Gastric Sleeve

Begin your journey to a healthier you with Transform’s gastric sleeve surgery.

Free, no-obligation consultation
All surgeons GMC-registered
CQC regulated clinics and hospitals
Industry-leading aftercare

Key Details at a Glance

Eligibility:
Typically suitable for individuals with a BMI of 35 or above

Procedure Duration:
1-2 hours

Hospital Stay:
1-2 nights

Weight Loss Potential:
Patients may lose an average of 60-70% of excess weight; individual results will vary

Resuming Activities:
Light activities within 1-2 weeks

Full Recovery:
4-6 weeks

Important Information: Gastric sleeve surgery involves risks, and individual results can vary. It is not a quick fix, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is essential for long-term success.

Gastric Sleeve Explained

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure that involves reducing the size of the stomach. During the surgery, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, creating a sleeve-shaped, smaller stomach. This smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner.

Additionally, the removed portion of the stomach contains cells that produce the hunger hormone ghrelin, so its removal can also reduce hunger. The combination of reduced stomach capacity and decreased appetite aids in significant and sustained weight loss.

Over 40 Years of Expertise in Weight Management

100,000+ Successful Procedures Performed

Nationally Accredited by CQC

Award-Winning Medical Team

Customised Programs for Sustainable Results

What Qualifies You for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Key Steps of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Original Stomach:
The stomach is initially a large, sac-like organ that can hold a significant amount of food and liquid, allowing for extensive calorie intake.
Incision Line:
During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions along the length of the stomach to create a sleeve-shaped stomach. This is done laparoscopically with small incisions and specialised instruments.
Removed Section:
A large portion of the stomach, typically about 75-80%, is removed. This section often contains the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, thus reducing appetite post-surgery.
New Stomach:
The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped like a tube or sleeve, significantly smaller in size, which restricts food intake and helps in weight loss by making you feel full sooner and reducing hunger signals.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Work?

1. Qualifications

To qualify, the general requirements are:

You have severe obesity (class III). This is determined by your BMI. Class III obesity means a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 with at least one related disease.
You have tried to lose weight but have not succeeded in it before surgery.
You are physically and mentally prepared for surgery and recovery.

2. Before Surgery

If you’ve passed your health screening and qualify for bariatric sleeve surgery, the next step will be a two-week liquid diet. Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines to follow, and it’s important to adhere to these instructions for the best possible outcome. You’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before your operation. That’s to make sure your stomach is empty during the procedure. Food or liquid left in your stomach during the surgery could cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

3. Process of Surgery

Most of the time, a sleeve gastrectomy is done by laparoscopic or robotic surgery. This makes for an easier recovery.

4. During the Surgery

The surgeon will administer general anaesthesia to ensure you are asleep during the procedure. They will make a small incision, about half an inch long, in your abdomen and insert a port, then pump carbon dioxide gas through it to expand your abdominal cavity. Next, they will place a small, lighted video camera (laparoscope) through the port to project your internal organs onto a screen. The surgeon will insert additional ports through one to three more incisions and use long, narrow tools to perform the surgery. They will measure the gastric sleeve, divide and separate the remainder of your stomach with a surgical stapler, and remove the excess stomach tissue. Finally, the surgeon will close the incisions.

5. Surgery Duration

A sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively short and simple operation. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Your surgeon may still want you to stay in the hospital for one to two days afterwards. This way, they can help manage your pain and any temporary side effects of surgery, such as nausea.

6. After the Surgery

After the surgery, you’ll have frequent check-ups with your healthcare provider in the following weeks and months. They’ll provide comprehensive care, monitoring your weight loss progress, related health conditions and any side effects of the surgery. They’ll also guide you on following the necessary lifestyle guidelines to maintain your health and weight loss, ensuring you feel supported and cared for.

Real Success Stories: Transformations That Inspire

“ Well, what can I say. Transforming is indeed the ideal name for the gastric sleeve procedure I underwent just 5 weeks ago. Fast, efficient, and for me personally pain-free. From starting the liver shrinkage diet 6 weeks ago, i am 38lbs lighter and feeling great. Receiving regular dietary advice and now well on the way to eating solid foods. I have found the whole process made easy, not least the initial advice and constant updates from my coordinator Jodie Rogers. Even now checking on me and my progress. Best thing I ever did was to talk to and listen to Jodie. Would recommend Transforming Lives to anybody if asked. ”

“ I came to Transform for a gastric sleeve 18th April this year at Pines Hospital in Manchester and the care I have received has been incredible!

