Gastric Sleeve Surgery Townsville

NQMIS is a consulting suite in Townsville, housing a team of specialist surgeons who conduct a wide range of surgical procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery.

For those patients who are suitable candidates, our North Queensland team of expert bariatric specialists and surgeons offer sleeve gastrectomy in Townsville as a scientifically proven and effective treatment option for obesity.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, involves the removal of up to 80% of the stomach in order to reduce hunger levels and lower food intake. The resulting shape of the stomach will resemble a sleeve.

This surgery is typically performed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss in a short span of time, and is a specialised form of treatment for obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Gastric sleeve surgery will require about 1-3 days of hospitalisation post-surgery and up to 2-4 weeks for full recovery before patients can return to work.

Our Gastric Sleeve Surgeons in Townville

Dr Sam Baker – https://www.nqobesitysurgery.com.au 

Dr Scott Whiting - https://drscottwhiting.com.au 

Dr Matan Ben-David - https://www.drmatanbendavid.com.au 

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

With gastric sleeve surgery, patients can expect to lose up to 75-100% of their excess body weight in the 12-18 months following the procedure. In addition to this, there are many other long-term health benefits for undergoing gastric sleeve surgery.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular conditions

Sleeve gastrectomy may be able to improve and resolve conditions relating to the heart and circulatory system, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Reduced appetite

After the procedure, the stomach will be reduced to about 20% of its original size. As a result, patients will have a reduced appetite and feel full for longer after eating. This is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with managing their food intake and can contribute to maintaining the initial weight loss from gastric sleeve surgery.

Healthier food cravings

Studies have shown that gastric sleeve surgery can change food preferences for patients post-surgery, from sugary foods to more nutrient-rich foods. Having less stomach space means that patients will need to stick to foods that give your body the energy and nutrients it needs. 

Better quality of life

With significant weight loss, obese individuals can enjoy more daily activities and get more out of their life without worrying about debilitating health conditions caused by obesity. Your mental health may also improve as you gain more confidence in your appearance and outlook on life. 

Who is Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a serious bariatric procedure that should only be conducted to those who have exhausted traditional weight loss methods. As such, there are strict criteria for eligible candidates. In order to be deemed a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery, the following conditions need to be met: 

• Have a BMI of 40 or above, typically indicating an excess weight of 45.4 kilograms or more without any medical risk factors (obesity related health issues)
• Possess a BMI of 35 or higher and experience one or more severe obesity-related health issues (lower BMI patients considered in certain racial groups)
• Be at least 16 years old. Younger patients are considered in certain circumstances
• Have attempted weight loss through diet and exercise without sustained success.
• Be willing to make significant lifestyle changes, including alterations to eating habits. 

What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

At NQMIS, our gastric sleeve treatment in Townsville is designed to support you before, during, and after the surgery is complete.

After a successful surgery, you will be placed on a diet of liquid foods to give your stomach time to recover from the procedure. Over the next few weeks, this diet will change to semi-solid pureed food, eventually progressing to solid food.

Your meals will be much smaller than before, meaning that you may need to take vitamins or additional supplements to gain the appropriate amount of nutrients for your body that cannot be gained through food consumption. To ensure that you can adapt to these new eating habits, we will refer you to a qualified nutritionist to help you continue to eat healthily while losing weight.

For the best results, you should also try to stay active and exercise often in order to maintain your weight loss. It is important to know that gastric sleeve surgery is not a miracle solution to losing weight and is only the start of your journey towards better health.