a feeling of satisfaction (satiation) or a sense that they have eaten enough (feeling ‘full’), after eating a much smaller quantity of food than usual.

Not only changing the way you consume food and the amount you can eat but removing part of the stomach alters the hormones released after eating; this prolongs appetite suppression between meals. If a patient uses their operation to eat healthy meals (i.e. low-energy) three times a day, they will use more energy than they consume and lose weight.

Effectiveness Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery In Causing Weight Loss

Studies have shown that after two years, people with a sleeve gastrectomy experience 20-35% total body weight loss.

It is impossible to predict precisely how much weight each person will lose as this depends on many factors, including chance, age, starting weight, medical illness, ability to exercise and resilience. In the end, most people get to a stage where they feel that further weight loss comes at the expense of too much effort and settle at a weight that more or less suits them.

Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Generally, the gastric sleeve requires a short hospital stay of 2–3 days, and patients find it OK to return to work by about two weeks.
The gastric sleeve allows certain important structures in the stomach such as the pyloric sphincter, to remain, thus the ‘dumping syndrome’ of the gastric bypass occurs less often.
As the gastric sleeve does not affect the small intestine, nutritional deficiencies are less likely; patients with diseases affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, can be candidates for this procedure.
A patient is less likely to experience vomiting or bowel blockage because the stomach emptying into the small intestine remains the same.
a large portion of the stomach is removed, they are less likely to have a stomach ulcer.
While the operative risks are similar to those of the gastric bypass procedure, there are lower risks of complications months or years after surgery

Drawbacks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

As with every surgery, this operation poses risks to the patient. However, the operation is invariably performed laparoscopically which means less chance of infection and much quicker recovery times. But of course, this can vary from case to case.
Patients can often suffer from issues with reflux following surgery; this usually will subside after a month or two, but each case is different. About 10% of patients will need ongoing treatment for reflux, and 2-3% will need surgical therapy for reflux or similar symptoms.
One of the main concerns is that this operation is non-reversible and doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have long-term weight loss without considerable diet and lifestyle changes. The majority of the excess weight should be lost within the first year as it’s rare for patients to lose much weight after this time. Weight can easily be regained if a patient’s diet and exercise regime aren’t correct. The stomach can stretch to a larger size following surgery.

Do you know this procedure can be performed using a surgical robot ?

This advanced technology allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision and visualisation.

Learn more about robotic surgery

FAQs

We provide tailored, patient-centred care that includes varying bariatric surgery options and follow-up care by the team to ensure that you achieve your weight loss goals. Because each patient is different, therefore each treatment plan is different, it is very difficult to provide a one size fits all cost example. For a comprehensive cost breakdown, please visit our Bariatric Surgery Costs page.

By making an appointment with one of the specialists here at UGIS, they can discuss your individual needs and provide an accurate quote of surgery costs (for both insured and uninsured patients).

A gastric sleeve is not reversible. During the procedure, around 80% of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. The removed portion cannot be restored, which means the procedure is considered permanent. While it is not reversible, a sleeve can be converted to another type of bariatric surgery if medically necessary.

Reflux, or heartburn, can occur after gastric sleeve surgery in some patients. While many people do not experience any issues, others may notice new or worsening reflux symptoms. This happens because the smaller stomach can increase pressure or change how acid moves. If you already suffer from reflux, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon, as they may recommend a different procedure, such as a gastric bypass, which can be more suitable for managing reflux.

Yes, the stomach can stretch after a gastric sleeve, but it doesn’t return to its original size. Over time, especially with frequent overeating or grazing, the stomach can adapt by slightly expanding, which may lead to increased hunger or reduced restriction. This is a gradual process and doesn’t happen overnight. Maintaining healthy portion sizes, eating mindfully, and following the post-surgery dietary guidelines are key to preventing this. If you’re concerned about weight regain or loss of restriction, it’s important to speak with your bariatric team for support and tailored advice.

A gastric sleeve changes your digestion and limits the amount of food consumed at a mealtime therefore limiting the nutrients your body can absorb. Studies undertaken on patients who have had Bariatric surgery indicate that as many as 15% will end up with neurological (nervous system) disorders if they don’t take supplementary vitamins. As a result, it is important to take multivitamins daily for the rest of your life to protect you from long-term deficiencies.

Why Choose Upper GI Surgery?

12 Months of Follow-up Appointments

Our patients benefit from having access to follow-up appointments with a Bariatric Specialist for the year after surgery, which is included in the clinic fee.

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Over 25 Years of Experience

Our Bariatric surgery expertise is second to none. We have Australian-leading experience in many procedures, including the less commonly performed complex revision and robotic surgery.

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Our Dedicated Support Team

Our welcoming and committed team is comprised of Nurses, Dietitian and Psychologist, as well as Admin support staff, making sure you are in the best hands for the duration of your treatment and the crucial aftercare period.

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Ongoing Care Program (OCP)

Our Ongoing Care Program provides continuous support, offering access to helpful resources and expert guidance to ensure you stay on track and achieve lasting success in your weight loss journey.

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Bariatric Centre of Excellence

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) accreditation is achieved by providing the highest quality of care to patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

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Bariatric Surgery Registry (BSR) Leading Contributors

We have contributed data since the BSR was first available in NSW and are pleased to report that our audit results are excellent. Audit is part of the “quality mindset” driving us towards excellence.

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What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most popular obesity treatment procedures worldwide.

Am I a Candidate for a Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Download Our Gastric Sleeve Surgery Information Booklet

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Causes Weight Loss

The gastric sleeve itself does not make you lose weight. Instead, it is a tool to help restrict the amount of food you eat by affecting your hunger, stomach capacity and the rate at which you consume food.