Are you considering Gastric Sleeve surgery but looking for an added layer of security against weight regain? At Sydney Bariatric Clinic, we offer the Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring – an innovative approach that combines the proven benefits of a standard sleeve gastrectomy with an additional device to enhance long-term weight loss and reduce the risk of your stomach stretching over time.

This advanced procedure is designed to provide you with superior, sustained weight loss and a better chance of keeping the weight off for good.

What is the Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring?

The Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring builds on the traditional Sleeve Gastrectomy. In this procedure, approximately 80% of your stomach is removed, creating a smaller, banana-shaped “sleeve.” Immediately after creating the sleeve, a soft, silicone ring (the Minimiser Ring) is placed around the upper part of the newly formed stomach.

This ring is designed to:

  • Prevent Dilation: Help maintain the size and shape of the gastric sleeve, reducing the likelihood of it stretching over time.

  • Enhance Satiety: Contribute to a prolonged feeling of fullness, further aiding in portion control.

  • Improve Long-Term Results: Studies suggest that the addition of the ring can lead to better long-term weight loss maintenance compared to the standard gastric sleeve alone.

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring?

While the standard Gastric Sleeve is highly effective, some patients may experience gradual weight regain years after surgery due to the stomach stretching. The Minimiser Ring offers an extra safeguard, providing additional restriction and helping to prevent this long-term dilation.

Key Benefits of this Enhanced Procedure:

  • Durable Weight Loss: Aims for more sustained and significant weight loss outcomes.

  • Reduced Risk of Regain: Offers an added mechanical barrier against stomach expansion.

  • Effective for Co-morbidities: Continues to effectively resolve or improve obesity-related conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

  • No Re-routing of Intestines: Similar to the standard sleeve, there is no re-routing or bypass of the small intestine, simplifying nutrient absorption compared to gastric bypass.

Is This Procedure Right for You?

The Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring is suitable for many patients who meet the general criteria for bariatric surgery and are looking for an enhanced solution for long-term weight management. Our specialist team at Sydney Bariatric Clinic will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if this advanced procedure aligns with your health goals and individual circumstances.

Consider if this applies to you:

  • You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.

  • You have made multiple, unsuccessful attempts to achieve lasting weight loss through diet and exercise.

  • You are committed to significant, lifelong lifestyle changes and regular follow-up care.

  • You are seeking an advanced option to maximise and maintain your weight loss.

Your Comprehensive Care at Sydney Bariatric Clinic

Our multidisciplinary team in Sydney provides an integrated approach to your weight loss journey. From your initial consultation to long-term follow-up, we are dedicated to your success.

Our Process Includes:

  • Detailed Assessment: A comprehensive review of your medical history and a discussion about your weight loss goals with our experienced bariatric surgeons.

  • Pre-Operative Support: Tailored guidance from our dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists to prepare you for surgery and ensure a smooth transition to your new lifestyle.

  • Advanced Surgical Procedure: Your Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring surgery will be performed by highly skilled surgeons using state-of-the-art techniques.

  • Dedicated Aftercare: Ongoing support through structured follow-up appointments, dietary plans, and lifestyle coaching to help you achieve and maintain your results.

Start Your Enhanced Weight Loss Journey Today

If you’re ready to explore the Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring and take a significant step towards a healthier, more confident you, contact Sydney Bariatric Clinic. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of your transformation.

Gastric Sleeve with Minimiser Ring: Frequently Asked Questions

The Minimiser Ring is a soft, silicone device placed around the upper part of the newly formed gastric sleeve. Its primary purpose is to help maintain the size and shape of the sleeve over time, preventing it from stretching or dilating. This provides an additional layer of restriction, helping to enhance satiety (feeling full) and potentially leading to more durable, long-term weight loss results by reducing the risk of weight regain.

Both procedures involve reducing the stomach to a smaller sleeve. The key difference is the addition of the Minimiser Ring. While a standard Gastric Sleeve is highly effective, some patients may experience stomach dilation over many years, leading to potential weight regain. The Minimiser Ring acts as a reinforcement, aiming to keep the sleeve’s size consistent and provide sustained restriction.

The primary benefits include:

  • Enhanced Long-Term Weight Loss: Aims for more sustained and significant weight loss outcomes.
  • Reduced Risk of Weight Regain: The ring provides a mechanical barrier against future stomach stretching.
  • Improved Satiety: Patients may experience a more consistent feeling of fullness.
  • Resolution of Co-morbidities: Still highly effective in improving or resolving obesity-related conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

The Minimiser Ring is generally intended to be a permanent implant. While it can be surgically removed if necessary, removal is typically only considered in very rare cases of complications or intolerance, and it is not intended for routine removal.

Recovery is similar to a standard Gastric Sleeve. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. You’ll follow a progressive diet from liquids to solids over several weeks. Light activity can usually be resumed within a week, with a return to normal activities typically within 4-6 weeks, guided by our team.

Once the initial surgical recovery is complete, the Minimiser Ring is generally well-tolerated and should not cause ongoing discomfort or pain. It is a soft, flexible device designed to integrate well with your body. Any concerns about discomfort should always be discussed with your surgical team.

The Minimiser Ring works with your reduced stomach size to provide consistent restriction. Our dietitians will provide a comprehensive eating plan focused on nutrient-dense foods, mindful eating, and appropriate portion sizes. The ring helps reinforce these habits by providing a consistent feeling of fullness.

While generally safe, as with any surgical implant, there are potential, though rare, risks. These can include erosion into the stomach, slippage, or intolerance. Our surgeons will thoroughly discuss all potential risks and benefits with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.

The best way to determine your suitability is through a comprehensive consultation with our specialist bariatric surgeons at Sydney Bariatric Clinic. They will review your medical history, discuss your weight loss goals, and recommend the most appropriate procedure for your individual needs.