What happens during gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure where most of your stomach is removed, reducing its capacity by up to 90%. It includes the part of the stomach that produces the hormone that affects appetite. As such, your appetite is reduced – as is the amount of food you can eat.
The process itself is called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. 'Laparoscopic' means 'keyhole' – and is where the surgeon makes several small cuts in your stomach. A telescope with a camera will be inserted, along with several small medical instruments which are used to carry out the procedure.
If you’re having a total gastrectomy, much of your stomach is removed and the remainder is stapled into the 'sleeve' shape that gives the procedure its name. Your surgeon will also seal blood vessels connected to the part of the stomach that is removed. Once the procedure is complete, the small cuts will be closed using stitches.
How is it different to a gastric bypass?
Both procedures are forms of weight loss surgery which can help you hit your long-term goals. It's often said, though, that a gastric bypass is more complicated.
In a sleeve gastrectomy, part of your stomach is removed in a one-step procedure – and it's as simple as that. Gastric bypass surgery, however, involves two steps. The first is the removal of a part of your stomach and small intestine, while the second is to reconnect the two.
What is the difference between a total and a partial gastrectomy?
A gastric sleeve can either be total or partial, depending on you and your specific situation. A total gastrectomy is the most likely option you'll be given, and it involves the total removal of the stomach (apart from the remaining sleeve).
In comparison, only part of the stomach is removed in a partial gastrectomy. This is most likely to be carried out if you have a condition such as an ulcer or growth which needs removed.
What are the pros and cons of bariatric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery can completely transform your health and overall quality of life. Most of our patients are successful in losing weight after the procedure. In the UK, research shows the average excess weight loss rate for gastric sleeve patients is 61.5% after 12 months.
Losing a significant amount of weight can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. It can also give you more energy and freedom to enjoy the things you want to do. Not only that – a gastric sleeve can help to treat and reduce the impact of illnesses and medical conditions linked to obesity.
But you should always weigh up the benefits against the risks. This form of weight loss surgery is permanent and irreversible, so you can't change your mind once the procedure is performed. And, as with any surgery, there are some potential risks, which we will discuss with you before you make your decision whether to go ahead with treatment.
How much weight can you lose after gastric sleeve surgery?
How much weight you can lose depends on a variety of factors. According to the NHS, more people tend to lose weight faster with a gastric sleeve or bypass than with a gastric band. That is backed up by research from the National Bariatric Surgery Registry, which found the average excess weight loss after 12 months with a gastric sleeve to be 61.5%.
In comparison, the figure for a gastric band in the period between 2013 and 2018 was 38.3%.
The amount of weight you could lose with a gastric sleeve will vary from person to person. It'll also reflect the amount of effort that you put into changing your lifestyle and eating habits.
BMI for gastric sleeve: To be a suitable candidate, what should mine be?
It's important to remember that a sleeve gastrectomy is a serious operation. But it can also be an effective solution for people who suffer with obesity and have already tried other methods of diet and exercise to no avail. We can let you know if you're suitable during your free consultation.
As a guide, however, the operation could be an option if your BMI is 35 or higher. A gastric sleeve may also be suitable if you suffer from a health condition linked to obesity, such as hypertension.
How long will I be in hospital after private gastric sleeve surgery?
You'll normally stay in one of our specialist hospitals for 2-3 nights after surgery. Rest assured, though, that our team offer exceptional standards of patient care and all of our clinical facilities are registered with the Care Quality Commission.
What is the typical gastric sleeve recovery time?
The overall recovery time will vary, based on you and your unique circumstances. Many of our patients can feel comfortable walking a day or two after the surgery. You could return to work within a few weeks too. But there's no set gastric sleeve stomach healing time, and it's always best to always follow the advice of your expert weight loss surgeon.
What can I eat after my operation?
A gastric sleeve is designed to reduce portion sizes, rather than restricting specific food types. There are fewer types of food you'll need to avoid afterwards, especially in comparison with gastric bypass surgery, although some patients may struggle with certain textures like bread or red meat. Our experienced dietitians will let you know what to eat after your surgery to make sure you're getting all the essential vitamins and minerals you need. We'll also advise you about your short-term gastric sleeve diet after surgery, including solid foods and liquid intake during your aftercare period. It's essential that you stick to the diet your specialist advises or you may not achieve the desired results after the operation.
Is drinking alcohol after gastrectomy surgery OK?
For at least the first four weeks after your operation, we advise that you avoid drinking alcohol. After this, you should be mindful that your tolerance is likely to reduce. While consuming small quantities of alcohol one month after a gastric sleeve is OK, it's likely you'll absorb alcohol into your bloodstream more quickly than you did before.
What is Dumping Syndrome?
Dumping Syndrome or rapid gastric emptying – is one of the potential risks of gastric sleeve surgery. But it's also relatively common following bariatric procedures that bypass the majority of the stomach.
It describes symptoms when food moves too quickly through the stomach and is 'dumped' into the small intestine. Just 1% of patients find their symptoms are hard to manage, however, and the sensation often occurs less as time passes.
You'll be fully supported by one of our specialist dietitians after your surgery. This helps ensure that side effects like malnutrition and Dumping Syndrome are avoided as far as possible.
How much is a gastric sleeve?
Each patient we help comes to us with different needs. That's why our team creates a bespoke treatment plan that reflects this. It'll be in tune with your weight loss goal and lifestyle dreams. As such, it'll affect how much private gastric sleeve surgery and your aftercare will cost. Don't let this worry you, though - you can use our price check to learn how much your procedure could be. Whatever the figure is, we also have various payment choices.
Is there a gastric sleeve diet to follow post-surgery?
Yes, you’ll need to follow a gastric sleeve diet after your procedure. As 75% of your stomach is removed, naturally your appetite and the portion sizes you can manage to eat will reduce. One of our expert dietitians will advise you on your diet after gastric sleeve surgery, including your food and liquid intake throughout the length of your aftercare. They’ll be able to give you detailed information on what to eat and any foods to avoid after sleeve gastrectomy to ensure you get the desired results following your surgery.
