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.
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most commonly performed bariatric (weight loss) procedure worldwide. It may be suitable depending on your individual health, weight history, and goals. During your first consultation, we will carefully discuss the benefits, risks, and all available options and determine the most appropriate approach for your specific circumstances.
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.
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.
As with all surgery, sleeve gastrectomy carries risks. These may include:
These risks are discussed in detail with Dr Niazi during consultation.
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 will 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.
After sleeve surgery, ongoing care plays an important role in your recovery and long-term results. All post-surgery follow-up appointments are part of our structured 2-year support program, designed to guide you through every stage of your weight loss journey.
To learn more about what is included in your follow-up care, including consultations, dietitian support, and long-term monitoring, you can visit our program page.
Learn more about our 2-year support program.
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.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a medical tool to support weight loss and metabolic improvement. It is most effective when combined with long-term lifestyle changes and ongoing clinical support.
A consultation with Dr Niazi at MBSA will provide a detailed assessment of your individual circumstances and help determine whether gastric sleeve surgery is an appropriate treatment option. Every patient is carefully assessed to ensure a safe, evidence-based, and personalised approach to care.
