Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In this procedure, around 85% of the stomach is removed leaving you with a 'sleeve-shaped' stomach with a much smaller capacity. Like the bypass, this is a permanent process which works by reducing the amount of food you can eat so you lose weight.

This is done using the keyhole technique, through five tiny cuts on the abdomen. The operation is done under general anaesthetic and takes around one and a half to two hours. You should be able to walk around later the same day and you'll stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. You'll be back to doing normal activities in 3-4 days and could return to work in 2-3 weeks.

• 60-65% average excess weight loss
• Best suited to people with large amounts of weight to lose and/or severe weight-related health problems
• 2-3 night stay in hospital, back to work within 2-3 weeks
• Available to people with a BMI of over 50