...
Take Control Now!
Book Appointment
NEWLS
NEWLS

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The gastric sleeve surgery uses the latest innovation in weight loss surgery and is our most popular option for those struggling with obesity and in particular those who suffer from morbid obesity (comorbidity).

You can expect to see a reduction in excess body weight of at least 70% over a 12 month period* with this type of surgery.

Medically referred to as the Sleeve Gastrectomy, this surgery works by reducing your stomach size by 75%, thus restricting the amount of food you can eat to help you achieve good long-term weight loss.

To learn more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

You Can Expect To Lose Up To 70% of Excess Body Weight In 12 Months.*
Ready To Lose Your Excess Weight?
*Individual results may vary. Refer to our disclaimer
Request an appointment today

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Originally gastric sleeve was used as the first stage of a two stage operation with the second part being performed at a later date. However the results have been so encouraging that the first stage in most people is enough to achieve good long term weight loss.

The gastric sleeve, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, helps you lose weight effectively by restricting the amount of food you can eat through the removal of 75% of the stomach via simple and non-invasive keyhole surgery.
This type of surgery is reserved for those considered to be morbidly obese with a BMI usually over 40 – not sure of your BMI? Check here.

Gastric Sleeve surgery is most often performed to potentially save a patients’ life.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Help Me Lose Weight?

The sleeve gastrectomy helps you lose weight in these ways:

  • By limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time to less than ⅓ of what you can eat now.
  • By limiting the amount of fluid you can drink at any one time.
  • By decreasing the level of a gut hormone called Ghrelin making you feel less hungry.

There are also less complications with a Gastric Sleeve than those of a Gastric Bypass while still allowing for significant loss of excess weight. In patients with a high BMI and inadequate weight loss, the Sleeve can be converted to a Gastric Bypass in a second operation with much less risk (after initial weight loss has occurred).

gastric sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery

Pros of Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

  • Stomach volume is reduced in size, but it functions normally so food can be eaten in only small amounts. The types of foods eaten are not altered
  • Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring in the stomach
  • Has only a small risk of bowel blockage or vomiting from a blocked stomach. Much less risk of food intolerance than after a gastric band
  • Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI >55 kg/m2)
  • If there are problems with the small bowel that make it impossible to perform a gastric bypass, this is another option (along with the Gastric Band) for surgery
  • Can be performed via keyhole surgery much more easily than the gastric bypass
  • Short hospital stay
  • Early return to work
  • Less pain than for open surgery (large cut necessary)

Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

  • This surgery is not reversible because the stomach is partly removed and thus cannot be replaced.
  • Patients with a high BMI may need further surgery (Gastric Bypass) if weight loss is inadequate
  • As with all the restrictive types of operations, soft foods and fluids that are high in calories are not restricted, and inadequate weight loss may result. Foods such as ice cream, cheeses, dips, soft drinks, chocolate must be taken sparingly
  • During this procedure, part of the stomach is removed. The remainder of the stomach that is left, must be closed. This is done with a stapling instrument which in some cases, has been known to create holes where the staples have been inserted.  This is known as a ‘leak’ and may have an impact on your recovery

See How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Can help you.

Request an appointment today

What Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

The costs of having weight loss surgery are made up of a number of sources:

  • Hospital charges for bed stay
  • Hospital charges for operating theatre session
  • Equipment used in the operating theatre session. This includes the gastric band itself or for other weight loss operations, the stapling devices.
  • Professional fees charged by the surgeon, anaesthetist and assistant

For an estimate of total weight loss surgery costs, the best way is to contact us directly for a discussion of your particular circumstances and insurance coverage.

Learn more

Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery?

Guidelines for weight loss surgery are established by obesity surgical societies (OSSANZ and IFSO) and government bodies (National Institutes of Health) to ensure the safety and efficacy of the operations.

You may be a candidate if:

  • You are more than 40kg above your ideal weight
  • Your BMI is above 40kg/m2 or,
  • Your BMI is above 35 and you have a medical condition associated with your weight, such as diabetes
Check with our BMI Calculator to see if you qualify for weight loss surgery.
The BMI scale and what it means
Learn More

Calculate Your BMI

Find out how weight loss surgery can help you.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery FAQs

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a highly effective weight loss procedure designed to help individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions. By reducing the stomach size, this surgery promotes smaller portion consumption, helps regulate hunger hormones, and supports long-term weight management. If you're considering this procedure, it's natural to have questions about what it involves, its benefits, and the recovery process. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about gastric sleeve surgery.

  • Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the stomach's capacity, helping patients feel full sooner and consume smaller portions.

  • Like all surgeries, gastric sleeve carries risks, but it is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon.

  • Most patients lose 50–70% of their excess weight within 12–18 months after surgery, depending on their adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes.

  • You may qualify if your BMI is 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions, or over 40 without such conditions. A consultation will determine your suitability.

  • This procedure is generally recommended for individuals with obesity-related conditions who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. It may also be required for those with certain health conditions that improve with weight loss.

  • The surgery reduces the stomach size, which limits the amount of food you can eat. It also affects hunger hormones, reducing appetite and helping you follow a specific diet for weight loss.

  • The procedure can improve obesity-related health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Many patients experience significant weight loss and improved overall health.

  • Patients typically spend a few days in the hospital and return to normal activities within a few weeks post-surgery. Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including specific dietary guidelines, is crucial.

  • As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Gastric sleeve surgery is generally low risk, but potential complications include infection, bleeding, or issues with the smaller stomach size.

  • Private health insurance can help cover the cost of the surgery in Australia. Patients without insurance may face higher out-of-pocket expenses.

  • By removing part of the stomach, the surgery reduces hunger hormones, helping patients feel less hungry and more satisfied with smaller meals.

  • Yes, the procedure permanently reduces the stomach size. However, following a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to maintain weight loss and improve related health conditions.

  • Most patients can return to light activities within a few days post-surgery. Full recovery and resuming normal activities may take 2-4 weeks.

  • Your surgeon will provide a specific diet plan, which usually includes stages of liquid, pureed, and soft foods. Long-term, patients should follow a healthy diet to maintain results.

  • Yes, it can lead to improvements in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity-related health issues.

  • The surgical team ensures a smooth procedure and supports patients through pre-operative preparation, the surgery itself, and post-operative care.

  • Unlike bypass surgeries, the gastric sleeve does not significantly affect nutrient absorption. However, you may need to take vitamins and supplements to ensure balanced nutrition.

  • Other bariatric surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass, or non-surgical options may be considered depending on your health and weight loss goals.

  • Yes, but it’s recommended to wait at least 12–18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant to ensure your body has stabilised.