Dr Ashok Gunawardene

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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Epping Northern Private Hospital

Overview

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Epping Northern Private Hospital

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive surgery aimed at supporting weight loss for individuals with severe obesity by reducing stomach size. This page offers details about the procedure, including its benefits, risks, and expected recovery, following the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices. Northern Surgical Care, led by a registered specialist general surgeon, provides consultations to assess and manage conditions requiring sleeve gastrectomy. Patients are encouraged to consult a qualified health practitioner for personalised advice.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Epping Northern Private Hospital

What the Procedure Involves

  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Epping Northern Private Hospital:
    • Conducted under general anaesthesia using minimally invasive procedures.
    • Involves creating 4-5 small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, and surgical tools.
    • About 70-80% of the stomach is removed to form a tube-shaped sleeve, which limits food intake and reduces hunger by altering hormone levels, such as ghrelin.
    • The procedure typically lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the patient’s anatomy and various clinical factors.

Typically for patients with severe obesity, the procedure is suitable for those with a BMI of 35 or above, or 30 with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Eligibility is evaluated through a complete medical and psychological review.

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery Epping Northern Private Hospital

Benefits

  • Significant Weight Loss: Most patients experience significant weight loss, typically 50-70% of excess body weight within 1-2 years, according to clinical studies.
  • Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Potential benefits include improvement or resolution of conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and joint pain, though results differ for each individual.
  • Minimally Invasive: With the laparoscopic approach, patients experience smaller scars, less postoperative pain, and a quicker recovery than with open surgery.
  • Metabolic Reset: This procedure may affect gut hormones responsible for appetite control and glucose processing, aiding in weight management and metabolic health.
  • Reduced Hunger: The procedure removes part of the stomach, decreasing hunger hormones and supporting compliance with dietary plans.
  • No Foreign Devices: Unlike other bariatric procedures, there are no implants or adjustments needed.

Outcomes are influenced by adherence to postoperative lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Benefits are discussed during consultation to support informed decision-making.

Risks

As with all surgeries, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy comes with potential risks, which are reviewed during consultation. These include:
  • General Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding or infection at the incision sites or internally.
    • Adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
    • Blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
  • Procedure-Specific Risks:
    • Staple Line Leak: A rare complication (1-2%) where stomach contents leak from the surgical site, which could lead to infection or require additional surgery.
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux: Reflux symptoms may worsen or develop in some patients.
    • Nutritional Deficiencies: A smaller stomach size may result in deficiencies of vitamins (e.g., B12, iron) or minerals, requiring lifelong supplementation.
    • Stomach Stricture: A narrowing of the stomach sleeve, possibly causing nausea or making eating difficult.
    • Weight Regain: This can occur if dietary and lifestyle recommendations are not followed.
    • Long-Term Considerations:
      • Lifelong commitment to dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, and follow-up care.
      • Potential for revision surgery in rare cases of complications or inadequate weight loss.
Risks are minimised by careful patient selection and thorough postoperative care. A specialist will assess individual risk factors and discuss them before the procedure.

Expected Recovery Time

  • Hospital Stay: Most patients are hospitalized for 1-3 days, depending on their recovery and if complications are present.
  • Recovery at Home:
    • Return to light activities (e.g., walking) within a few days to a week.
    • Recovery, including a return to work or daily activities, typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the patient’s health and job demands.
    • It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks to promote healing.
  • Postoperative Care:
    • Patients follow a step-by-step diet, starting with liquids and moving to soft and solid foods over 4-6 weeks, supported by a dietitian.
    • To prevent deficiencies, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential.
    • Follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly to monitor weight loss, nutritional health, and overall well-being.
    • Variations: Recovery time varies according to age, comorbidities, or complications. Patients are advised to report symptoms like persistent pain, fever, or vomiting as soon as they occur.

What to Expect

During a consultation at Northern Surgical Care, a specialist general surgeon will review the patient’s medical and weight history, as well as health goals. Diagnostic tests such as blood work, endoscopy, or imaging may be recommended to assess surgery eligibility. The procedure, risks, benefits, and postoperative requirements will be explained to support informed decision-making. In partnership with Liora Health, patients receive multidisciplinary support, including dietitians and psychologists, to help prepare for surgery and maintain long-term weight loss. Contact Northern Surgical Care to schedule a personalised consultation in Epping Northern Private Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS gASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY PERMENANT?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure, as part of the stomach is removed and cannot be reversed. The consequences of this will be explained in detail during the initial consultation to support informed decision-making.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE?

Weight loss varies by individual, with many patients losing 50 to 70% of excess body weight within 1 to 2 years after surgery. Long-term success depends on following dietary recommendations, maintaining physical activity, and attending follow-up care.

WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW A SPECIAL DIET AFTER SURGERY? OR TAKE VITAMINS?

Yes, a staged diet will be followed, starting with liquids and moving to soft and solid foods over a period of weeks. A dietitian will assist with nutrition, healing, and long-term weight management. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is recommended to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Why Choose Northern Surgical Care?

SPECIALIST-LED PROCEDURES

Dr Ashok Gunawardene, a registered specialist general surgeon, performs gastric sleeve procedures, applying evidence-based techniques that follow the latest clinical guidelines.

INFORMED DECISION-MAKING

Patient safety is prioritised through thorough pre-operative assessments, careful procedure selection, and clear discussions of risks, benefits, and long-term considerations.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY SUPPORT

With Liora Health, patients receive comprehensive support from dietitians, psychologists, and nursing staff to help with preparation, recovery, and maintaining results.

References

  • Arterburn DE, Telem DA, Kushner RF, et al. Benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in adults: a review. JAMA. 2020;324(9):879-87. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12567
    • Gagner M, Hutchinson C, Rosenthal R. Fifth International Consensus Conference: current status of sleeve gastrectomy. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2016;12(4):750-6. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2016.01.022
    • Peterli R, Wölnerhanssen BK, Peters T, et al. Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy vs laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on weight loss in patients with morbid obesity: the SM-BOSS randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2018;319(3):255-65. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.20897
    • Himpens J, Ramos A, Welbourn R, et al. The sleeve gastrectomy: technical considerations in primary and revisional surgery. Obes Surg. 2011;21(8):1216-20. doi:10.1007/s11695-011-0381-5
    • Rosenthal RJ, International Sleeve Gastrectomy Expert Panel, et al. International Sleeve Gastrectomy Expert Panel Consensus Statement: best practice guidelines based on experience of >12,000 cases. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2012;8(1):8-19. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2011.10.019