Sleeve gastrectomy at Tunbridge Wells Hospital

A sleeve gastrectomy differs from other bariatric procedures as food enters the new stomach pouch/tube and then follows a normal route versus bypassing the digestive tract. As a result there are no absorption issues with a sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of sleeve gastrectomy is that you feel full sooner and therefore eat less. 

What happens during and after a sleeve gastrectomy?

• This operation is performed laparoscopically under general anaesthetic and usually takes between 2-4 hours
• Your surgeon will make several small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen (stomach)
• They then insert a viewing tube with a small camera (laparoscope) and other tiny instruments into these small incisions to remove part of your stomach
• The tube-shaped stomach that is left is sealed closed with staples
• It is important to note: unlike some other procedures, sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible
• You will be taken to a recovery area following your operation
• Our healthcare team will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate
• You will be given pain relief medication
• You may have small drains (tubes) in your wounds to drain away any excess fluid
• You may also have a catheter that drains urine from your bladder
• These will all be removed before your go home
• Once you are on a ward you will be encouraged to get up and move about slowly
• You will be on a liquid only diet for the remainder of your hospital stay
• Your stomach may feel bruised and sore
• Be sure and let us know if you are in any discomfort
• Your stay in hospital will depend on your own situation
• Discuss your discharge plan with your consultant.

Going home after sleeve gastrectomy surgery

• You will not be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home on your day of discharge
• It is important that you follow all the dietary recommendations we give you
• You will need to remain on a liquid diet for several weeks progressing to soft, moist foods
• It may be 4-6 weeks before you can begin to add solid food
• Once you are eating solid foods it will be important to maintain a healthy diet to aid in continued weight loss
• Be sure and contact a member of our healthcare team if you have any questions
• Most patients return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks following sleeve gastrectomy
• Be sure and discuss any return to work and exercise with your consultant.

As with any procedure there may be complications including:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
• Developing a hernia in the scar

Specific complications of sleeve gastrectomy may include:

• Damage to internal organs
• Staple line bleeding
• Staple line leak or perforation of the stomach or bowel
• Nutritional deficiencies.