Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Melbourne
Gastric sleeve surgery is a bariatric procedure that helps patients achieve sustainable weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based bariatric surgeons offer gastric sleeve surgery as part of our range of weight loss surgery options for patients struggling with obesity and related health conditions.
We remove approximately 75-80% of the stomach using advanced laparoscopic techniques, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that naturally limits food intake. This procedure also reduces ghrelin production, the hormone that stimulates hunger, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions.
With our minimally invasive approach, you’ll benefit from reduced recovery time, smaller incisions, and less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional open surgery.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is gastric sleeve surgery right for you?
Gastric sleeve surgery may be appropriate for patients who meet specific medical criteria and are committed to long-term lifestyle changes.
This procedure may be suitable if you:
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher (severe obesity)
- Have a BMI between 35 and 40 with severe weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or high blood pressure
- Have tried other supervised weight loss methods without long-term success
- Are committed to making permanent lifestyle and dietary changes after surgery
Research indicates that patients typically achieve substantial weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health conditions following this procedure [1].
During your initial consultation, we will assess your overall health, discuss your weight-loss goals, and determine whether this is the most appropriate option for you. For patients who don’t meet the criteria for sleeve surgery or prefer a less invasive approach, we may discuss non-surgical alternatives, such as a gastric balloon or endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).
Potential benefits
- Significant weight loss. Most patients lose a substantial portion of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months following surgery [2].
- Improvement in obesity-related conditions. Many patients experience improvements in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea, often within weeks of surgery [3].
- Enhanced quality of life. Patients frequently report improvements in mobility, energy levels, self-confidence, and overall well-being [4].
- Reduced hunger and appetite. The procedure decreases ghrelin production, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller meal portions [5].
- Long-term sustainability. Studies demonstrate that patients can maintain significant weight loss over many years when combined with ongoing lifestyle changes [6].
- Minimally invasive technique. Laparoscopic surgery results in smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and a faster recovery than open procedures [7].
Potential risks
- Surgical complications. As with any surgery, there are risks, including bleeding, infection, and reactions to anaesthesia [8].
- Staple line complications. A small percentage of patients may experience complications related to the surgical staples, requiring additional treatment [9].
- Nutritional deficiencies. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is necessary to prevent nutritional deficiencies [10].
- Gastroesophageal reflux. Some patients may develop or experience worsening acid reflux symptoms following surgery [11].
- Psychological adjustment challenges. Adapting to significant lifestyle and body changes can require ongoing support and counselling [12].
- Potential weight regain. Without proper lifestyle maintenance, some patients may experience weight regain over time [13].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our weight loss surgeons
Your gastric sleeve journey
Here’s what to expect at each stage of your gastric sleeve surgery. Individual experiences may vary based on your specific health circumstances.
1. Initial consultation and health assessment
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons. We’ll review your medical history, assess your BMI and weight-related health conditions, and discuss your weight-loss goals.
This appointment includes blood tests, and we may arrange additional investigations such as a sleep study or gastroscopy depending on your situation.
Our dietitian and, where appropriate, a psychologist will also be involved to ensure you’re well-supported from the outset.
2. Pre-operative preparation
In the weeks leading up to surgery, you’ll follow a very low-calorie diet for 2-4 weeks. This liver-shrinkage diet reduces the size of your liver, giving your surgeon safer and clearer access during the procedure.
You’ll also receive detailed instructions about medications and fasting requirements. Our team arranges any remaining medical clearances and confirms your hospital admission and insurance paperwork.
3. The surgery procedure
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited Melbourne hospital, typically taking 60-90 minutes.
Our surgeon makes 4-5 small incisions in your abdomen and uses a laparoscope to view the stomach on a monitor. Using a surgical stapler, the stomach is divided vertically along its length, removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, including the fundus, the section that produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
The remaining stomach forms a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve holding roughly 100-150 millilitres.
4. Hospital recovery
You’ll stay in the hospital for one to three nights while our nursing team monitors your recovery and manages pain relief. You’ll be encouraged to get up and walk within hours of surgery, as early movement helps prevent blood clots and supports healing.
Your diet begins with small sips of clear fluids, progressing to full liquids before discharge. A dietitian will review your post-operative eating plan and supplement schedule before you go home.
5. Dietary progression at home
Recovery at home follows a structured dietary progression over 6-8 weeks:
- Weeks 1–2: Clear and full liquids (water, broth, protein shakes)
- Weeks 3–4: Puréed foods (smooth soups, blended vegetables, yoghurt)
- Weeks 5–6: Soft foods (scrambled eggs, soft fish, steamed vegetables)
- Week 7 onwards: Gradual return to regular foods in small portions
You’ll also begin daily vitamin and mineral supplements, including a multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12, as your smaller stomach absorbs fewer nutrients.
6. Long-term follow-up and support
Our team schedules follow-up appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, then annually.
