Weightloss Solutions Australia's Guide To Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrenomy)
A surgical solution to help you develop a new and healthy lifestyle:
- What is Gastric Sleeve surgery?
- Video demonstration: How Gastric Sleeve works
- BMI calculator: Are you eligible?
- Differences between Gastric Sleeve surgery and Gastric Banding
- Gastric Sleeve surgery pros and cons
- Risks of Gastric Sleeve surgery
- WLSA 12-month post-surgery support
- Gastric Sleeve success stories
- How much Gastric Sleeve costs in Australia?
- WLSA Gastric Sleeve surgery costs and package inclusions
- Upcoming information session
What is Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Gastric Sleeve surgery is a common weight loss procedure where three-quarters of the stomach is permanently removed. With a smaller stomach size, you would be left feeling more satisfied and full faster from a smaller meal. This is an effective long-term option for people struggling with obesity.
Video demonstration: How Gastric Sleeve works
Watch this less than 2-minute video to understand the process how Gastric Sleeve surgery actually works.
BMI calculator: Are you eligible?
Gastric Sleeve surgery is most suitable for patients with a BMI of more than 40 and those with more than 35 with health problems such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, PCOS, etc.
Differences between Gastric Banding and Gastric Sleeve surgery.
Both options involve modifying the stomach so that it can hold less food. However, they go about this in very different ways.
Lap Band (Gastric Banding) surgery: It is a reversible option where a band wrapping around the top part of the stomach creates a small pouch to limit the amount of food that can be stored. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach in lap-band surgery, and digestion takes place normally. This option is more suitable for individuals with a BMI > 30.
Gastric Sleeve surgery: It is an irreversible option where a large part of the stomach is permanently removed. The remaining part of the patient's stomach is in the shape of a tube, or sleeve. This option is more suitable for individuals with a BMI > 40.
Gastric Sleeve surgery pros and cons
- More lasting solution to Gastric Band
- Does not require re-routing of the intestinal tract unlike Gastric Bypass
- No nutritional deficiency
- Minimal ongoing follow-up required
- No foreign body implanted
- Fast & reliable procedure
- All foods can be consumed, in smaller quantities
- May improve medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more
Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As with any surgery, there is always a degree of risk.
Gastric Sleeve is a procedure with minimal complications and risks, however, such outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Example of potential risks include infections from leakage of the staple line, acid reflux and gastritis. But don't worry, your surgeon will walk you through the risks and preventative measures you can take during your consultations.
WLSA 12-Month Post-surgery support
Even though you don't need on-going maintenance and can tolerate a wide variety of foods post a Gastric Sleeve surgery, it is still important that you maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly.
All our WLSA surgery packages come with a 12-month post-surgery support program to ensure you have the right support and guidance as you transition through a new big lifestyle change. That's why we have doctors, psychologists, and dietitians onboard to monitor and advise you every step of the way.
See the timeline infographic below for more details of what you could expect from consultation to the end of the 12-month support program.
WLSA Timeline From Consultation To 12-month Post-surgery Support
Gastric Sleeve surgery success stories
Meet Melissa.
Melissa lost 42kg after her gastric sleeve surgery followed by WLSA 12-month Lifestyle Modification program. Now, she no longer suffers from sleep apnea, has improved blood pressure levels and can run around with her kids. Watch the video to hear what she has to say!
Meet Josh.
Since his Gastric Sleeve surgery, he has lost 57kg in the first 7 months, and recently completed the Gold Coast Marathon 10km challenge, something he never thought he would ever have done. His advice: Go do your consult and get it done, WLSA is only a phone call away. The support is phenomenal and it's a great family environment. Watch the video to hear about his journey so far!
How much Gastric Sleeve costs in Australia?
You can fund your Gastric Sleeve surgery through Medicare, private health insurance, superannuation, and payment plans.
As a rule of thumb, your total out-of-pocket cost after Medicare rebates may be:
- With private health insurance:
- Without private health insurance:
Keep in mind though that the cost may vary case-by-case. The final cost depends on various factors such as your individual needs, age, additional appointments and more.
Use the Item Number (Gastric Sleeve - Item 31575) in the Medicare Benefits Schedule to find the current reimbursement levels.
So how much are you really saving in the long term?
The thought of undergoing a surgery and the large price tag that comes with it can be daunting, in the short term. But what's the cost to your health in the long term and the risk of not doing anything about it now? Take a look at this infographic.
WLSA Surgery costs and package inclusions
Before your Gastric Sleeve surgery, you will have 3 assessment appointments to determine your suitability for the procedure and outline the support you will need for your weight loss journey. All appointments for the first 12 months are included in the initial fee.
What's included in your Gastric Sleeve package?
Unlimited consultations by phone, email, or face to face with patient liaison staff
All consultations with the surgeon
3 post-surgery workshops with our psychologist and dietitian at 6 weeks, 6 mths, and 12 mths
Unlimited consultations by phone, email, or face to face with patient liaison staff
A comprehensive patient manual
Upcoming information session
Keep an eye out for the next information session or call (07) 5598 0500.
