Gastric Sleeve
This surgery results in weight loss, ultimately achieved by preventing overeating and reducing calorie intake. Lose up to 60% of your body weight with gastric sleeve surgery!
Synonyms for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Gastric Sleeve Section (reduced stomach area)
- Surgically removed stomach section
Parietal gastrectomy
Tube gastrectomy
Stomach stapling
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
Greater curvature gastrectomy
Vertical gastroplasty
Who might prefer this procedure?
Those with intestinal conditions such as intestinal obstruction, anaemia, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiency, and protein deficiency as it will not aggravate those conditions, unlike some other procedures.
Peckish? The procedure requires fewer food restrictions after surgery, however patients will have to stick to a strict diet after surgery.
Those who prefer a laparoscopic solution.
Expected weight loss
The gastric sleeve surgery, also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery procedure. During surgery, about 85% of the existing stomach is removed leaving a portion of the stomach that is about the size and shape of a banana, or sleeve. The new capacity of the stomach ranges from about 60 to 150 cc, depending on the surgeon’s final estimation. The outlet valves and nerves to the stomach are left intact meaning that stomach function is not compromised despite the procedure.
Risks
The vertical sleeve gastrectomy does not offer as significant a weight loss as gastric bypass. Indeed there is a possibility of weight regain after surgery. Staple leakage is a very serious complication that could require hospitalisation. As with any major surgery, additional risks can include post-operative bleeding, small bowel obstruction, pneumonia and even death.
Since there is no intestinal bypass, weight loss may not be as great as other surgical procedures.
Patients with extreme BMI may need to have a second surgical procedure to reach their weight loss goals.
Patients will have to stick to a strict diet after surgery.
The procedure is not reversible.
Complications are uncommon, here are the percentages:
Gastric leakage and fistula 1.0%
Deep vein thrombosis 0.5%
Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
Post-operative bleeding 0.5%
Splenectomy 0.5%
Acute respiratory distress 0.25%
Pneumonia 0.2%, Death 0.25%
Some Other Interesting Observations
Surgery for Less Obese Patients
For obese patients with a relatively lower BMI, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is preferred, especially when conditions such as anaemia or Crohn’s disease prevent other bariatric procedures from being performed.
Patients may prefer this surgery if they are concerned about the long-term effects of bypass surgery or if they do not want a foreign object in their body as in Lap Band surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Most patients lose 60–70% of their excess weight within the first year, especially when they follow structured dietitian guidance and the recommended lifestyle program.
No. The portion of the stomach removed during surgery cannot be restored, making the gastric sleeve a non-reversible procedure.
Most Gold+ tier hospital policies cover bariatric surgery after fulfilling a 12-month waiting period. Our team can help check your eligibility and expected out-of-pocket costs.
Yes. Many patients conceive safely after surgery, but we recommend waiting 12–18 months so your weight and nutritional levels are stable.
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Location
30 Churchill Avenue Subiaco, Perth Western Australia 6008