Dr Ashok Gunawardene

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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital

Overview

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Werribee St Vincent’s 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.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Werribee St Vincent's Private Hospital

What the Procedure Involves

  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital:
    • Carried out under general anaesthesia with minimally invasive methods.
    • 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.

The procedure is designed for patients with severe obesity, typically those with a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 with obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Eligibility is assessed through a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery Werribee St Vincent's 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: It may improve or resolve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or joint pain, although individual outcomes can vary.
  • Minimally Invasive: The laparoscopic technique leads to smaller scars, reduced postoperative pain, and a faster recovery time when compared to open surgery.
  • Metabolic Reset: It may impact gut hormones that regulate appetite and glucose processing, supporting improvements in weight management and metabolic health.
  • Reduced Hunger: By removing part of the stomach, hunger hormones are reduced, which can support better dietary adherence.
  • No Foreign Devices: Unlike other weight-loss surgeries, this procedure doesn’t require implants or adjustments.

Success depends on commitment to postoperative lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. The benefits are explained during consultation to ensure an informed choice.

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: Some patients might experience an increase in reflux symptoms or develop them over time.
    • 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, potentially causing nausea or trouble eating.
    • Weight Regain: Possible if dietary and lifestyle guidelines are not adhered to.
    • 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 remain in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on their recovery progress and whether any complications arise.
  • Recovery at Home:
    • Return to light activities (e.g., walking) within a few days to a week.
    • Most patients experience full recovery, with a return to work or regular activities within 2-4 weeks, depending on their health and the demands of their job.
    • It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks to promote healing.
  • Postoperative Care:
    • Patients follow a staged diet, beginning with liquids and gradually progressing to soft and solid foods over 4-6 weeks, with guidance from a dietitian.
    • Ongoing vitamin and mineral supplementation is required for the prevention of deficiencies.
    • 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 evaluate the patient’s medical history, weight history, and health goals. Tests such as blood work, endoscopy, or imaging may be recommended to assess surgery eligibility. The surgeon will explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and postoperative requirements to support informed decision-making. With Liora Health, patients receive multidisciplinary support from dietitians and psychologists to prepare for surgery and maintain long-term weight loss. Contact Northern Surgical Care for a personalised consultation in Werribee St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS gASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY PERMENANT?

Sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible, as part of the stomach is removed. The implications of this will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation to ensure you make an informed decision.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE?

Weight loss results differ between individuals, with many patients losing 50 to 70% of excess body weight within 1 to 2 years post-surgery. Long-term success relies on adherence to dietary guidelines, physical activity, and consistent 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

Gastric sleeve surgeries are performed by Dr Ashok Gunawardene, a registered specialist general surgeon, following evidence-based practices that align with current 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

In partnership with Liora Health, patients receive coordinated support from dietitians, psychologists, and nursing staff for preparation, recovery, and long-term success.

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