(03) 9509 4811
(03) 9509 4811
(03) 9509 4811

Gastric Sleeve Surgery
(Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy,
Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy)

What is a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery)?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy or a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach.

Weight loss is not achieved through this procedure alone, but as a sleeve gastrectomy significantly reduces the size of the stomach, this dramatically reduces the amount of food that the patient is able to consume post-surgery.

In addition to being able to consume less food, removing part of the stomach also alters the hormones that are released after eating. These hormones prolong appetite suppression between meals, further aiding excess weight loss. They also help relieve conditions associated with being overweight such as heart disease or high blood pressure.

A sleeve gastrectomy is the beginning of a weight loss journey. Patients can expect to lose upwards of 60 percent body fat within the first two years of the procedure. But long-term results require lifelong changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle, to avoid weight regain.

Who is eligible for gastric sleeve surgery?

As with any bariatric surgery procedure, a past history of failed weight loss using conventional methods (eating less, moving more) should be presented before being considered for gastric sleeve surgery. You are required to meet certain medical guidelines to be considered a candidate for weight loss surgery.

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, suffering from extreme obesity.
  • Have a BMI above 35 (obese) but are also suffering from a serious health problem as a result of obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

A/Prof Pilgrim will confirm your BMI score and carry out a detailed assessment before deciding if you are an eligible candidate for sleeve gastrectomy surgery. This will include asking questions about your medical history and being satisfied that you are motivated and will adhere to the new eating and exercise plans that you are required to follow post gastric sleeve surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery - the procedure

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically or robotically, a minimally invasive form of bariatric surgery. This form of surgery requires small incisions, resulting in fewer potential complications and faster recovery times for the patient.
Hollow tubes are placed in the incisions, gas is used to inflate the abdomen to allow greater visibility and space, and surgical tools including a small camera are inserted into the tubes to perform the surgery. A/Prof Pilgrim creates a narrow ‘sleeve’ by stapling the stomach vertically and removing the larger part of the stomach.
Robotic stapler as used during robotic sleeve gastrectomy
da Vinci SureForm stapling technology

SureForm is a new breed of stapling technology; at its core is SmartFire technology, which monitors tissue compression before and during firing, making automatic adjustments to optimize the staple line. A 120° cone of articulation gives your surgeon the freedom to approach tissue where it naturally lies, potentially reducing the need to manoeuvre tissue during your procedure1.

Allowing for 1,000+ measurements per second, SmartFire makes automatic adjustments to the activation process as the transection is being made to help optimize a consistent staple line and prevent tissue damage across a range of tissue thicknesses1.

1https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/products-and-services/da-vinci/stapling/sureform

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery - the results

Weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a gradual process. During the first weeks post-surgery patients will see a more dramatic weight loss, which will slow down over time. The average weight loss for this procedure is 60 percent of excess weight within two years.

Following gastric sleeve surgery it is important to continue to follow the UGIRS Bariatric Program, including meeting with the Dietitian, bariatric Health Coach and A/Prof Pilgrim. Committing to new dietary and lifestyle changes long-term can be incredibly challenging for many individuals, which is why the continued support of the medical team at UGIRS is essential. .

Click to access a copy of our patient information brochure
If you would like to make an appointment with A/Prof Pilgrim to discuss sleeve gastrectomy surgery you can book an appointment online or make an appointment by calling the practice on (03) 9509 4811
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