Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery at Cardiff and South Wales' premier private hospital
What is a Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)?

A gastric sleeve is a purely restrictive weight loss surgery procedure, and is sometimes described as a 'halfway' measure to a gastric bypass. It does not stop you from absorbing all the food you eat.

Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is usually performed as a ‘keyhole’ or laparoscopic procedure that takes between 30 minutes and an hour, in Cardiff and the Vale's newest private hospital - the Vale Hospital, near Cardiff South Wales - by Wales' leading weight loss consultants.
Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery at Cardiff's leading private hospital, Vale Healthcare's Vale Hospital

Am I suitable for Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery?

A gastric sleeve can be performed as a ‘stand alone’ weight loss procedure or as the first part of a two stage procedure for very large patients (BMI>60) who have been assessed as suitable for weight loss surgery.

Patients will sometimes fail to lose enough weight with a gastric sleeve gastrectomy which may mean a second weight loss operation (bypass) is required. This will usually be done between twelve and eighteen months after the first gastric sleeve operation, depending on the amount of weight loss achieved.

How long does a Gastric Sleeve last for?

A gastric sleeve is a permanent procedure.

How does the Gastric Sleeve work?

A gastric sleeve weight loss operation divides the stomach in to one long column, and reduces the stomach capacity by about 80%. The stomach is divided vertically from top to bottom, which, although making the stomach smaller, will not alter its function. This allows you to eat small meals whilst feeling fuller for longer. The part of the stomach that is not used remains in your abdomen (as opposed to being removed as it would with a gastric bypass).

Assuming that everything goes well, you will be discharged from hospital four days after your weight loss surgery. It generally takes patients three or four weeks to recover and resume normal activities after gastric sleeve insertion.

Where would my treatment take place?

Your initial weight loss consultation will take place at the Vale Hospital, near Cardiff, South Wales. The Vale Hospital is South Wales' newest, state-of-the-art private hospital, and this is where our multi-disciplinary weight loss team is based.