The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular and effective weight loss surgery that involves reducing the stomach size to limit food intake. In this procedure, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, transforming it into a tubular or sleeve-like structure. This not only helps with immediate weight loss but also contributes to significant changes in appetite-regulating hormones, resulting in reduced hunger and improved metabolic functions.
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How does a stomach sleeve gastrectomy Work?
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy works by reducing the size of your stomach. Naturally, the smaller the stomach you will have after the operation, the more it will decrease the portion size you can eat, as you’ll feel full very quickly and continue to feel full for several hours.
Besides helping you eat less due to the reduced stomach size, sleeve gastrectomy works by reducing your appetite. The removed part of your stomach produces a hormone called ‘ghrelin’. This hormone stimulates your appetite and makes you feel hungry. Taking out this part of your stomach will reduce your ghrelin hormone level and hence will reduce your hunger feeling. This added benefit will help you in losing weight after this procedure.
In the first 18 months following weight loss surgery, you can expect to lose an average of 66% of the extra weight you are carrying over and above a normal body weight (excess body weight).
Read the related article: Gastric Sleeve Turkey: Is Turkey Weight Loss Surgery Safe? Know the Risks Before You Try
Is a sleeve stomach surgery right for me?
Your surgeon might recommend vertical sleeve gastrectomy to you if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 35 or higher, or if your BMI is above 30 and you also suffer from obesity related medical conditions which may improve with the surgery (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea). If you are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean origin, the BMI cut-off is even lower because the risk of metabolic diseases starts at BMI’s as low as 27.
- Your diet does not contain a large number of sugary foods.
If your BMI is > 65, a gastric sleeve is often used as a first-stage surgery to help you lose enough weight so you can then safely have a second weight-loss surgery (gastric bypass or SADIS) about 12 months later. - You are older or have other risk factors for surgery, like heart, lung or liver problems. Gastric Sleeve surgery may be, in this situation, a safer choice for you than other longer and more complicated weight-loss surgeries.
Rarely, the decision to perform a gastric sleeve (instead of a gastric bypass) is made during the operation. Reasons for making this decision include an excessively large liver or extensive scar tissue and bowel adhesions that would make the gastric bypass procedure too long or unsafe. If we think it’s likely that this might be necessary for you, we will explain this plan to you beforehand and ensure that you are happy to proceed on that basis.
Aftercare that’s second to none
We are committed to ensuring that you receive the absolute highest standards of service. That’s why we let you design your own aftercare package to suit your own individual needs.
We offer 3 different choices including our Standard, Silver package or our Gold and Platinum Enhanced Aftercare packages.
Choose the aftercare package that’s right for you…
Silver Package
What’s Included…
Treatment of complications at no extra cost for 3 months post-op
Free follow up and band fills for 2 years
Gold Package
What’s Included…
Treatment of complications at no extra cost for 12 months post-op
Free follow up and band fills for 5 years
Surgeon-led follow up
Bariatric gift
8 consultations with Senior Clinical Psychologist pre/post-op
Platinum Package
What’s Included…
Treatment of complications at no extra cost for 36 months post-op
Free follow up and band fills for 10 years
Surgeon-led follow up
Bariatric gift
16 consultations with Senior Clinical Psychologist pre/post-op
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
What is the gastric sleeve surgery cost in the UK?
The gastric sleeve UK price can vary depending on your individual needs and the level of care provided throughout your weight loss journey. At Phoenix Health, the cost of the gastric sleeve surgery typically starts from £10,275 across our UK hospital network for patients with a BMI under 50.
Our packages include expert aftercare, dietary guidance, and ongoing support to help support long-term success throughout your journey. For more detailed information on the gastric sleeve procedure cost, please contact our team.
Is private gastric sleeve surgery the right choice for me?
Choosing private gastric sleeve surgery is a personal decision, and many people consider it when they feel ready to take steps towards improving their health. While NHS bariatric surgery pathways support eligible patients, NHS waiting times can be long, and some choose a private gastric sleeve surgery clinic to access specialist care sooner and begin their weight loss journey.
At Phoenix Health, our experienced bariatric specialists have supported patients for over 20 years through both NHS and private weight loss surgery pathways, helping them find the right option for their individual needs.
Is gastric sleeve Turkey a cheaper option than private gastric sleeve surgery in the UK?
Many UK patients searching for gastric sleeve Turkey or gastric sleeve abroad are attracted by lower advertised prices compared with private weight loss surgery in the UK. However, the advertised gastric sleeve Turkey price is only one part of the decision. It is important to consider the complete care journey, including pre-surgery assessments, clinical standards, surgeon experience, and access to long-term aftercare when you return home. Learn more about the risks, real costs, and important factors to consider before choosing gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
How long does it take to recover from gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve recovery time can vary from person to person, but many patients gradually return to normal daily activities within a few weeks following their surgeon’s advice. Recovery is not only about healing after surgery; it also involves adjusting to new eating habits, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support to help achieve long-term weight management goals.
Can I take Mounjaro after gastric sleeve surgery?
Some patients consider GLP-1 injections or Mounjaro after gastric sleeve if they experience weight regain or need additional support with weight management after bariatric surgery. Whether GLP-1 treatment is suitable for you depends on your health, weight loss journey, and individual circumstances. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication after gastric sleeve surgery.
Can I see gastric sleeve before and after photos?
Every gastric sleeve before and after journey is different, and results vary depending on your starting weight, health, lifestyle changes, and long-term commitment after surgery. You can explore our weight loss images before and after treatment page to view real patient stories and different bariatric surgery journeys.
What is the typical gastric sleeve recovery time?
Gastric sleeve recovery time varies from person to person. Many patients gradually return to normal daily activities within a few weeks, but recovery depends on individual healing, the type of work you do, and your surgeon’s guidance. Dietary changes and long-term lifestyle adjustments are also an important part of recovery after surgery.
What is the difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery?
The main differences between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are how each procedure changes the stomach and digestive system. Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing part of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach, helping you feel fuller with smaller portions. Gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and changes the route food takes through part of the small intestine, affecting both food intake and absorption. Both procedures can support long-term weight loss, but the most suitable option depends on your health, lifestyle, and assessment with an experienced bariatric specialist.
Gastric sleeve vs gastric band what should I know before choosing?
When comparing gastric sleeve vs gastric band, it is important to understand how each procedure works and which may better suit your individual needs. Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach by removing a portion of it, while a gastric band uses an adjustable band placed around the upper stomach to help limit food intake. Factors such as your health, lifestyle, weight loss goals, long-term commitment, and medical history all play a role in deciding the most suitable option with your bariatric specialist.