My initial point of contact was with my patient advisor Lisa Harrison - she went above and beyond to help arrange everything for me and even after my date being changed last minute, she was so helpful at rearranging everything for me within 24 hours and a new date was in place as well as any questions or queries I had, she would respond promptly.

Mr Alan Li was my surgeon and on the morning of my surgery, he and his team were all so hands on and spoke to me in detail about what was going to happen and the support I would receive straight after surgery. All the nurses were incredible when I stayed for the day as well as overnight, getting me anything and everything I needed. The aftercare I have received following surgery has been brilliant, contacting me every couple of weeks to see how I’m getting on. Now 6 weeks post-op and never felt better in my life! Thank you so much to everyone at Transform! ”

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Benefits of Gastric Band Surgery for Patients

Significant Weight Loss

Achieves long-term weight reduction.

Health Improvement

Lowers risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related conditions.

Appetite Control

Reduces hunger hormones, managing cravings.

Quick Recovery

Minimally invasive with faster healing time.

Enhanced Mobility

Improves physical activity and overall well-being.

Support and Monitoring

Ongoing professional support. Regular follow-ups for long-term success.

FAQs

What Does a Gastric Sleeve Do?

Reducing the size of your stomach is a simple way to restrict the amount of food you can eat in one sitting, making you feel fuller and faster. But it also serves another purpose: it reduces the hunger hormones your stomach can produce. This helps to decrease your appetite and cravings and may help to prevent the impulses that cause people to regain the weight they’ve lost.

What Medical Conditions Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Help Treat?

Gastric sleeve surgery can improve and sometimes eliminate diseases, including:

Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.
Hypertension and hypertensive heart disease.
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and arterial disease.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis.
Obesity, hypoventilation syndrome and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Is the Gastric Sleeve Safe?

The risks of gastric sleeve surgery are far less than those of obesity and related diseases. Most gastric sleeve procedures use minimally invasive surgical techniques, meaning less incision pain and faster recovery.

Will I Have to Follow a Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

You have to choose your foods wisely. Because you won’t be able to eat as much as before, you’ll have to ensure that what you eat is nutritious enough to sustain your energy needs. You’ll begin taking vitamins shortly after surgery and must continue taking them permanently.

Invest in Your Health with Flexible Financing Options

Understanding that affordability is key to accessing transformative health services, we offer a variety of financing options to fit your budget. Whether you’re considering surgical or non-surgical weight loss procedures, our flexible plans are designed to make your journey to wellness both achievable and affordable. Explore our tailored payment solutions to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Invest in Wellness: Flexible Financing for Your Health Journey

Flexible Financing: We offer various financing options to fit your budget.
Accessibility: Affordability is key to accessing transformative health services.
Surgical and Non-Surgical: Options available for both surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures.
Tailored Plans: Flexible plans designed to make your wellness journey achievable.
Start Today: Explore our tailored payment solutions for a healthier, happier you.

Why Choose Transform Weight Loss?

Go with Transform Weight Loss for expert care, personalised support, and lasting results.

Comprehensive industry leading aftercare

Access to 24-hour support helpline

All surgeons registered with the General Medical Council

All facilities regulated by the Care Quality Commission

All nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Flexible financing options that fits your budget

Personalised treatment plans designed specifically to meet your goals

Latest medical technology ensuring safe and effective procedures

Transform Aftercare: Lifelong Support

At Transform, we are with you every step of the way, from your first enquiry to post-surgery support and beyond.

Our world-class surgeons excel at performing weight loss surgeries like bypass and sleeve procedures, delivering remarkable results.

However, to achieve the best outcomes, the aftercare you receive is just as crucial as the surgery itself. Transform offers top-notch support throughout your weight loss journey.

5-year surgical cover

2-year access to our dietetics and nutrition advisers.

2-year access to our psychotherapist as needed.

2-year access to our clinical nurse.

Free 1-month gym membership with personal trainer sessions.

Transform toolkit: Includes weighing scales, a tape measure, and a Transform plate.

