Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve surgery, a common bariatric procedure, involves the permanent removal of approximately 80% of the stomach. This reduction results in a banana-shaped stomach ‘sleeve.’ This simple yet effective surgical tool promotes sustained weight loss by restricting food intake and diminishing hunger hormones. It allows you to feel full despite eating small portions.

Why consider a gastric sleeve & key considerations

Improved overall metabolic health

Minimally invasive approach

Improve chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain and fatigue

Can help to improve fertility in both females and males

Improve mental health

To determine if you are eligible for this procedure, please review the requirements below:

If you are unsure of your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI).

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Height

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Weight

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Calculate BMI

Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI), which can be a helpful tool in determining your weight category. Or, use it to calculate your child’s BMI.

How is a Gastric Sleeve procedure performed?

The Gastric sleeve procedure is usually performed via laparoscopic/keyhole surgery (check if HP wants to add in robotic also as he may start doing these also). Once you have had anaesthetics, a few small incisions are made on your abdomen for the gastric sleeve to be formed. The operation takes around one hour.

Preoperative Preparation

Assessment: Patient undergoes medical evaluations, including blood tests and if necessary further investigations.

Anesthesia: Patient is given general anesthesia to remain asleep and pain-free during surgery.

Positioning: Patient is positioned on the operating table, typically on their back.

Minimal Invasive / Laparoscopic Access

Small Incisions: 3–5 small incisions are made in the abdomen.

Trocar Insertion: Special surgical tools and a camera (laparoscope) are inserted through these incisions.

Abdomen Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen for better visibility and space.

Stomach Separation

Stomach Mobilization: The stomach is carefully freed from surrounding structures.

Stapling: A surgical stapler is used to divide and seal the stomach vertically.

Removal of Portion: About 75–80% of the stomach is removed, including the portion that produces most of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

Sleeve Formation

The remaining stomach is reshaped into a narrow tube or “sleeve.”

Dr Puhalla check for leaks or bleeding along the staple line.

Removal

Instrument Removal: All tools are withdrawn.

Gas Release: Excess gas is removed from the abdomen.

Incision Closure: Small incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or surgical glue.

Recovery

Monitoring: Patient is monitored in recovery for a few hours.

Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 day.

Diet Progression: Starts with clear liquids, then gradually advances to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid food over several weeks.