Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight loss surgery where 80% to 90% of the stomach is removed, resulting in a new stomach volume of approximately half a cup (100-150ml). 

The procedure involves the surgeon removing part of the stomach, using state-of-the-art robotic technology to make 3 to 5 small incisions in the lower abdominal area then sutured back up into a small tubular, or sleeve shape, with staples. In this way, a new, small stomach has less capacity for food, meaning you will eat less and the ultimate result is significant weight loss.

Anyone who has struggled with their weight and has a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more is a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.

Typically, if you are aged between 18 to 65 and are around 45 kilograms or more above a standard healthy weight, then you may be an ideal candidate.

The portion of stomach removed produces ghrelin (a hormone that makes you feel hungry). This leads to a drop of these levels in your body and a loss in your appetite.

As a consequence of a reduction in ghrelin levels and a smaller stomach, you don’t feel hungry, and when you do eat, you can only eat small volumes. This ultimately leads to weight loss. On average, you will lose between 60-70% of your excess weight.

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The benefits of weight loss with gastric sleeve surgery also have an instrumental effect on your overall physical and mental health.

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Diseases, such as diabetes, fatty liver, and sleep apnoea, can become more manageable or diminish completely over time. As weight decreases, so does the likelihood of getting cancers, stroke, or blood pressure problems. Some clients have reported their previous issues of gout, urinary incontinence and acid reflux have been alleviated with gastric sleeve surgery.

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As you will be intaking less food, and therefore less nutrition, you may need to take a vitamin supplement for an extended period of time. It is important to visit your GP for regular check-ups to ensure you are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals.

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It’s also important to consider the mental and emotional impacts of gastric sleeve surgery.

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Gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick fix and should be undertaken with support from family, friends, and healthcare providers to ensure you have sufficient support before, during and after your procedure.

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Coupled with long-term healthy food and beverage choices, patients can maintain a long-lasting healthy weight and BMI.

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As with any procedure, it's always important to consider the pros and cons.

Some of the specific complications of gastric sleeve include:

• Staple-line leak (1-2%) – this may occur within the first two weeks after surgery. The stomach contents can leak into the abdomen due to failure of the staple line to heal.  Further surgery/procedures may be necessary as well as a prolonged hospital stay.

• Stricture/stenosis (1-2%) – a narrowing may occur halfway down the sleeve.  This can occur several months after the operation. This may require stretching up with a balloon, or placement of a stent (tube) within the sleeve, and removal 4 weeks later. Occasionally, revisional surgery may be required.

• Acid reflux – you may get symptoms of heartburn.  Most times, this can be treated with medications. Revisional surgery is sometimes necessary.

• Nutritional deficiencies – even though you will need to take multivitamin supplements, you can become low in certain vitamins or minerals. Additional supplementation may be necessary. You will require lifelong follow-up and blood tests to monitor for potential deficiencies.

• Port site pain – particularly on the right side of the abdomen (associated with removal of stomach). This may last for several weeks after surgery.

Your surgeon will provide you with instructions before your surgery.

To prepare for the procedure, you'll need to follow a specific diet prior to surgery. This strict diet will reduce your calorie intake as well as carbohydrates and you will primarily eat lean protein, vegetables, and low- or no-calorie fluids. In addition, you may be required to go on a meal shake replacement diet.

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There are two reasons for this:

1. To shrink your liver so your surgeon has easier access to your stomach

2. To ensure the best success of surgery

You will be expected to lose a certain amount of weight prior to your surgery.

Yes. If you don’t follow the advice of the medical team, gastric sleeve surgery can fail. Gastric sleeve surgery is a tool for weight loss and not a ‘magic cure’.

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Failure can mean not achieving or being able to maintain around 60-70% of the weight loss over an 18 to 24 month period.

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There are several factors for failure and one of these is the failure of patients being able to adapt to the new lifestyle. With the support of your surgeon, local healthcare providers (e.g. GP) and if necessary, a psychologist or counsellor, the possibility of failure is reduced. It's important you have sufficient support to ensure long-term success.

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Gastric sleeve is a very successful method of combatting obesity, and the success rate is over 70%. 

However, if you follow your surgeon’s instructions and make healthy food choices you should have good long-term results and be able to maintain a healthy weight.