Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland
Also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery, is an effective bariatric weight loss procedure.
Also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery, is an effective bariatric weight loss procedure.
Expected excess weight loss:
60-70%
Average procedure time:
60 minutes
Average length of hospital stay:
1-2 nights
Average recovery time:
2 weeks
At Blackrock WeightCare we perform gastric sleeve operations either by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery or using the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system.
A gastric sleeve reduces the size of the stomach considerably. A stomach ‘sleeve’ is created using a surgical stapler and a tubular sizing device and then the outer area of the stomach is removed.
It’s important to get the stomach sleeve the correct size. This is because if the volume of the stomach is too big, you won’t lose enough weight and if it’s too small, you could develop complications such as tightness or a kink.
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of your stomach. As your stomach is smaller, you’ll eat reduced portion sizes because you’ll feel full more quickly, and you’ll stay feeling full for longer.
In addition, your appetite will be drastically reduced because the part of the stomach that produces much of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, is removed.
On average, 12 to 18 months after surgery, you will lose 65% of the extra weight you’re carrying above your estimated normal body weight.
At Blackrock WeightCare, we can perform gastric sleeve surgery laparoscopically (keyhole) or robotically using the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system under general anaesthesia.
During the operation, a surgical stapling device is used to staple and seal your stomach. We also use a guide tube to measure the size of the stomach sleeve that’s left behind. About 70% of your stomach is permanently removed, which leaves behind a narrow ‘banana-shaped’ stomach – the sleeve. We don’t remove or bypass any intestines during this surgery, and the surgery usually takes about one hour to perform.
Your Health – We Care. Blackrock WeightCare follows up with all patients for a minimum of 2 years to ensure that any risk is minimised and we help teach you how to self-care in the years ahead. Read more about our Weight Loss Aftercare here.
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Gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, which limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It also affects hunger hormones, helping patients feel full sooner and reducing appetite.
Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to substantial weight loss. Patients typically lose around 60–70% of their excess body weight over 12 to 18 months, particularly when they follow the recommended dietary advice, attend follow-up appointments and make consistent lifestyle changes.
The usual hospital stay is usually 1 night. This can vary a bit depending on your recovery, your medical history and how you are getting on with fluids and moving about after surgery.
Recovery is often quicker than people expect. Around 10 days to 2 weeks is common before returning to office based work, although it may take a bit longer if your job is physically demanding. It also takes time to adjust to new eating habits, so support and follow-up remain important.
Food is reintroduced in stages after surgery. You will begin with fluids, then move on to soft foods, before returning to regular meals over time. Long term, the focus is on small portions, protein-rich meals, eating slowly and avoiding grazing. Your bariatric team will guide you through each stage but you will be able to eat ‘normal’ food.
Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to improvement in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure. For some people, these conditions become easier to manage. For others, they may improve to the point where medication can be reduced or stopped under medical advice.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a well-established weight loss procedure and is commonly carried out using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. As with any operation, there are risks, but careful assessment, experienced surgical care and proper follow-up all help to support a safe recovery.
Yes! It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy after gastric sleeve surgery. Pregnancy is however best avoided during the rapid weight loss phase after surgery. This gives your body time to recover and helps support good nutrition before conception. Your team can advise you on timing.
There is no single procedure that suits everyone. A gastric sleeve may be the better option for one patient, while a gastric bypass may be more appropriate for another, particularly where reflux or specific metabolic concerns are present. The right procedure depends on your BMI, medical history, symptoms and overall health. A full surgical assessment will help determine which option is safest and most effective for you. You must also be comfortable with the choice.
Return to work depends on the type of work you do and how your recovery is progressing. Patients with desk-based roles may return within days and sooner than those whose work involves lifting or physical strain. Your bariatric team will advise you based on your individual recovery.
Gentle walking is usually encouraged immediately after surgery. More strenuous activity can often be introduced gradually once healing is underway and your surgical team is happy with your recovery. In general, strenuous activity and heavy lifting are avoided for about 6 weeks after surgery.
Yes, over time you can return to normal foods, but portion sizes will be much smaller and eating habits will need to change. The focus is on eating slowly, prioritising protein and avoiding habits that can affect long-term results.
Weight loss after surgery can reduce pressure on the joints and make movement easier. Patients often find that walking, climbing stairs and daily activity all quickly become more manageable as weight comes down.
Weight loss can improve hormonal health and fertility in some patients, especially where obesity has been affecting menstrual cycles or ovulation. This should be discussed with your clinical team if fertility is part of your concern.
Gastric sleeve surgery may be considered for patients with a BMI of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 or above where obesity-related health conditions are present, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure. Suitability depends on more than BMI alone, so a full assessment is needed to decide whether gastric sleeve surgery is the right option for you.
Yes! Very often bariatric surgery and sleeve gastrectomy is covered under your health insurance in Ireland. Cover for gastric sleeve surgery in Ireland will depend on your level of insurance and whether you meet the clinical criteria.
As policies can vary, it is always best to check directly with your provider to confirm what is included in your plan. Our team can also guide you on the information and documentation that may be needed as part of the process. Click here to check your cover for gastric sleeve surgery.
No, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible. The procedure involves permanently removing a section of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
