About This Surgery

This keyhole operation removes a large portion of the stomach, shaping it into a banana-like sleeve. It reduces food intake by inducing an earlier feeling of fullness and decreases hunger hormones, effectively aiding weight loss and improving health.

First performed in 1999 by Dr. Michel Gagner, the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become the world's most prevalent weight loss procedure. In the past decade, 27,000 individuals in WA have undergone this surgery, with 80% being women. Typically, it's performed on individuals aged 35 to 39, with a low complication rate of 1.3% within 90 days.

Key Facts

Expected Total Body Weight Loss:

30%+ over 1 to 3 years

Primary or Revision:

Generally Primary

Recovery Time:

2 weeks

Is robotic surgery an option?

No

Advantages

  • Effective weight loss: The procedure significantly reduces stomach size, leading to substantial and sustained weight loss.
  • Reduced Hunger: Removal of the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin helps decrease appetite.
  • Improved health outcomes: Weight loss from the surgery leads to improvements in obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnoea, and joint pain.
  • Small incisions/Minimally invasive: The surgery is performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times.
  • Preservation of the digestive tract: (no bowel bypassed): The procedure maintains the natural continuity of the digestive system, minimizing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
  • Type 2 Diabetes remission rates of 73-80% at 1 year: A high percentage of patients experience significant improvement or complete remission of type 2 diabetes within the first year post-surgery.
weight loss surgery

Disadvantages

  • Non-reversible: The removal of a large portion of the stomach is permanent and cannot be undone.
  • Potential complications: Risks include leakage from the staple line, infection, bleeding, and other surgical complications.
  • Nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins required lifelong: Patients may require lifelong supplementation of vitamins and minerals due to reduced stomach size and altered digestion.
  • Reflux possible: Some patients may experience or see an increase in gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms post-surgery.
  • Limited efficacy for some patients: A small percentage of patients may not achieve their desired weight loss goals or may experience weight regain over time.

Is this right for me?

  • BMI: BMI>30 who have tried diet, exercise and medications and have medical obesity-related diseases. Check the list of eligible medical conditions.
  • Previous weight loss attempts. Previous diet and exercise have been unsuccessful, surgery might be an option.
  • Commitment to lifestyle changes
  • Medical history, including previous surgical history will confirm if you’re suitable.
  • Risks and Benefits. The team will discuss these with you. They'll include alternative treatment options.

We recommend having an open and honest discussion with your New Me surgeon to determine if a sleeve gastrectomy is the best choice for you based on your circumstances and goals.

Surgery FAQs

How is gastric sleeve surgery different from other weight loss procedures?

Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size, while gastric bypass reroutes the digestive tract. Gastric sleeve surgery does not involve rerouting the digestive system like gastric bypass.

How does gastric sleeve surgery work?

During gastric sleeve surgery, about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the amount of food consumed, leading to weight loss. Additionally, the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin is removed, reducing appetite.

What pre-operative tests are required before having gastric sleeve surgery?

Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, patients typically undergo several pre-operative evaluations and tests. These include a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests such as DEXA Composition Scans, ultrasound or CT scans (if necessary) and consultations with our dietitian.

What are the risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?

Risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery include bleeding, infection, leaks along the staple line, blood clots, and adverse reactions to Anaesthesia. There's also a risk of long-term complications such as vitamin deficiencies and gastrointestinal issues. This is a short list. A comprehensive list of risks is discussed when you have your appointment.

How long does it take to recover from gastric sleeve surgery? When can I return to work? When can I drive?

Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery typically takes a few weeks to months. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery and can return to work and normal activities within 2-4 weeks, although full recovery may take longer. You can drive after 1 week.

What dietary changes are required after gastric sleeve surgery?

After gastric sleeve surgery, patients need to follow a specific dietary plan. This often involves consuming small, frequent meals high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. Patients are advised to avoid sugary and high-calorie foods and beverages.

Will I need to take supplements after gastric sleeve surgery?

Yes, patients will need to take supplements after gastric sleeve surgery to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Common supplements include multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12.

How much weight can I lose after gastric sleeve surgery?

Weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery varies depending on individual factors such as starting weight, adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes, and exercise habits. On average, patients can expect to lose around 70% of their excess weight ( 31% of total body weight) within the first year after surgery.

What are the long-term effects of gastric sleeve surgery?

Long-term effects of gastric sleeve surgery include sustained weight loss, improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and improved quality of life. However, patients need to adhere to dietary and lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and prevent complications.

Am I a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30-34.9 with obesity-related health conditions. Candidates should also have attempted other weight loss methods without success and be committed to making lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes. A thorough medical evaluation by New Me Surgery is necessary to determine eligibility for surgery. Many patients feel that having gastric sleeve surgery "gave them their life back."

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