Small incisions are created in the abdominal wall to allow small instruments to be passed into the abdominal cavity, guided by a special surgical telescope with a video camera. A drain may be inserted to collect fluid from inside your abdomen.

Most patients are discharged home the second postoperative day. Some will stay an additional night or perhaps two depending on their health issues, especially their mobility, and availability of support at home.

It is essential to take the recommended supplements and multivitamins (including 3-monthly injections of vitamin B12) long-term and to have blood tests every year to check on these; otherwise there is a risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies with their risks to health such as anaemia, excess hair loss, osteoporosis and rarely neurological complications. Although there is much less risk of nutritional complications after sleeve gastrectomy because of the absence of malabsorption, we recommend that you take the supplements on long-term basis (for at least 2 years).

The long-term results (after 10 years) of this operation have shown that although this operation is not reversible, it is likely that some patients will stretch their sleeved stomach over time and therefore increase its capacity for food and calorie intake with subsequent weight regain. It is essential therefore to adopt a new life style and carry it on for a durable weight loss.