Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is designed to help people with obesity lose weight by reducing the size of their stomach. This surgical procedure involves the removal of around 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped tube or pouch. The surgery restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and alters the production of certain hormones related to hunger.
This results in patients feeling fuller after a smaller amount of food, as well as a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and better weight management.
Types of gastric sleeve weight loss surgery
Types of weight loss surgery include:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – this procedure is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, which involve making several small incisions rather than a large open incision
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy – surgical staplers or sutures are used to divide and close off the larger portion of the stomach to create a long, vertical pouch or sleeve
Endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – is a minimally invasive procedure that involves reducing the size of the stomach using an endoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a camera and surgical instruments. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, it does not require incisions on the abdomen and is performed entirely through the mouth and oesophagus.
Some patients may be better suited to other weight loss treatments such as mini gastric bypass surgery. This involves reducing the size of your stomach and rerouting the digestive system via the small intestine, allowing food to bypass a part of your stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.
Weight loss surgery, Barlborough – “great quality care”
“I came here for a Sleeve Gastrectomy with the great Dr. Peter Vasas. My surgery went smoothly and I had the most amazing support from staff before and after. I couldn’t remember everyone’s name but Kerry, Jane, Atila and either Ava/Amy (theatre staff) were all amazing. Every staff member I spoke to was so kind and caring. I couldn’t commend this hospital more for being so well organised, hygienic, well staffed and great quality care. The private room I had was perfect, had everything I needed in it and I slept very comfortably. Would recommend having a general or orthopaedic surgery here to anyone who needed it. Thank you so much all of you!”
Isobel Brown-Lee, Google review
Sleeve gastrectomy requirements – who is it for?
Bariatric gastric sleeve surgery is performed to help people lose weight and reduce the risk of weight-related health conditions such as; type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, strokes and cancer.
Criteria requirements can vary, but usually include:
a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40
a BMI between 35 and 40 in conjunction with an obesity-related health problem
several failed attempts of weight loss using traditional methods (diet and exercise)
commitment to life-long lifestyle changes to eating habits and physical activity
fitness to undertake major surgery.
There may be additional considerations such as age, general health and psychological assessment involved. Before surgery, you should have a full assessment to make sure it’s the right decision for you.
Sleeve gastrectomy success rates and benefits
In addition to weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy can result in wide ranging benefits for health and wellbeing.
Sleeve gastrectomy results and benefits include:
significant weight loss of around 50 to 70% of excess weight
better overall health
improved symptoms of obesity-related conditions
improved energy levels and mobility
reduced risk of heart disease
improved mental health
better sleep and improvement of sleep apnea
improved fertility
longer life span
reduced dependency on certain medications.
Sleeve gastrectomy complications and risks
While sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered a safe and effective weight loss procedure, like any surgery, it comes with potential complications and risks.
For example:
excessive bleeding, infection or blood clots
1-2% risk of leakage due to the long staple line of the gastric tube 1
stricture of the stomach
vitamin and mineral deficiencies
anaesthesia risks
gallstones
hernias
acid reflux
excess skin due to rapid weight loss
nausea.
Your surgeon will talk through all of the possible complications with you before you agree to be treated. If you experience any negative or worrying side effects, it’s important to contact your medical team straight away.
Hear from a past patient
“I feel lucky that I have taken this big step on my health journey…I’m most looking forward to keeping up with my teenagers and feeling back to myself again. I’m so grateful to the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough for their care and kindness throughout my journey.”
Amy, Gastric sleeve patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
A Sleeve Gastrectomy at Practice Plus Group has a fixed price of £8,399. Plus £95 for the initial consultation which includes a pre-operative assessment and any necessary tests.
NHS waiting times for gastric sleeve surgery can vary depending on your location. Waits can range from several months to over a year.
At Practice Plus Group, we’re proud to offer short waiting times to our patients..
What to expect
Unsure about how the procedure will go? We detail below the ins and outs of gastric sleeve surgery.
Preparing for surgery
Before surgery, you will be booked in for an initial consultation. You’ll meet your dedicated surgeon and anaesthetist and have any necessary tests, including x-rays and blood tests. This is your opportunity to talk about your general health and medical history, ask questions and prepare yourself for the procedure.
Once you have had your initial consultation with the surgeon, you will be booked in for a consultation with our dietician to fully understand your history and reasons for wanting the surgery. Once weight loss surgery is deemed appropriate for you, you will be booked in for a full nurse/anaesthetic review, at this stage we would need to access to your past medical history from your GP, then the surgery will be booked.
Your healthcare team may provide you with a preoperative diet plan to prepare your body for surgery.
It’s helpful to start making healthy lifestyle changes a few months before surgery to prepare yourself for the life-long adjustments. This includes stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity.
Before surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare your home so it’s suitable for your recovery and arrange for someone to collect you from hospital.
You may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before surgery.
The gastric sleeve procedure
For the surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anaesthetic. The procedure will usually take between 1 and 3 hours.
The procedure will be performed as keyhole surgery (where the surgeon makes small cuts through which to pass through a small camera and surgical instruments) or, in some cases, as open surgery.
For keyhole, or laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made through which thin tubes are inserted and surgical staples are used to divide and remove around 75-80% of your stomach, leaving behind a small pouch shaped like a tube or sleeve.
Gastric sleeve recovery time
After the surgery, you will spend some time in hospital for monitoring. The length of your hospital stay can vary but is typically 1 to 3 days.
