Expert surgical care in Melbourne, combined with structured long-term post-operative support from MBSA to support sustainable outcomes.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a commonly performed bariatric procedure used to assist with weight loss in appropriately selected patients.
The procedure is performed using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques, either laparoscopically or with robotic assistance. It involves removing a portion of the stomach (approximately 70–80%) to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach.
This reduces stomach capacity, allowing patients to feel full sooner and eat smaller portions. It also influences gut hormones involved in appetite regulation and metabolic function.
For many people, gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and effective way to reach a healthier weight. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your overall health, your weight history, and the goals you want to reach.
The best way to find out is to talk it through with us. At your first consultation, we’ll explain the benefits and risks, go through your options, and help you decide on the approach that’s right for you.
Book your first consultation today to find out if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you.
Who Qualifies?
Combining surgical excellence with compassionate, personalised care, Dr. Niazi is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Dr. Mehdipour combines evidence-based practice with a personalised, patient-centred approach to achieve the best possible outcomes.
From your first consultation to two years of post-op support — every step guided.
Suite 9A, 262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna VIC 3152
Suite 1A 490 South Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189
Consulting Suites 525 McClelland Dr Frankston VIC 3199
490 South Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189
525 McClelland Dr Frankston VIC 3199
262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna VIC 3152
39 Albert St, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
1-15 Davey Dr, Ringwood East VIC 3135
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Gastric Sleeve works through both mechanical and hormonal effects to support weight loss and metabolic health.
The procedure reduces the size of the stomach, meaning smaller meals lead to earlier fullness and lower calorie intake.
It also affects appetite-related hormones, including ghrelin (the hunger hormone), which may help reduce hunger and improve satiety. Hormonal changes involving GLP-1 and PYY can also support improved blood sugar regulation in some patients.
Sleeve gastrectomy works best when combined with long-term dietary changes, physical activity, behavioural strategies, and regular medical follow-up. Individual outcomes will vary.
For appropriately selected patients, gastric sleeve may offer several advantages compared to other bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass or gastric banding.
The intestines are not rerouted, preserving the natural digestive pathway.
Because the intestines are not bypassed, the risk of malabsorption-related deficiencies may be lower than with gastric bypass, although supplementation is still required.
Unlike gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve a foreign device or ongoing adjustments.
Generally less complex than gastric bypass and may involve a shorter operative time in selected patients.
Food continues through the normal digestive pathway, which may reduce the risk of some bypass-related complications.
Clinical evidence supports significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions in appropriately selected patients. Individual outcomes vary.
As with all surgery, sleeve gastrectomy carries risks. These may include:
These risks are discussed in detail with Dr Niazi during your consultation.
Weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery varies between individuals and depends on factors such as starting weight, medical conditions, dietary habits, physical activity, and ongoing follow-up care.
Most weight loss typically occurs during the first 12 to 18 months after surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy may assist with reducing hunger and supporting long-term lifestyle changes by limiting stomach volume and affecting appetite-related hormones.
With ongoing commitment to recommended dietary, exercise, and behavioural strategies, many patients experience meaningful long-term weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions. Individual results will vary.
main weight-loss window
of the stomach reduced
Select any stage below to read what to expect.
Because your procedure is performed using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques, recovery is typically faster and postoperative discomfort is often less than with traditional open surgery. Many patients are awake, alert, and able to have a conversation within a few hours after surgery.
It is still common to feel drowsy following anaesthesia while in the recovery room. Our anaesthetists and recovery staff monitor you closely and provide pain relief or anti-nausea medication if required.
Patients can expect to eat smaller portions and have a reduced appetite following surgery, leading to a steady loss of weight over time.
Surgical drains, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters are not routinely used in sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass procedures performed by our surgeons.
Usually, the only thing you will have when you wake up is a drip in your arm, which is typically removed as soon as you are drinking enough fluids.
The vast majority of patients feel well enough to be discharged within 24–48 hours of their procedure, meaning a stay of one or two nights in the hospital.
Because everyone heals at different rates and surgery can vary in complexity depending on a patient’s past medical history, you will be allowed to go home when you feel ready. No one is ever pushed out of the hospital.
As soon as you feel able, we encourage you to get up and walk around the ward on the day of your procedure. Early mobilisation helps reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and chest infections.
After gastric sleeve surgery, most patients are able to manage their personal care when leaving hospital, although some assistance with shopping, lifting, and transport may be helpful during the first few days of recovery.
Long-term success after surgery also requires commitment to healthy lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and ongoing follow-up care.
Most patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery feel better within the first few days, and by around one to two weeks, most people have recovered enough to return to work.
You can start gentle exercise such as walking immediately after surgery. However, you should wait at least four to six weeks before returning to more vigorous activities like going to the gym or boot camp.
You will still be able to take prescribed medication. Large tablets may need to be broken in half or dissolved in water so they do not get stuck. However, most common tablets for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are fine.
Not necessarily. However, you may notice a reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease in food intake, as you are eating less. It is important to maintain adequate fiber intake, and our dietitians will assist you with this.
We recommend taking a soluble fiber supplement (such as Benefiber) during the liquid phase after surgery to help maintain normal bowel movements. If any difficulties arise, just let us know.
You must not drive within 24 hours of receiving a general anaesthetic, so it is important to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.
The timing for returning to driving varies between individuals. Many patients are able to resume driving within approximately one week after surgery; however, you should not drive while taking strong pain medications or if pain, fatigue, or reduced mobility may affect your ability to drive safely.
Patients are encouraged to discuss returning to driving with their GP or surgical team to ensure they are comfortable, recovering appropriately, and able to drive safely.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure because a portion of the stomach is removed
Yes. The staples used are standard surgical devices with a long-established safety profile and are commonly used in a range of procedures.
No. The staples are very small and will not trigger airport or security screening systems.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery has been used as a bariatric procedure since the early 2000s and has become one of the most commonly performed weight loss surgeries worldwide over the past two decades.
It was initially introduced as part of a staged surgical approach and later adopted as a standalone procedure due to consistent long-term outcomes in appropriately selected patients
Long-term results are supported by maintaining healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, and attending ongoing follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.
Over time, the stomach may stretch, particularly if larger portions are regularly consumed. This is typically a longer-term consideration rather than something seen in the early stages after surgery. Maintaining appropriate portion sizes, healthy eating habits, and regular follow-up can help minimise this risk.
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