Call nowContact Us

Call Us Now

(03) 9852 3777

Email Address

info@dralexcraven.com.au

Address

3/195 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Understanding Obesity and the Need for Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that affects millions of Australians, posing significant risks to physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. For those who have struggled to lose weight through conventional methods like diet and exercise, sleeve gastrectomy offers an effective surgical option to achieve sustainable weight loss. This procedure has helped countless individuals regain control over their weight and improve their overall health outcomes.

Introduction to Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive type of bariatric surgery that reshapes the stomach, by removing the outer aspect, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped portion. By reducing stomach size, the surgery aids in significant weight loss, often accompanied by improvements in obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Sleeve gastrectomy has become a popular choice in Australia due to its effectiveness and lower complication rates compared to more invasive bariatric surgeries.

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Australia

Obesity rates in Australia have risen sharply over the past few decades, with recent data indicating that two-thirds of Australian adults have overweight or obesity. This alarming trend has led to an increase in bariatric surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy, with around 25,000 Australians undergoing bariatric procedures annually. Sleeve gastrectomy alone accounts for a significant portion of these surgeries, and it has proven to be highly effective for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Studies show that patients can lose up to 20 to 40% of their body weight within two years post-surgery, leading to improvements in both physical and mental health. This weight loss is sustained long term for almost all patients.

Symptoms of Obesity

Individuals who may benefit from sleeve gastrectomy often experience:

  • Difficulty controlling hunger, snacking, and/or meal sizes
  • Distracting and troublesome thoughts about food (also called food noise)
  • Fatigue and difficulty with physical activity
  • Shortness of breath and sleep-related issues like sleep apnea
  • Metabolic issues such as pre-diabetes or diabetes
  • Problems with blood pressure and/or cholesterol
  • Polycysitic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility
  • Metabolic Associated Liver Disease (also called fatty liver disease)
  • Back and joint pain
  • Increased body fat (as can be shown by high waist circumference or body mass index – BMI)

Causes

Obesity can stem from a variety of factors, mainly related to genetics and the effect of the modern environment. Underlying medical conditions and medications can also play an important role as can a sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, and metabolic issues. Examples include:

  • Genetics: Family history can influence body weight and metabolism.
  • Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie diets contribute significantly to weight gain.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can predispose individuals to obesity.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and corticosteroids, may lead to weight gain.
  • Psychological Factors: Emotional eating, stress, and mental health conditions like depression can drive weight gain.

Diagnostic Tests

  • Waist Circumference and BMI Calculation: Simple tools to assess obesity, but insufficient by themselves to assess risk and guide treatment.
  • Blood Tests: To check for obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
  • Liver Function Tests: Often performed to detect liver damage, commonly linked to obesity.
  • Cardiac Screening: To evaluate cardiovascular risks related to excess weight.
  • Sleep Study: For assessing conditions like sleep apnea that are frequently associated with obesity.
  • Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging like an abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to assess fat distribution and organ health.
  •  

Complications of Obesity

If untreated, obesity can lead to severe health complications, including:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Due to increased insulin resistance.
  • Heart Disease: Elevated risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke.
  • Joint Disorders: Such as osteoarthritis due to excess pressure on the joints.
  • Sleep Apnoea: Higher likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.
  • Certain Cancers: Higher risk for cancers of the breast, colon, and pancreas.
  • Psychological Disorders: Such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
  • Organ failure: Including Heart and Kidney failure

Potential Complications

While sleeve gastrectomy is generally safe, complications can include:

  • Staple line leaks in the stomach, which may require additional surgery
  • Nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake and absorption
  • Acid reflux and heartburn
  • Narrowing of the stomach (stricture), which can cause discomfort or obstruction

Treatments and Lifestyle Adjustments After Sleeve Gastrectomy

After sleeve gastrectomy, patients typically need to follow:

  • A specially designed, gradual diet plan moving from liquids to solids over time
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and health markers
  • Nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies
  • A commitment to lifestyle changes, including portion control and regular physical activity

Sleeve gastrectomy can be a life-changing option for individuals who have struggled to manage obesity on their own. By offering lasting weight loss, this procedure not only enhances physical health but also renews confidence and quality of life.

 

For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Craven, please call us on (03) 9852 3777 or email us at info@dralexcraven.com.au.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Dr Alex Craven Provides Specialised Care In

Surgery for Obesity

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

General Surgery

Endoscopy

Weight and Obesity Control

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients lose between 20-40% of their body weight within the first 12-24 months after surgery.

Yes, you will need to follow a structured diet plan after surgery and make lifelong dietary changes for the best results.

No, sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure that removes part of the stomach and cannot be reversed.

Almost all patients report a radical decrease in hunger due to the hormonal changes.

In some cases, Medicare may cover a portion of the surgery cost if you meet specific criteria. Private health insurance may also provide coverage, depending on your policy.

Related Services

Schedule a call with our treatment coordinator for a confidential discussion on whether surgery is the best option for you.

Schedule a call