Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Learn more about gastric sleeve surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital

We know taking the first steps towards weight loss surgery can be intimidating and confusing.  Here you can find out more about our London weight loss surgery specialists and find out if this treatment is the right option for you. On this page King Edward VII’s Hospital London bariatric consultants answer your questions about the procedure.

Why would I need gastric sleeve surgery?

Sleeve gastrectomy is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: heart disease, High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer & infertility. The surgery reduces the size of you stomach which means you’ll get full faster.The procedure also prompts hormonal changes that assist with weight loss.

What symptoms does gastric sleeve surgery address?

This procedure can lead to significant weight loss and help improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

When should you speak to your specialist about gastric sleeve surgery?

You should speak to a specialist if you are struggling to lose weight and have tried other forms of weight loss strategies, such as dieting and exercise and weight loss medicines (as advised by your doctor) and/or have a BMI of 40 or above.

How is gastric sleeve surgery performed?

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you may be required to start a physical activity program and to stop any tobacco use. Right before your procedure, you may have restrictions on eating and drinking and which medications you can take.

Sleeve gastrectomy is typically performed laparoscopically, which involves inserting small instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen.

You are given general anaesthesia before your surgery begins. To perform a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon creates a narrow sleeve by stapling the stomach vertically and removing the larger, curved part of the stomach.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours.

What is the recovery for gastric sleeve surgery?

Most people recover fairly quickly from a gastric sleeve and feel ready to go back to normal activities after a few weeks. After sleeve gastrectomy, your diet begins with sugar-free, noncarbonated liquids for the first seven days, and then progresses to pureed foods for three weeks and finally to regular foods approximately four weeks after your surgery.

You may experience changes as your body reacts to the rapid weight loss in the first three to six months after sleeve gastrectomy, including: body aches, feeling tired, feeling cold, dry skin, air thinning and hair loss and mood changes

Are there any risks/complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?

As with any major surgery, sleeve gastrectomy poses potential health risks, both in the short term and long term.

Risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy can include:
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks from the cut edge of the stomach

Longer term risks and complications of sleeve gastrectomy surgery can include:
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Hernias
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Vomiting

Are there alternatives?

If you’re struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise, then a gastric sleeve may be the best option for you. There are other bariatric surgical options including: Intra-gastric balloon, gastric bypass or gastric band.