How many people have died from gastric sleeve surgery?

Answer - There are no exact figures, but approximately 1 in every 400 patients die from gastric sleeve surgery. This is only an estimate based upon available online information, the exact figure of worldwide deaths is unknown and could be much lower.

Why do so many people die from gastric sleeve surgery?

There are two main groups of people that surgery is especially dangerous for, these groups are the elderly and the obeese. As gastric sleeve surgery is performed exclusively on obeese people, the death rates are bound to seem high.

Other gastric surgery mortality rates

The gastric bypass mortality rate is similar to that of the gastric sleeve.

The gastric lap band mortality rate is among the lowest of all bariatric surgeries, approximately 1 death for every 2000 operations.

Again, these figures are estimates based upon information available online, they have not been verified as accurate.

Different surgeons will have different mortality rates, ask any prospective surgeon about the safety of the operaton before going ahead.

Animation of a gastric sleeve operation


Other gastric sleeve complications

  • internal bleeding
  • pneumonia
  • infection
  • blood clots
  • Injury sustained to other internal organs

 

Getting a gastric sleeve abroad

If you live in Europe it would be advisable to avoid the UK for medical procedures as they are notoriusly expensive compared to the rest of the world.

 
Genuine footage of a gastric sleeve operation


Many UK residents travel to Belgium in search of reasonably priced bariatric surgery.

In America this price may be high but you have some legal protection, it is much harder to sue a foreign medical practise should something go wrong with your gastric sleeve surgery.

If something does go wrong then you could be in pain for the rest of your life, you could get an infection or even worse than that, you could die.

Financing your gastric sleeve surgery

Obviously there is a plus side to having a gastric sleeve operation, you will no longer be a slave to obesity. You will however (unless you have the money) be in a huge amount of debt as the operation can cost up to $20,000.

Steps you can take to increase your chances of surviving the gastric sleeve operation

If you are determined to go ahead with the gastric sleeve operation, then there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of survival.

Step 1. Eat healthily
Step 2. Regular exercise
Step 3. Consult your doctor!

Your doctor will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to increase your chances of survival.

F.A.Q

Q, Which surgery is better, gastric sleeve or gastric band?
A, This is highly debatable, but from a mortality rate perspective, the gastric lap band is far safer and arguably as effective.

Q, Will I bee in pain after my surgery, and if so for how long?
A, The level of pain is different for everyone as people have different pain thresholds. You can expect pain, it may be mild or severe but one thing is for certain, almost everyone feels some degree of pain and discomfort.

Q, Can I really die from gastric sleeve surgery or is it just a myth?
A, Yes, there is a small but very real chance that you will die from gastric sleeve surgery.

Q, Is it possible to gain weight after having a gastric sleeve operation?
A, It really depends on what you eat. The operation is designed to help you reduce the amount you eat, but if you have lots of chocolate, cream or any other high calorie foods, especially those that can slip down the throat easily, then yes you can gain weight.

Q, Is there any way I can get a gastric sleeve operation for free
A, It is very unlikely although you never know, you may get lucky. Perhaps you could contact universities and offer yourself as a candidate for medical students to practice on. I'm just speculating, I have no idea if it is even possible, but it might be worth a shot.

Q, Is it safe for me to have a gastric sleeve operation if I am very unfit?
A, The lower your level of fitness, the greater the risk. The same applies to increased age and obesity in general.

Final thoughts

Surgery carries a risk of death, nothing is more serious than that. Please try all other avenues before risking your life.

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