Gastric Sleeve Surgery Sydney

Gastric Sleeve Surgery at a Glance

Procedure: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Surgery time: Approximately 60–90 minutes
Hospital stay: 1–2 nights
Weight loss: Many patients lose 50–70% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months after surgery
Eligibility: Patients with BMI 35+ qualify, a BMI of 30-34 may qualify depending on their overall health and medical history.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The Gastric Sleeve procedure, formally known as Sleeve Gastrectomy or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is performed using a few small laparoscopic (keyhole) incisions.

The surgery creates a long, narrow stomach which is smaller in volume, at 200-300 mL instead of the usual 1000-1300 mL. The excess portion of the stomach is permanently removed.

Following a Gastric Sleeve procedure, food passes through the smaller stomach in a similar way to the originally sized one, entering the small intestine via the normal end of the stomach.

How Does the Gastric Sleeve Work?

The Gastric Sleeve procedure is successful due to several effective mechanisms all working together.

Firstly, you will now be satisfied with much smaller portions of food and feel full earlier.

Secondly, the hunger drive is diminished for at least 9-12 months, due to the removal of the top portion of the stomach (fundus) which produces a lot of the hormones that normally drive hunger (such as Ghrelin, amongst others).

The ability to absorb nutrients is essentially unchanged, although a few patients may have low levels of vitamin B12 or Iron long-term.

Weight Loss Surgery Process at BodyFree Sydney

Understanding the steps involved in Gastric Sleeve Surgery can help patients feel more confident about the process. At BodyFree, patients receive comprehensive care from initial consultation through to long-term follow-up.

1. Initial Consultation
Your bariatric surgeon, Dr David Joseph, will review your medical history, BMI, previous weight loss attempts and overall health to determine whether Gastric Sleeve Surgery is the most appropriate option.

2. Pre-Operative Preparation
Patients typically begin a 2-3 week low calorie, Optifast-based diet before surgery to reduce liver size and improve surgical safety. You will also receive guidance from the bariatric care team regarding medications, diet and preparation for surgery.

3. Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The procedure is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthesia and usually takes around 60–90 minutes.

4. Recovery and Hospital Stay
Most patients spend 1–2 nights in hospital and are able to return to light activities within a few days.

5. Long-Term Weight Loss Support
Successful long-term results depend on ongoing dietary and lifestyle changes, follow-up care and support from your bariatric team.

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass are two of the most effective surgical options for long-term weight loss, but they work in different ways and may be recommended for different patients.

Gastric Sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) involves removing approximately 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach restricts how much food can be eaten and also reduces the production of hunger hormones such as ghrelin, helping patients feel full sooner and eat less.

Gastric Bypass surgery, including Single Loop Gastric Bypass and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, works by creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting part of the small intestine. This not only limits food intake but also changes how calories and nutrients are absorbed by the body.

Both procedures can produce significant and sustained weight loss and may improve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea. Gastric Sleeve surgery is often considered a simpler procedure, while Gastric Bypass may be recommended for patients with severe reflux, diabetes, or those requiring greater metabolic effects.

The most appropriate procedure depends on your medical history, weight loss goals, and individual health factors. A specialist bariatric consultation with Dr David Joseph can help determine whether Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass surgery is the best option for you.

Patients exploring bariatric procedures often compare Gastric Sleeve with other options such as Single Loop Gastric Bypass and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. Learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery procedures available.

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Book a consultation with our specialist bariatric surgeon, Dr David Joseph,  to discuss whether Gastric Sleeve or another weight loss procedure is the right option for you.

Book a consultation to discuss your weight loss surgery options in Sydney. Call 02 9565 5505

Book an Appointment Call 02 9565 5505

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent weight loss success and long-term maintenance.
• Ability to tolerate a normal range of food choices.
• Good for mild to moderately controlled diabetes.
• Can improve fertility in women, with a higher likelihood of a healthy neonatal weight at full-term delivery than a Gastric Bypass. (Please note: pregnancy is not advised in the first 6-12 months after Bariatric Surgery.)

Cons

• A small number of patients may experience Vitamin B12 or Iron deficiency long-term.

