Gastric Sleeve Surgery Sydney
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy, also known simply as gastric sleeve surgery, is a surgical procedure in which a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
Typically, about 70-80% of the stomach is removed, including the part that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin. This results in a smaller stomach that restricts the amount of food that can be eaten, leading to weight loss.
Am I ELIGIBLE for Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Sydney?
- If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35
- Or if your BMI is greater than 30 if you experience a weight-related illness
- And if you have tried other methods of weight loss, such as dieting, without long-term success.
Why is Gastric Sleeve Surgery So Effective?
- After surgery, the amount of food you could eat at one sitting will be reduced. Typically your “new” stomach will only be able to hold 200-300mls of volume when compared to a previous volume of 1500mls.
- After surgery, you should also feel less hungry as the major part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin has been removed.
- Sleeve can initiate changes to your metabolism, gut bacteria, hormones and digestion, contributing to your ability to lose weight.
Read more evidence on Sleeve surgery here
How Can Gastric Sleeve Benefit You?
On average, patients after sleeve lose about 70% of their excess weight within the “golden time period of 12–18 months”
You should also experience resolution or significant improvement to weight related medical conditions like diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels just to name a few.
Sleeve surgery can give you the massive “kick start” that you need in gaining back control over your diet. Making healthy food choices and prioritising protein becomes a necessity as the amount of food you can eat at one sitting is reduced. Losing significant amount of weight will also help ease the pressure on your joints, which will help motivate you in exercising more.
How do we perform gastric sleeve surgery?
Here at St George Obesity Surgery, all bariatric operations are performed through key hole surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) under general anaesthesia.
To perform the operation, Dr Qiuye Cheng (MED0001667801) will usually make 4-5 small incisions in the abdomen. Dr Cheng will carefully staple off and remove typically around 70–80% of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped like a sleeve or tube, hence the name.
The operation is generally a very safe and effective weight loss procedure for individuals who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries risks and potential complications. It is essential for patients to thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks with Dr Cheng before deciding to undergo surgery.
What's The Evidence For Gastric Sleeve?
Why Choose Us for Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
At SGOS, we have helped thousands of patients in their weight loss journey and perform close to 250 sleeve surgeries a year. We are experienced in what we do and you can count on us getting you through surgery safely and achieving the best outcomes for you.
Dr Cheng is an accredited Bariatric surgeon of excellence which means that he is not only well trained in all aspects of bariatric surgery but is also at the forefront of new techniques when it comes to weight loss management.
You can trust that we will be able to tailor management according to your situation so that you always get the RIGHT option for you.
Here at SGOS, we cannot stress enough the importance of long-term follow-up. Obesity is a chronic condition and whatever the surgery – gastric sleeve vs bypass is just the beginning of your journey. This is why we are different from most other practices and are committed in providing you with life-long weight loss follow up and support. This includes yearly bulked bill consults with Dr. Cheng and our dietitian beyond your two year intensive bariatric follow up.
We understand the large financial implications of accessing surgery and bariatric care, which is only made worse through testing times with the current economy. Just like you, we are frustrated that bariatric services are not more accessible through the medicare system.
This is why we are determined to provide you with the lowest cost in accessing bariatric care.
Our Patient Journey
Considering gastric sleeve surgery in Sydney? Here’s a quick summary of what our patient journey looks like, from your first appointment through to long-term care.
- Book Your First Appointment — Meet our team and consult with Dr Cheng. Plan for up to an hour so we can answer your questions and map out the next steps for your gastric sleeve surgery.
- Bring Your Documents — Referral letter, Medicare, DVA or pension card, private hospital insurance details and any reports or scans. If possible, complete your planned blood tests before the visit.
- Comprehensive Assessments — We review your medical history and fitness for surgery with blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, spirometry and ultrasound. You’ll also have a psychological review and a nutritional assessment to prepare for life after your gastric sleeve.
- Personalised Recommendations — Dr Cheng discusses your weight history, goals and health background, examines you and orders any further tests. Together, we’ll confirm if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you and plan your pathway.
- Pre-Op Diet and Medications — Our dietitian sets a two-week calorie-controlled plan to shrink the liver. We guide you on fluids, supplements and when to pause certain medicines. Smokers may need to stop doing so before surgery.
- Home Preparation — Line up help with meals and chores, place daily items within easy reach and remove trip hazards so recovery is safer and smoother.
- The Day Before Surgery — Review instructions, stop eating and drinking as directed and confirm transport home if you are having day surgery.
- Surgery Day — Under general anaesthesia, Dr Cheng performs the keyhole gastric sleeve surgery with four to five small incisions and removes most of the stomach to create the sleeve.
- Early Recovery in Hospital — Start with clear fluids, then progress as guided after your post-op X-ray. Take pain relief as directed and avoid driving for at least 24 hours.
- Structured Follow-Up — Reviews at 10 days to 3 weeks, then at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months and yearly after that. Each visit includes medical checks, dietitian support and psychological or exercise guidance if needed.
Ready to Kick Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery in Sydney, our experienced team at St. George Obesity & General Surgery is here to help. Learn more about the procedure, explore our FAQs or book a consultation with Dr Cheng today. You can also read more about how to prepare for weight-loss surgery on our blog.
Get in contact with us today
