Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Perth
Gastric sleeve surgery works with your body to reset these signals and make lasting weight loss achievable. At BMI Specialist Clinic, Dr Andrew Kiyingi and his team tailor treatment to you for meaningful, long-term success.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Perth?
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, involves reshaping the stomach into a narrow, tubular structure—often described as being roughly the size and shape of a banana.
From a technical perspective, approximately 70–80% of the stomach is removed, reducing its volume from around 1–1.5 litres down to approximately 150-200 millilitres.
This creates a much smaller, more controlled reservoir for food.
However, the anatomical change is only part of the story. The section of the stomach that is removed—the fundus—is the primary source of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. By removing this region, circulating ghrelin levels are significantly reduced.For many patients, this translates into a noticeable and sustained reduction in appetite.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?
The procedure works through a combination of restricting meal intake and reducing hungar hormones.
The smaller stomach volume means that patients tend to feel full with a much smaller meal of “normal food”.
At the same time, the reduction in ghrelin hormone (hungar hormone) production leads to decreased hunger. Studies have shown that ghrelin levels drop substantially following sleeve gastrectomy, particularly in the first 6–12 months.
This double effect of reduced capacity and reduced hunger—supports your weight loss.
It’s not simply about eating less. It’s about changing the signals that drive eating behaviour in the first place.
What to Expect From My Gastric Sleeve Journey
This is a structured, carefully managed process.
It begins with a comprehensive consultation, where we assess your medical history, metabolic health, and suitability for surgery. From there, we guide you through pre-operative preparation, which may include nutritional optimisation and lifestyle planning.
The procedure itself is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and typically takes between 60–90 minutes. Most patients stay in hospital for 1–2 nights.
Post-operatively, your diet progresses in phases—from liquids to pureed foods, then to soft foods, and eventually to a balanced, long-term dietary pattern.
Follow-up is a critical component. Ongoing monitoring, nutritional guidance, and support are essential to achieving optimal outcome
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Change Your Life?
From a clinical standpoint, sleeve gastrectomy produces consistent and meaningful weight loss.
On average, patients lose approximately 60–80% of their excess body weight, with the majority of this occurring within the first 12–18 months. In total body weight terms, this often equates to around 25–35% of initial body weight.
Beyond the weight loss patients frequently report improvements health conditions, improved mobility, reduction in joint pain, increased energy levels, and a greater sense of physical and psychological wellbeing.
What Are the Risks and Benefits?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a well-established procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon.
The benefits include substantial, sustained weight loss, improvement in metabolic health, and enhanced quality of life.
However, it is important to be clear about the risks.
These include (but limited to):
- Bleeding (approximately 1–2%)
- Staple line leak (generally <1%)
- Infection
- Venous thromboembolism (rare)
There is also a long-term requirement for vitamin and mineral supplementation, as well as ongoing follow-up to monitor nutritional status.
Our team is here it guide thorough understanding of both the benefits and risks to ensure you are able to make an informed decision.
Gastric sleeve surgery works with your body, not against it—helping restore balance and making weight loss feel achievable again.
Book a consultation with Dr Andrew Kiyingi (Specialist and take the first step toward lasting, meaningful change.