What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common type of bariatric surgery in Australia. It is surgery for weight loss that involves the removal of a large part of the stomach. After the surgery, you will feel full after eating a small amount of food.
The surgery also makes you feel less hungry, because a smaller stomach will produce lower levels the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for the sensation of hunger.
What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?
A sleeve gastrectomy has a lower risk of complications than a gastric bypass, another type of bariatric surgery. The type of bariatric surgery you are recommended depends on your health conditions and how much weight you are aiming to lose. You should speak with your doctor about what is best for you.
Losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery can help:
control type 2 diabetes
lower blood pressure
improve heart health
improve your quality of life
When might I consider gastric sleeve surgery?
You might consider gastric sleeve surgery if you have tried to lose weight by dieting and doing exercise and have not reached a healthy weight.
Bariatric surgery is usually recommended if other weight loss options are not successful.
Your doctor might suggest gastric sleeve surgery to help with weight loss if you have:
a body mass index over 40
a body mass index over 35 with other serious health problems like diabetes or heart disease
How do I prepare for gastric sleeve surgery?
If you are considering surgery, your doctor will refer you for tests to make sure that gastric sleeve surgery is right for you. You may be asked to attend an information session to learn more about the surgery and what to expect afterwards.
Smoking affects your recovery after surgery and can increase your risk of experiencing complications. If you are a smoker, it’s strongly recommended to quit at least 6 weeks before you have gastric sleeve surgery.
To lower your risk of complications, it’s recommended to eat a very limited diet for several weeks before having surgery. Your doctor will tell you more about any changes you need to make to medicines and your diet in the weeks or days before surgery.
What can I expect during gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic. It is usually done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery and takes 60 to 90 minutes.
The surgeon will use a stapling device to create a small tube (‘sleeve’) in the stomach, and then remove the rest of the stomach.