Gastric Sleeve Surgery FAQs

Are the results of a gastric sleeve permanent?

How long the results of your gastric sleeve last will depend on the effort you are willing to put in to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important to encourage and maintain weight loss. The size of your new stomach can be increased due to stretching if you do not adhere to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Will having a gastric sleeve affect my ability to get pregnant?

A gastric sleeve should have a positive impact on pregnancy and childbirth. Many women with obesity suffer from subfertility as a result of their weight. However, as you lose weight, your fertility increases, and you are much more likely to be able to conceive.

Additionally, losing weight will result in a significant reduction in the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Your weight loss will allow you to be much more active both during and after pregnancy. This will ensure that you can get maximum enjoyment out of what should be a very happy time in your life.

How do I know if I am suitable for a gastric sleeve?

This will depend on a number of factors. These include your BMI, your age, your current medical and psychological health, and your motivation to go ahead with the surgery. The final decision on your suitability for a gastric sleeve will be made by your surgeon, but they will, of course, involve you in the decision-making process.

How quickly will I lose weight?

The rate of weight loss after a gastric sleeve varies from person to person based on many different factors. However, generally we estimate that you can expect to lose about 60% of your excess weight after having a gastric sleeve procedure. A lot of weight loss is often seen in the first 6 months after surgery but some people find that their weight plateaus after this. As with anyone trying to lose weight, it depends on how much you eat and what exercise you do.

What effects do smoking/alcohol/drugs have on surgery?

The risks of complications from gastric sleeve surgery increase greatly if you smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. In particular, smoking will increase your risk of infection and delay the time it takes for your wounds to heal. Consequently, we strongly advise that you stop smoking and using all nicotine products for at least 6 weeks to 3 months before and after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. We also stress the importance of following your surgeon’s advice regarding smoking and the use of alcohol and recreational drugs.