Gastric Sleeve Surgery

As with most bariatric procedures, the gastric sleeve operation is recommended for patients with a high BMI typically over 35, but it is imperative you book a consultation with Mr Siva Gounder to determine what course of bariatric surgery is best suited to you. Calculate your BMI here.

All surgeries have attending risks. The major complication risks with sleeve gastrectomy is under 4%.

The risks of untreated obesity and metabolic syndrome is higher than having surgery.

It is possible to achieve a loss of up to 60-70% excess weight, however specific results will differ for each individual.

Please contact Mr Gounder for a consultation to find out how much weight you could lose.

The cost of bariatric surgery is dependent on variety of factors. On average the cost of gastric sleeve Perth is around $20,000 to $25,000 without private health insurance.

The total out of pocket costs of various Bariatric surgeries (including surgeon fees, anaesthetist and surgical assistant) for patients with Private Health Insurance (that have obesity surgery cover) range from $900 to $4,500.

This is dependent on various factors including type of health fund cover, primary or revisional surgery, type of surgery  and anticipated complexity and time taken for the operation. The exact cost for your specific operation will be provided to you in writing well in advance. Please contact the practice to get specific details.

It is important follow the specific guidelines provided to you prior to your surgery, this includes not eating or drinking anything the night before so the stomach is empty to minimise surgical risks. You may need two weeks of very low calorie diet prior to surgery to help reduce visceral adiposity. You will be advised of any specific changes to medication and diet in the days or weeks before surgery if necessary.

Gastric sleeve recovery time generally takes a few weeks as it is important to allow yourself time to recover. You will be following a new nutrition plan, and will not be eating normal foods in the first few weeks, only liquid. After this period you will transition to solid foods after a few weeks. You will be advised how to change your eating habits to stay healthy while losing weight. You will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements.

It is extremely important to follow the eating and drinking plan your surgeon provides you with.

You will need to have a post operative follow up after your procedure to monitor your specific individual health needs and progress.

How long does Gastric Sleeve surgery take?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours; however, duration can vary from patient to patient. Patients are generally required to spend 2 nights in hospital.

Usually, patients can return to work (if their job is not labor intensive) within 1 – 2 weeks.

When can I start exercising after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

It is important that you give enough time for your body to recover from the surgery. Generally, patients can begin exercise between 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, starting with regular walks and light exercise. Most patients can return to normal physical activities after their 5^th week after surgery.

Will I feel hungry after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Our body produces different hormones that have an impact on our feelings of satiety (leptin hormone) or of hunger (ghrelin hormone). During a Gastric Sleeve surgery, as the stomach size is significantly reduced, the ghrelin levels drop as well (as this hormone is mainly produced in the stomach). Hence, you won’t be able to eat as much as you did before surgery and you will feel full for longer.

Is Gastric Sleeve surgery painful?

It is normal to feel pain at your incision site or from the position your body was in during surgery and you may need pain medications for the first few days or so after surgery. However the pain is minimal for most people and usually easily managed.

Patients may experience some discomfort after surgery for the first few weeks. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, weakness, light-headedness, loss of appetite, gas pain and emotional ups and downs.

How fast do you lose weight after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Generally, if post-surgery recommendations are followed, patients can expect a 60% to 70% excess weight loss during their first year.