B12 injections available at cost.

Lifelong access to our weight loss support call centre.

Lifelong free subscription to our Transform Weight Loss Hub.

Find Our State-of-the-Art Clinics and Hospitals Near You

Find top-tier weight loss and surgical solutions at our facilities located in key UK cities. Whether you’re near Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Solihull, or Torquay, we’re ready to provide you with exceptional care. Discover the Transform Weight Loss clinic or hospital closest to you and embark on your journey to a healthier life with our expert medical team.

Dedicated Team of Specialists

Meet the esteemed leaders in weight loss and bariatric surgery. Our surgeons bring a wealth of expertise in both surgical and non-surgical weight loss methods, ensuring advanced, safe, and effective treatments tailored to your needs.

Understanding Your Weight Loss Journey

Choosing weight loss surgery is a powerful step toward better health. At Transform, we want to help you understand the process and what to expect. We’ve explained each stage of the journey to give you a clear idea, but remember, your experience will be personalised to fit your needs.

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

The initial step is to talk to your surgeon assistant over the phone. You’ll be able to talk to them about why you’re considering gastric band surgery, the likely costs and finance options, how much time you’d probably need to take off work, and when you’d like to have the surgery. Whenever you decide to book a surgery date, you can secure it for a minimum refundable deposit of £500. If you feel ready, we’ll book you an appointment for your free consultation with one of our surgeons.

FREE CONSULTATION

At your free consultation, you’ll speak a specialist weight loss practitioner (a nurse or dietitian) who’ll ask you about the results you want to achieve from having a gastric band. You can discuss what your personal goals are, find out whether you’re a suitable candidate for this surgery, and discover what the possible benefits and risks are – all with no obligation to go ahead. This free consultation can be carried out either over video chat or in person at your local clinic. Our specialist weight loss practitioners have received extensive training from our surgeons, and so they are extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer all of your questions. They’ll look at your medical history and discuss the outcome that you can anticipate, as well as outlining any potential complications from the procedure. If you feel ready to go ahead and book your surgery, you’ll then have a separate consultation with your surgeon. They’ll go through all the risks and benefits with you and confirm your suitability for surgery, as well as answer any further questions you may have. You’ll then be referred to a clinic nurse and a dietitian for pre-operative tests and assessments.

THE SURGERY

On the day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon so you can go through the consent form and ask any last-minute questions. You’ll also be introduced to the rest of your surgical team before going into theatre. The procedure will take between 1-2 hours, and it’ll be carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make 5 small keyhole incisions to insert the operating instruments. The band will then be secured around the top of your stomach and stitched in place. A port, through which the band is adjusted, will be secured to your abdominal muscle wall. The incisions will usually be stitched with dissolvable stitches and/or surgical glue.

RECOVERY

Following the procedure, you’ll usually stay in hospital for one night and return home the next day. It’s expected that you’ll experience some swelling and pain when you wake up from surgery, so you’ll be provided with painkillers and looked after by our highly qualified nurses. You’ll receive intravenous drip hydration immediately after surgery to maintain your fluid levels until you can drink. Initially, after surgery you’ll remain on fluids for a period of time – our surgeons and dietitians will advise further on post-operative nutrition and hydration. Because the procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, we recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you home the next day, and that they stay with you until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Before you leave the hospital, we’ll talk to you about looking after yourself at home and make a follow-up appointment for you. We’ll also give you the number for our 24/7 patient helpline so you can speak to a member of our clinical team, day or night. It’s likely that you will feel pain and swelling where the incisions were made, so it’s important to take it easy for 1-2 weeks to allow your body to heal safely.

AFTERCARE

We believe that the highest quality aftercare is just as important as the surgery itself, so we’re here to support you throughout the recovery process. You’ll need to give your body plenty of time to heal, and we’ll give you detailed guidance on the best way to achieve this. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for up to six weeks to ensure you heal well. When you have a gastric band fitted, the surgery itself is only the start of your journey. We offer three different comprehensive aftercare packages to help you achieve your weight loss goals. The level of benefits you enjoy will depend on the package you choose. Packages may include band adjustments with our highly trained nurses and dietitians, surgical cover, including post-operative surgery for port adjustment, port replacement and/or reconnection, X-rays, and correction for band slippage or erosion.