Laparoscopic Sleeve

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery at our Melbourne weight loss centre can be life-changing for patients wanting to reduce their BMI. It can provide you with numerous other health benefits aside from losing excess weight. These advantages include lowering your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more.

A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be an ideal next step if you are looking for a sustainable way to reduce and maintain your weight loss. It differs from other bariatric surgeries in that no foreign body is put around your stomach as with a gastric band procedure. There is no complex intestinal rearrangement as with bypass surgery.

Most patients find that gastric sleeve keyhole surgery provides few complications, good cosmetic results, and a quick recovery time.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

This procedure is the most common weight loss surgery currently performed in Australia. The surgery is considered a restrictive procedure as it permanently removes 75-80 % of the stomach along the greater curve of the stomach. The considerable reduction in stomach volume, results in patient’s being full or reaching satiety quicker than they would have before surgery.

The additional benefit of removing this part of the stomach: is the loss of the hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is thought to be the hormone that drives the hunger sensation, so inhibiting it can minimise the desire to consume food excessively. Furthermore, there is some suggestion that the small tube remnant of the stomach left behind during surgery can encourage faster transit through the stomach and into the small bowel releasing the hormones GLP1 and PYY3-36, which support better blood sugar control. These effects combine to result in increased weight loss and reduced obesity-related co-morbidities.

Commencing the Bariatric Journey: Frequently asked Questions

Is gastric sleeve surgery in Melbourne the right step for me?

The first step to understand is that weight loss surgery is an additional tool in your journey to help you overcome the disease of obesity in a sustainable way. “Come in with the attitude and understanding that I am going to work with this tool to make this journey as successful as it can be”. Gastric sleeve Surgery in Melbourne is the most common weight loss surgery procedure done.

Each person's needs are different and unique. We meet with you to discuss your own individual needs and medical history. We take the time to get to know you and all that you want to achieve in this journey. We then come up with a joint decision with you. Our desire to help you achieve your weight loss goals with one weight loss surgery during your lifetime. We help guide our patients and educate them as to which procedure will help them achieve this goal.
What makes us Different ?

We have a heart’s desire to help the community overcome the disease of obesity in a sustainable way. We have great results with a wealth of experience.Our team includes, Our surgeon, Perioperative Physician, Dietitian, Habits coach and personal trainer. Our staff have a wealth of information to guide you as a point of contact. We value patients as family; walking this journey with you; supporting you and celebrating you and your success stories.

Questions to ask about Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Do I need to change my diet after a sleeve gastrectomy?

Initially, after the surgery, you will be on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks. This diet can include soups, shakes, and any other food you can drink with a straw. You will be on this food plan under the supervision of our accredited practising dietitian.You can gradually transition to soft foods and a complete diet after your initial recovery. However, it is essential to remember that this operation, like other bariatric surgeries, is not a substitute for poor eating habits. The weight loss surgery can give you the ability to change your diet to a healthy one and ensure that it is sustainable.

When deciding whether a laparoscopic gastric sleeve is a suitable surgery for you, it is vital to see our surgeon and discuss the procedure, including preoperative and postoperative management, as well as the potential complications of the gastrectomy. You should be aware that weight loss occurs rapidly in the first six to twelve months. Sleeve gastrectomy also seems to have better patient compliance than a gastric band insertion, and the surgery is less complicated than having a gastric bypass.

What are the health benefits of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?

Following a sleeve gastrectomy, you may experience numerous other health benefits in addition to weight loss.

Remission of type two diabetes

Some bariatric surgery patients with type two diabetes can go into remission after a gastrectomy. In some cases, patients can maintain normal insulin levels for at least three years after surgery.

Improved cardiovascular health

Weight loss surgery can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke. Other cardiovascular benefits from losing excess weight can include reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Eliminate sleep apnoea

By losing weight through gastric surgery and obtaining a lower BMI, you may experience complete remission of sleep apnoea symptoms. This benefit can cause you to stop using a CPAP machine at night.

Additional benefits differ between individuals and can include easing depression, joint pain relief, improved fertility, and alleviating other medical conditions.