Each visit includes a check-up with your surgeon and blood tests to monitor your nutritional levels. You’ll also have ongoing access to our dietitian, counselling services, and patient support groups, because long-term success depends on sustained lifestyle changes as much as the surgery itself.
Book a consultation today
(03) 9466 7338Gastric sleeve surgery FAQ
Gastric sleeve surgery costs vary based on multiple factors, including insurance coverage. Our team will discuss the payment options available during the consultation.
Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months after surgery. For example, if you’re 50kg overweight, you might expect to lose 30-35kg. Your results will depend on how well you follow the dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes our team recommends [14].
Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks for desk jobs and resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks. You’ll stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after surgery. Complete healing takes about 6-8 weeks, during which you’ll gradually progress from liquids to solid foods under our guidance [15].
You’ll eat smaller portions, but you can enjoy most foods once you’re fully healed. Your new stomach holds about 100-150ml compared to the original 1000ml. You’ll need to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid drinking with meals. Some foods, such as carbonated drinks and very sugary items, are best avoided in the long term.
Medicare offers rebates to eligible patients who meet specific body mass index (BMI) and health criteria [16]. Most private health insurers cover bariatric surgery, though waiting periods apply and out-of-pocket costs vary. Our team works with your insurer to maximise coverage and provides clear cost breakdowns before surgery.
You’ll avoid carbonated drinks, high-sugar foods, and very fibrous or tough meats that might cause blockages. Alcohol should be limited as it’s absorbed more quickly. Most other foods are fine in small portions once you’ve healed. Our dietitian provides comprehensive food guidelines and helps you develop healthy eating patterns.
Many patients choose plastic surgery to address excess skin, particularly after losing significant amounts of weight. This is a personal choice and isn’t medically necessary. We recommend waiting 12-18 months after reaching your stable weight before considering cosmetic procedures, to allow your skin to tighten naturally.
Gastric sleeve surgery is considered permanent because part of the stomach is removed. Unlike gastric band surgery, it cannot be easily reversed. However, if complications arise, revision surgery to other procedures like gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass is possible. This is why thorough consultation and commitment to lifestyle changes are essential [17].
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Angrisani L, Santonicola A, Iovino P, et al. Bariatric Surgery Worldwide 2013. Obes Surg. 2015;25(10):1822-1832. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-015-1657-z
[2] Courcoulas AP, King WC, Belle SH, et al. Seven-Year Weight Trajectories and Health Outcomes in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) Study. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(5):427-434. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2017.5025
[3] Schauer PR, Kashyap SR, Wolski K, et al. Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy in obese patients with diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(17):1567-1576. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1200225
[4] Kolotkin RL, Davidson LE, Crosby RD, et al. Six-year changes in health-related quality of life in gastric bypass patients versus obese comparison groups. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2012;8(5):625-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2012.01.011
[5] Karamanakos SN, Vagenas K, Kalfarentzos F, Alexandrides TK. Weight loss, appetite suppression, and changes in fasting and postprandial ghrelin and peptide-YY levels after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Ann Surg. 2008;247(3):401-407. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0b013e318156f012
[6] Adams TD, Davidson LE, Litwin SE, et al. Weight and Metabolic Outcomes 12 Years after Gastric Bypass. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(12):1143-1155. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1700459
[7] Kehagias I, Karamanakos SN, Argentou M, Kalfarentzos F. Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the management of patients with BMI < 50 kg/m2. Obes Surg. 2011;21(11):1650-1656. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-011-0479-x
[8] Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) Consortium. Perioperative safety in the longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(5):445-454. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa0901836
[9] Aurora AR, Khaitan L, Saber AA. Sleeve gastrectomy and the risk of leak: a systematic analysis of 4,888 patients. Surg Endosc. 2012;26(6):1509-1515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-2085-3
[10] Mechanick JI, Youdim A, Jones DB, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of the bariatric surgery patient–2013 update. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21 Suppl 1:S1-27. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20461
[11] Genco A, Soricelli E, Casella G, et al. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s oesophagus after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a possible, underestimated long-term complication. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2017;13(4):568-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2016.11.029
[12] Bocchieri LE, Meana M, Fisher BL. A review of psychosocial outcomes of surgery for morbid obesity. J Psychosom Res. 2002;52(3):155-165. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(01)00241-0
[13] Cooper TC, Simmons EB, Webb K, et al. Trends in Weight Regain Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2015;25(8):1474-1481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-014-1560-z
[14] Sjöström L, Narbro K, Sjöström CD, et al. Effects of bariatric surgery on mortality in Swedish obese subjects. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(8):741-752. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa066254
[15] Major P, Matłok M, Pędziwiatr M, et al. Quality of Life After Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2015;25(9):1703-1710. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-015-1601-2
[16] Services Australia. Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Available at: https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Downloads
[17] Noun R, Riachi E, Zeidan S, et al. Sleeve gastrectomy: intermediate results and technical considerations. Obes Surg. 2007;17(12):1614-1618. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9426-8