Sleeve Gastrectomy for Safe & Effective Weight Loss Surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy as Major Surgical Option for Obese and Associated Health Conditions
For some people who are battling against obesity, and obesity-related health conditions, sleeve gastrectomy has become a life-changing choice of a major surgery. The weight-loss operation entails removing about 80 per cent of the stomach, involving a sleeve that is sold by the size and shape of a banana.
But it’s about more than shrinking the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy curtails the amount you can eat and also shrinks hunger hormones — most notably ghrelin, which helps control appetite. The outcome is not as much lost weight as better regulation of eating.
The majority of sleeve gastrectomy surgeries are performed laparoscopically, which involves very small incisions and results in a faster recovery, reduced pain, and less scarring.
How Sleeve Gastrectomy Differs from Other Procedures
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is how sleeve surgery stands up to other bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass.
Unlike gastric bypass (bypassing part of the digestive tract), sleeve gastrectomy does not bypass the intestines. This makes the sleeve an easier and less invasive choice. While both options are successful for weight loss, the sleeve may nevertheless be more desirable for some patients given the reduced risk of malabsorption and nutritional issues.
For many, the sleeve is an appealing compromise, because it provides substantial weight loss without the more complicated rerouting of the bypass surgery.
The Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Process
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually requires one to two hours.
Once inside the abdominal cavity — which is accessed in the traditional manner through several laparoscopic incisions — the first two facilitate placing a camera and surgical tools so the stomach’s majority can be carefully dissected away.
What is left is a small sleeve of stomach, which limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. The smaller incisions result in less scarring and shorter hospital stays, typically just one to three days.
Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy: What to Expect
The price of sleeve gastrectomy may fluctuate greatly, depending on a number of factors:
- Geography and the rates of regional healthcare
- Anaesthesia and medical professional fees
- Surgeon’s experience with bariatric surgery
- Insurance vs. cash-pay vs. insurance paid vs. insurance supported
NHS funding is available in the UK in some cases, particularly for people with a BMI of 40 or more (or 35, if the person has a comorbidity). The average cost for private patients is normally between £8,000 and £12,000.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Before and After: What to Expect
Before undergoing surgery, patients must be completely assessed pre-operatively.
- Medical tests
- Nutritional counselling
- Psychological evaluations
- A brief pre-op diet to shrink the liver
The first few pounds usually come off quickly post-surgery. Patients begin with a liquid-only diet, moving on to purées, soft foods and, eventually, solid meals. Most patients gradually lose 60–70% of their excess weight, and other weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea also improve.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Recovery Time and Post-Op Care
The recovery depends, but it is often:
- Hospital stay: 1–3 days
- Return to activity with light exertion: 1–2 weeks
- Full recovery: 4–6 weeks
After surgery, there are regular office visits, accommodations to the diet, and access to a team of medical professionals. Nutritional counselling will be important to make sure that patients receive the correct vitamins and minerals as they recover.
Potential Sleeve Gastrectomy Risks and Side Effects
Sleeve gastrectomy may be relatively safe, but it’s still surgery — and any surgery presents potential risks.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Acid reflux
- Temporary food intolerance
The more severe complications, although rare, are:
- Staple line leaks
- Infections
- Blood clots
Here at Chase Lodge Hospital, we offer continuous after-care following the surgery to ensure any complications are resolved promptly.
Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Causes and Prevention
Hair loss is to be expected following surgery, and most often will resolve 3–6 months following your surgery. It’s typically temporary and associated with:
- Rapid weight loss
- Lack of nutrition (particularly protein, biotin, zinc, and iron)
To prevent hair loss, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, take supplements, and see a dietitian regularly if necessary.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Successful and maintained weight loss
- No intestinal rerouting
- Improvement in obesity-related health outcomes
- Lower risk of permanent malnutrition than gastric bypass
Cons:
- Non-reversible operation (The cut stomach cannot be restored)
- Permanent requirement of vitamins
- Potential for acid reflux
Conclusion
Sleeve gastrectomy is not just a weight loss solution; it is a life-changing choice. It’s not for everyone, but it is a tried-and-true and permanent solution for those suffering from serious obesity and related health issues.
If you are thinking of bariatric surgery, see an expert for a conversation about whether sleeve gastrectomy is right for you and your situation.
For reliable, personal treatment, get in touch with the Chase Lodge Hospital — or find out more on the NHS Weight Loss Surgery Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sleeve Gastrectomy
What is a Sleeve Gastrectomy?
A surgical procedure where about 80% of the stomach is removed to promote weight loss.
Can sleeve gastrectomy be reversed?
No, it is a permanent process.
How much weight can I lose?
Most patients lose 60–70% of excess weight after 1–2 years.
Will I have loose skin?
Possibly. Age, genetics, and the amount of weight lost all play a role. Skin-tightening surgery is an alternative in some cases.
