Top 5 questions asked about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

How do you qualify for gastric sleeve surgery?
When you are seeking gastric sleeve surgery as a resolution to weight loss, your BMI will be
considered, as well as the "co-morbidities" or health related impacts you have that are created by carrying excess weight.
Health complications such as insulin dependent or non-insulin dependent type diabetes,
osteoarthritis/joint deterioration, GERD, cardiovascular risk profile will all be taken n to
account when assessing your requirement for WLS. Your individual case and goals will
determine whether VSG (vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) or gastric bypass surgery is a more
suitable option. Each bring their own benefits and implications over the longer term.

How long does it take to recover from gastric sleeve?
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a type of Keyhole surgery which is carried out under
general anaesthetic by a Bariatric Surgeon, or Upper GI Surgeon. For Gastric Band patients
this surgery is often the next step in the journey towards health and weight goals
Small incisions are made in the abdominal area, and using a camera as a guide, your surgeon
locates and removes up to 70% of the stomach pouch (fundus) during the operation. The
remaining ''Sleeve'' is sutured together using a stapling device. Five or six small incisions are evident on the abdominal area, and the total recovery period from the surgery is about 3-6
weeks.
Time in hospital after your surgery will depend on your surgeon's guidelines. Most are keen to make sure you are safe, recovering as expected ad that pain is managed well. It’s important you are drinking well and tolerating the liquids introduced in the first stage post-surgery.
Safety is always first, so always be guided by your professional team for your unique
situation. Average hospital stay is 1-5 days. The first few stages of introducing liquids and
purees are aimed at preventing overstretching of the staple line of the revised sleeve or
stomach. . After this delicate stage, solid foods are slowly reintroduced and return to a
healthy and varied diet is encouraged.
Patients are monitored closely for the first year to ensure that patients are maintaining healthy
levels of certain nutrients in their blood, as the surgery does bring with it some implications
of malabsorption and malnutrition which needs to be maintained with daily supplementation
with a Bariatric Specific Multivitamin for life after any type of Bariatric Surgery

How much weight will I lose with sleeve gastrectomy?
Weight loss is individual and can be dependent on starting weight. Generally the ideal of the
surgery is of course losing weight - but more about gaining health. Your team will suggest a
goal weight that would bring you back to a "healthy" BMI. This is to be used as a guide.
Weight can fluctuate, and body composition needs to be considered as a whole rather than
just weight on the scales. Always ask to have your body composition measured, and use that
as a guide rather than actual weight.

What does a gastric sleeve do?
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is the removal of a large percentage of the stomach.
Rapid weight loss eventuates due to restriction (small amount of room available for food) and
malabsorption of some nutrients from your food. New dietary guidelines and lifestyle
accompany this tool - and the implementation of healthy living will be a large factor in
ensuring the long term success of this type of Weight Loss Surgery. There are other types of
WLS procedures, such as Mini Bypass and Rouxen -Y Gastric Bypass, and your health
professionals will educate you on the best solution for your situation and long term goals

How much overweight do you have to be to get gastric sleeve?
Patients exploring Bariatric Surgery will be assessed by a health care professional. BMI is a
factor considered when weighing up if WLS is the solution for you, as well as assessing any
other health implications you are experiencing as a result of the amount of weight gain
experienced. Each case is unique. Accessing your Superannuation for payment of the surgery
has its own criteria and would need to be explored via the correct avenues.

How long does it take to get approved for gastric sleeve surgery?
The approval process for WLS can depend on many factors and you will be guided carefully
on this by your team.
Approval can be dependent on whether you are insured by a Private Health Fund, Self
Funded, or whether you qualify for accessing your Superannuation to pay for your surgery
and anaesthetics.
Seek guidance from the relevant institutions and read the requirements carefully to prevent
delays from lack of information provided or supporting documents