Gastric Sleeve Surgery
in Brisbane
A patient-centred approach to weight loss, reducing stomach volume and hunger hormones to support new eating habits.
About the Procedure
What is a Gastric Sleeve?
The sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure that helps you regain control over your health. By removing approximately 75–85% of the stomach and reshaping the remainder into a narrow ‘sleeve,’ the procedure achieves two vital goals:
Physical Restriction
It limits the amount of food you can comfortably consume, so you feel full faster and stay satisfied longer after each meal.
Hormonal effect
It reduces the production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), which can help quiet the constant food noise and let you focus on building new, healthy habits.
Why Dr Aaron Lim
Why Choose Dr Aaron Lim for Your Sleeve?
Dr Lim believes that the key to a successful outcome is a combination of technical precision and a supportive care environment.
Minimally Invasive Expertise
Dr Lim performs the gastric sleeve using advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques, designed to minimise pain, reduce scarring, and facilitate a faster return to your daily life.
A Teamwork Philosophy
Dr Lim works alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including bariatric nurses, dietitians, and psychologists, to ensure you are supported before, during, and long after your surgery.
Bespoke Care
From your initial consultation at our Redcliffe, South Brisbane, or Cleveland clinics, Dr Lim prioritises clear communication and patient-centred care, tailoring the surgical plan to your specific health history and lifestyle goals.
What to Expect
The Procedure and Recovery
Dr Lim’s goal is to make your surgical experience as smooth as possible. His team provides clear, step-by-step guidance at every stage of your journey.
Duration
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia using small incisions, typically 5 keyhole entry points.
Hospital Stay
Most people stay 1 night in hospital, allowing for a comfortable recovery at home.
Reflux Management
Given his subspecialty interest in reflux and upper GI surgery, Dr Lim takes particular care to assess for hiatal hernias during the procedure and uses specific techniques to minimise the risk of post-operative reflux.
Is This Right for You?
Is Gastric Sleeve Right for You?
While the gastric sleeve suits many patients, Dr Lim’s background in lifestyle medicine means he looks at the whole person. He typically recommends this procedure for:
BMI over 35
Suitable for patients with a BMI above 35, with or without additional health conditions.
BMI over 30 with health conditions
Patients with a BMI above 30 and obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes or Sleep Apnoea may also be candidates.
Asian populations: BMI over 27.5
Reflecting IFSO guidelines, a lower BMI threshold applies for patients of Asian ethnicity, who face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
If a sleeve is not the best fit, Dr Lim may discuss a mini gastric bypass or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass instead. You can compare the gastric sleeve and mini gastric bypass in more detail, or see all weight loss surgery options.
Book a ConsultationYour Surgeon
Dr Aaron Lim
MBBS (Hons) · BPharm · FRACS
Subspecialty in Bariatric & Oesophagogastric
Surgery
Dr Lim’s background in Pharmacy and Lifestyle Medicine informs a patient-focused approach that combines technical precision in laparoscopic sleeve surgery with an understanding of metabolic health, hunger hormones, and long-term patient care.
Meet Dr Aaron LimPatient Stories
Real results. Real stories.
Sarah M.
8 months ago
Dr Lim took the time to explain every option available to me. I never felt rushed or pressured. The whole team made what could have been a daunting experience feel completely manageable.
Gastric Sleeve · Brisbane
James T.
1 year ago
I'd been struggling with my weight for over a decade. After seeing Dr Lim, I finally had a clear, personalised plan. Twelve months on and I've lost over 40kg — it's been life-changing.
Mini Gastric Bypass · Redcliffe
Michelle K.
10 months ago
The Allurion balloon was the right first step for me. Dr Lim and his team guided me every step of the way. I felt supported from day one and the results speak for themselves.
Allurion Balloon · Cleveland
David R.
6 months ago
From my very first appointment I knew I was in great hands. Dr Lim is genuinely invested in your success. The level of care and follow-up from the entire team has been outstanding.
Gastric Sleeve · Capalaba
Professional Associations & Credentials
FAQ
Common Questions
What is a gastric sleeve?
The sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 75–85% of the stomach, reshaping it into a narrow sleeve. This limits food intake (restriction) and reduces ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger, which can help you build new, sustainable eating habits.
How much weight can I expect to lose after a gastric sleeve?
Results vary based on individual factors, and Dr Lim will discuss a realistic goal with you at your consultation. The sleeve is used alongside the dietary and lifestyle support provided by Dr Lim's multidisciplinary team.
Am I a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
Dr Lim typically recommends the gastric sleeve for patients with a BMI over 35, a BMI over 30 with obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes or Sleep Apnoea, or, reflecting IFSO guidelines, a BMI over 27.5 for patients of Asian ethnicity. A thorough assessment at your initial consultation will confirm suitability.
What does recovery look like after a gastric sleeve?
Most patients stay 1 night in hospital. Because the procedure is performed laparoscopically, pain is generally well-managed. Patients typically return to light activity within 1–2 weeks and full activity within 4–6 weeks, guided by Dr Lim's team throughout.
Does the gastric sleeve affect reflux?
A small proportion of patients may experience new or worsened acid reflux after a gastric sleeve. Dr Lim takes particular care during the procedure to assess for and repair hiatal hernias, and uses specific surgical techniques to minimise this risk. Patients with significant pre-existing reflux may be better suited to a bypass procedure.
Related Services
Where we work
Across Brisbane,
Redlands & Moreton Bay.
Five operating hospitals and five consulting suites, chosen so patients can be seen close to home, with continuity of care between consult and theatre.
Operating hospitals
Where procedures are performed
- Directions
Redland Hospital
Cleveland
- Directions
Mater Private Hospital Redland
Cleveland
- Directions
Mater Private Hospital
South Brisbane
- Directions
North West Private Hospital
Everton Park
- Directions
Peninsula Private Hospital
Kippa-Ring
Consulting clinics
Where you'll see Dr Lim
- Directions
Your Health Specialist
Kangaroo Point
- Directions
Brisbane General & Obesity Surgery
Redcliffe
- Directions
Capalaba Medical Centre
Capalaba
- Directions
Mater Health Centre Redland
Cleveland
- Directions
North West Private Specialist Suites
Everton Park
Start Your Journey Today
Dr Aaron Lim is proud to serve the Brisbane community across multiple locations including Redcliffe, South Brisbane, and Cleveland. Book a consultation to explore whether the gastric sleeve is right for you.
Before your appointment, you can read what a gastric sleeve consultation involves.