The gastric sleeve surgery journey includes several stages, from pre-operative preparation through to recovery and long-term weight management.

Gastric Sleeve Pre-Operative Care

All patients are required to commence an Optifast-based diet for a period of 2-3 weeks, prior to Gastric Sleeve surgery. This diet induces a change to the patient’s metabolism, putting it into a Ketotic state, known as Ketosis.

During this period the patient’s diet will be restricted, with only certain additional foods allowed. Your dietitian will provide a clear direction tailored to you. There are no carbohydrates, sugars, fruits or juices permitted during this Optifast period.

The ketosis will result in fat stores coming out of the liver to provide the metabolic fuel your body needs. This reduction of liver fat stores in the lead-up is critical for the surgery, as it is necessary to retract the liver during surgery.

It ensures the liver retraction can be done safely, without the risk of damaging or tearing the liver during the procedure.

Some patients may note that they lose 5-10% of their body weight during this period. (It would be terrific if this were sustainable long-term, but Optifast isn’t sustainable over time.)

Medication

Most medications can continue until the day of surgery, and they will be recommenced post-operatively under our direction.

There are several blood thinners and anti-platelet agents which will need to be stopped 2-10 days prior to surgery depending on the particular medication. We will provide advice tailored to each patient.

Fish Oil supplements should not be consumed within 14 days of surgery.

Gastric Sleeve Post-Operative Care

Wound Care

The small keyhole incisions are all closed with dissolving stitches, which are all placed under the skin so that patients will never need to see them. We also use either tissue glue or steristrips and waterproof dressings, to ensure the skin heals in a clean and dry environment.

Patients can bathe or shower with these dressings in place, although they should be patted dry afterwards. The dressings are normally removed 10 days after surgery, and the incisions should have healed nicely by then.

Pain Management

Most patients’ post-operative discomfort has settled at the time of discharge from the hospital. However, some patients may require a small amount of oral medication, to help manage ongoing discomfort for a week or so. This can include Panadol, Panadeine Forte, Endone or occasionally other medicines.

Other Medicines

Routine medications can be recommenced as directed in the post-operative phase. Any blood-thinning agents that patients were previously taking will also be recommenced as directed by the medical team.

Many patients will be directed to take a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) such as Nexium, Somac or Losec for a certain period after surgery, to reduce stomach acid production.

Post-Operative Diet

Surgery will help patients to start their weight loss journey. However, in order to achieve successful long-term results, dietary and behavioural changes are necessary.

While each patient will be given specific dietary advice based on their personal requirements, the following are very brief recommended guidelines following Gastric Sleeve surgery.

Week 1

• Liquid nourishment

Weeks 2 – 4

• Pureed food

Week 4 +

• Commencement of soft solid diet.

** For more dietary information, please speak with your BodyFree Dietitian, who will provide you with a more comprehensive plan.

Recovery Time

As a guide, most patients need 2-3 nights in hospital post-op and, depending on the work in which you are employed, anywhere from 3-14 days off work.

Most patients can start walking within a few days, and more vigorous exercise can commence within 3 weeks.

Compare Weight Loss Surgery Procedures

If you are considering Gastric Sleeve Surgery, it is helpful to understand how it compares with other bariatric procedures. Several surgical options are available, and each works in a slightly different way to support long-term weight loss.

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake and reduce hunger hormones.
• Single Loop Gastric Bypass combines stomach restriction with intestinal bypass to reduce calorie absorption.
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a traditional gastric bypass procedure that changes digestion to promote weight loss and metabolic improvement.
• Revision Bariatric Surgery may be recommended if a previous weight loss surgery needs correction or adjustment.

Your bariatric surgeon, Dr David Joseph, will recommend the most appropriate procedure after assessing your health, BMI, and previous surgical history.

Learn more about your weight loss surgery options and which procedure may be most suitable for you.

Speak with our bariatric team to learn whether Gastric Sleeve Surgery may be right for you.

Call 02 9565 5505 or book a consultation online.

Book an Appointment Call 02 9565 5505

Gastric Sleeve and Weight Loss Surgery – FAQs