You should be able to resume normal activities after six weeks. However, you may experience symptoms such as tiredness, mood changes or hair loss in the first six months as your body adapts. Most people lose the majority of their excess weight within the first six months but may continue losing weight for two years post-surgery.
You will not be able to eat until after an x-ray and swallow test.
Pain and discomfort are common after surgery, and pain management strategies will be given. This may include medication, and the surgical team will provide instructions on how to manage pain at home.
In the days following surgery, you will be encouraged to start moving and walking to prevent blood clots and promote circulation. However, strenuous physical activity will be limited during the initial recovery period.
Diet after sleeve gastrectomy
Bariatric surgery patients usually follow a gradual progression in their diet. This typically starts with a liquid diet and then advances to pureed and soft foods before reintroducing a regular diet. The specific diet plan will be provided by the healthcare team. You may require nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals, to prevent deficiencies. Your healthcare team will provide guidance on the appropriate supplements and their dosages.
Adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes is crucial for long-term success after bariatric surgery. This includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity and other healthy habits.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is not a one-time event; it requires lifelong follow-up. Regular check-ups with your medical team will help monitor your weight loss progress, address any issues and provide ongoing support.
Surgeons and consultants for gastric sleeve in the UK
At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class care.
At our hospital in Barlborough any patient in need of our services is welcome, regardless of location, as long as it’s safe for us to treat you.
If you’re ready to experience life to the fullest and improve your long term health, get in touch to see if gastric sleeve surgery is the right option for you.
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions below for more information.
The procedure works by making the stomach smaller, thereby restricting the amount of food you can eat, as well as reducing the production of the hunger hormone so you don’t feel as hungry.
Typically, this procedure takes between 1-2 hours.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure that will last the rest of your life.
Like all surgical procedures, there will be some pain and discomfort as you heal. The degree of pain will vary depending on individual thresholds, however, it shouldn’t be unmanageable with the relevant pain management. Minimally invasive surgical techniques typically result in less pain and discomfort due to the smaller incisions.
Gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch by stapling or dividing the stomach. The small intestine is then rerouted and connected to the pouch, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This differs from sleeve gastrectomy which does not involve rerouting the digestive system.
Sleeve gastrectomy, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications. However, it is generally considered a safe and effective option for weight loss surgery when performed by experienced and qualified surgeons.
No, sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible.
Determining the best place for gastric sleeve surgery in the UK can depend on various factors, including the expertise of the medical team, the reputation of the healthcare facility, and individual preferences.
Our hospitals are rated good or outstanding by the CQC and 99% of patients would recommend us.
The staples used during the surgical procedure remain in the body.
In most cases, there is no need for the removal of the staples.
Yes, it is possible to live a normal and fulfilling life after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery.
However, it’s important to note that the definition of a “normal” life may vary from person to person, and the success of life post-surgery often depends on individual factors, lifestyle choices and adherence to recommended guidelines. In order to maintain weight loss, you will need to follow specific dietary guidelines and adopt healthy habits such as smaller portions, mindful eating and exercise.
After the initial recovery phase where you will be recommended a phased diet of liquids, pureed, soft then solid foods, you will need to follow certain guidelines:
eat small, nutrients-rich meals
take necessary vitamins and supplements
ensure proper hydration
eat plenty of protein.
It’s important to follow the dietary advice of your health care provider to achieve a successful outcome.
After the surgery, you won’t be able to eat as much as before, however, you will feel fuller sooner. The specific amount of food a person can eat after a gastric sleeve can vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, tolerance and adherence to postoperative guidelines.
Overeating or consuming large quantities of food in a single sitting can lead to discomfort, nausea and vomiting.
Solid foods are usually reintroduced around 7 weeks after your operation.
Consuming alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery should be approached with caution and done in moderation as the procedure alters the anatomy of the stomach, reducing its size and potentially affecting the absorption of alcohol. This means you will have a reduced tolerance to alcohol. Always seek the advice of your healthcare team.
The surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it is safe to resume driving. This recommendation may vary among individuals based on their recovery progress. Driving is not usually advised if you are still on pain medication.
Yes, it is possible to undergo a gastric sleeve surgery on the NHS, but eligibility criteria and the availability of the procedure may vary based on factors such as individual health conditions and local policies. Gastric sleeve surgery is typically considered for individuals who meet specific criteria related to obesity and associated health risks.
There may be waiting times for bariatric surgery on the NHS of several months to more than a year. The duration of waiting times can vary based on factors such as local demand, available resources and individual circumstances.
The benefit of private treatment is that there are much shorter waiting times and you can plan your surgery around your life.
The amount of weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can vary widely among individuals and is influenced by factors such as starting weight, adherence to postoperative guidelines, lifestyle changes and overall health.
The gastric sleeve typically results in 25% to 35% body weight loss (50 to 70% excess weight loss) from your starting weight. 1
It is possible to gain weight after surgery if lifestyle guidelines are not adhered to.
In rare cases, some patients can lose too much weight. It’s important to eat a sufficient, healthy diet to avoid becoming malnourished.
Acknowledgements
Peter Vasas is a Bariatric (weight loss) surgeon having completed an Ethicon-sponsored national bariatric fellowship programme in the UK and Belgium. He specialises in Bariatric operations including band, bypass and sleeve gastrectomy as well as revision surgery.