Improved cardiovascular health

Bariatric surgery can help improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Weight loss can improve hormone imbalances that can affect a person's ovulation cycles and improve the chances of getting pregnant. It can also reverse or improve conditions that affect fertility, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Gastric Sleeve Journey

Getting to know you

Book in to see our friendly surgeon
Bring a support partner along
Have all your questions written down

Planning for surgery

Plan for surgery / Procedure Date
Insured / Superannuation / Payment Plans
Paperwork process begins (You will be provided with everything by our experienced team, who will guide you through the process)

Meeting the team

Dietitian review
Commencement of Very Low Calorie Diet /Shakes (varies between 2-4 weeks)
Optional support of Habits Coach

The weight is over

Day of Surgery
Toiletries
2m cord for mobile phones / tablets
Comfortable clothing for 2 -3 nights

Post operative journey

Home after day 2 (varies with patients)
Post surgery diet plan as per dietitian
See GP at 2 weeks post surgery for wound review
See dietitian at 4 weeks
Surgeon review at 6 weeks

Sustainable living

Normal diet
Regular exercise
Regular bariatric multivitmains
Optional habits coach support

Surgery Options

Please see below a list of some of the more common surgeries for Bariatric (Weight Loss), Upper Gastrointestinal (Hiatal Hernia & Anti Reflux) and General Surgery (Gall Bladder & Hernias) that Mr.Niruben currently performs.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Most common weight loss surgery done
Reduction of hunger hormone ”Ghrelin”

Laparoscopic Gastric Roux En Y Bypass

A small stomach pouch is created
The small bowel is divided so that the first part of the bowel is by-passed, and the remainder of the small bowel is attached to the newly formed pouch

Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass

The first step is to create a small stomach pouch
This is connected (anastomosed) to the intestine, bypassing between 1.5m to 2mof the part of the proximal intestine

Gastric Balloon

The Gastric Balloon is a soft, saline filled silicone balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach without surgery, giving you a feeling of fullness. It will make you feel less hungry and feel fuller more quickly after small meals

Revisional Bariatric surgery

Gastric Sleeve to Roux En-y Gastric Bypass / Mini-gastric Bypass
Gastric Band to Roux En-y Gastric Bypass / Mini-gastric Bypass

Gastric Band

A form of weight loss surgery where a surgeon places a specialised band around the stomach
The band temporarily divides your stomach into two pouches, reducing its volume and helping you feel

Hiatal Hernia & Anti Reflux Surgery

The surgery fixes this and creates an anti-reflux effect (can have part of this done together with weight loss surgery)
No permanent Weight loss component

Gall bladder Surgery

Key hole / Laparoscopic
Average length of stay 1-2 nights
Performed for Privately insured & Self funding patients

Hernia Surgery

This is often done as key hole surgery with an overnight stay
Performed for privately insured and self funding patients

View all surgery options

Connect with Our Expert Support

Considering the next step in your weight loss journey? Contact us to find out more about our
holistic approach or to book your consultation.

Why trust us and what makes us different?

You can trust our dedicated and highly experienced team for a gastric sleeve procedure in Melbourne. Our team is led by highly skilled surgeon Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram who has extensive knowledge about advanced laparoscopic surgery.

He has completed a four-year fellowship in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal and general surgery. He does a wide range of primary and revisional bariatric surgery

Our team is passionate about providing exceptional patient care, premium service, and keeping waiting times to a minimum. We prioritise new patient referrals with dedicated consultation appointments so you can be confident in getting the support you require.

We are just not about the surgery but provide support for a whole life style change with a habits coach, accredited practising dieticians and personal trainers to ensure you get the most value from this weight loss procedure.

Our affordable elective surgery is suitable for insured and self-funding patients.

Contact us for more information about our gastric sleeve surgery or to discuss whether you are an ideal candidate for this weight-loss procedure.

Our Client Reviews

If you are thinking of this journey and would like to talk to one of our patients directly to get their perspective – Please feel free to contact us.