Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical procedure that reduces your stomach size. By limiting the amount, a person could eat, it is perfect for people who are extremely overweight and neither diet or training is not effective. A person should be extremely careful when deciding to take this procedure as it is irreversible and will greatly affect their lifestyle.

The surgery removes a part of the stomach, reducing its size by 75% thus leaving the left side in a long sleeve shape. While three-quarters of the stomach is removed it retains all its previous functions resulting in a smaller efficient stomach that limits your food intake because of its size. Furthermore, the stomach produces hormones such as gastrin and ghrelin which are associated with the feeling of hunger, so removing a part of the stomach would decrease the level of these hormones as well as your appetite. The rest of the pouch is closed using medical staples and manual stitching to prevent any legates from occurring (doctors could perform a fluid test while operating to validate). During this period of time the patient will be under the effect of general aesthetics and the operation could last between 1-2 hours.

30-60 % loss of excessive weight Patients are more energetic allowing for more physical activities which leads to improved fitness, strength, mood and stamina. An improvement in any weight related problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, back pain, arterial hypertension etc. Increased self-confidence Healthier lifestyle Improved BMI Increased mobility

Risks are lowered considerably if a patient doesn’t smoke and sticks to a healthy lifestyle. Possible risks are : Acid reflux – gastric juice leaks into oesophagus damaging the mucosal layer ( to deal with this antacid medication must be taken up until 3 months after the surgery Blood clots – form due to a lower blood flow in the veins ( to prevent this there should be exercise wherever it is possible, smoking is also damaging and it creates blood clots) Vomiting and nausea – they get better with time Dumping syndrome – occurs when food enters the small intestine too quickly, causing diarrhoea, sweating and bloating (refrain from eating and drinking at the same time or rushing when having a meal) Infections

After your stay at the hospital (normally 2 days) it is normal to feel tired the first few days. When a week has passed, you may return to work, though it is recommended to rest 2-3 weeks until your body stabilises. Everyday activities should be comfortable to perform within 4-6 weeks but from 3-6 months some symptoms might develop for this short period of time such as mood changes, tiredness, thinning hair or dry skin (due to the excessive weight loss). However, the ongoing treatment will include our doctors continuously consulting with you helping in creating an exercise plan and a controlled diet. Blood tests might be required to check the progress of the individual. A healthy lifestyle maximises results and reduces risks to a great extent so a patient should exercise, stay hydrated and change their diet and eating habits