Gastric sleeve surgery (gastrectomy)

Losing weight isn’t easy. You may recognise that you’re overweight but struggle with weight loss. When your general health starts to be affected, it’s time to look at all options to help you get back on track.

It’s important that you’re fully aware of the implications before committing to gastric sleeve surgery, as it requires a change to the way you think about eating, drinking and exercise. Losing weight before surgery will help with your recovery, increase your rate of weight loss and help change your diet for the long term.

Once surgery is agreed, you’ll need to follow a strict diet in the two weeks before the operation to prepare your body for the procedure. A pre-operative diet will help shrink your liver, allowing your surgeon to operate more easily and safely.

You’ll also be advised to stop smoking as smoking will increase your risk of getting an infection after surgery, which can slow down your recovery and lead to other complications.

You’ll be given a general anaesthetic and the procedure will be done using laparoscopic keyhole surgery. Part of your stomach is stapled and removed, leaving behind a smaller stomach.

It takes around 60-90 minutes to perform and doesn’t require long-term follow up or adjustment.

In most cases, you’ll be able to leave hospital after two days and we’d advise you to take two weeks off work to recover from your surgery. Recovery time varies from person to person, so it’s important to follow your Consultant’s advice.

In the two weeks after your sleeve gastrectomy you should follow a liquid diet, before easing yourself into more solid foods. While you’re recovering, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or driving. Try to be as mobile as you can to help avoid blood clots forming.

Following surgery, you’ll need to change your eating patterns and eat smaller amounts. You might notice a loss of appetite as levels of the natural appetite stimulant ghrelin fall.

You’re less likely to need any supplements after gastric sleeve surgery, as food absorption isn’t affected. Our diet and nutrition experts will offer advice and face-to-face follow up appointments for several months afterwards to help you and monitor progress. 

One to two pounds a week is the target; you may find that you lose weight faster at first before it plateaus.

Book a consultation with us by completing our online booking form or by calling our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.