One of the things that helped James most in the weeks before his gastric sleeve surgery was knowing exactly what to expect on the day itself. The not-knowing was harder than the reality. So if you are approaching your surgery date and you want a clear, honest picture of what the day actually looks like from start to finish, this is it.
The Morning Before Theatre
You will typically be asked to fast from midnight the night before surgery. No food, and usually no water after a certain point in the morning, though your surgical team will give you specific instructions. For James, surgery was in the morning so the fasting period was not as long as it can be for afternoon slots.
When you arrive at the hospital or clinic, you will be checked in, asked to change into a hospital gown, and have your observations taken. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels. A nurse will go through your medical history, confirm your medication list, and run through any allergies. Cannula access is usually placed in your hand or forearm at this stage so that fluids and anaesthesia can be administered during the procedure.
Meeting Your Team
Before you go into theatre, you will typically meet your surgeon and your anaesthetist. The anaesthetist will ask about any previous reactions to anaesthesia and discuss the plan for your sedation. James had an adverse reaction flagged in advance from a previous procedure, and this was managed carefully by the team in theatre. If you have any history of anaesthetic issues, make sure your team knows well in advance, not just on the day.
The pre-op area can feel a bit clinical and nerve-wracking. It is okay to feel anxious. Almost everyone does. The staff working in surgical environments are very used to reassuring patients and most of them are genuinely good at it.
In Theatre
The operating theatre is a busy, bright, slightly cold room with a lot of equipment and several members of staff. Once you are settled on the table, the anaesthetist will administer the general anaesthetic through your cannula. Most people describe going under as a very fast, very calm experience. You will be counting or talking, and then you simply are not anymore.
The gastric sleeve procedure itself typically takes between sixty and ninety minutes. The surgeon works laparoscopically, making several small incisions in the abdomen to insert a camera and instruments. Approximately seventy to eighty percent of the stomach is removed along the greater curvature, leaving a narrow tube or sleeve shape. The removed portion is taken out and the remaining stomach is stapled closed.
Waking Up
Coming around from general anaesthesia is a gradual process. Most people feel groggy, a little confused, and often quite cold. You will be in a recovery room with nurses monitoring you closely. Pain is usually managed well at this stage because you are still on the medication administered during surgery.
James describes waking up as feeling very strange but not as frightening as he had expected. His first clear memory is a nurse telling him the surgery had gone well. That was a very good thing to hear.
You will be checked regularly in recovery, and once you are stable and alert enough, you will be moved to your ward or room. The first priority is usually making sure you are comfortable and that your pain is under control.
The Rest of the Day
The first few hours post-surgery are about rest and monitoring. You will be encouraged to take small sips of water once the surgical team is happy that things are settling. Getting up and moving, even just a short walk to the bathroom, is usually encouraged within hours of surgery because movement reduces the risk of blood clots and helps recovery.
Pain levels vary quite a bit between patients. Some people feel surprisingly comfortable; others find the first day harder. The surgical team will have pain relief options available so do not suffer in silence if you need it.
The day of surgery is a big day. Give yourself permission to rest, let the team look after you, and know that the hard part is already done.
We are not medical professionals. Everything we share is based on our own personal experience. Please speak to your bariatric team or GP before making any decisions about your health.
About this content
This blog is written by James and Kirsten, a couple from the UK who had gastric sleeve surgery together in March 2024.
We started this blog because we couldn't find any sources of content that details before surgery, the surgery and then life post surgery - so we decided to write one ourselves.
Everything on this site is based on our own experience and the research we have done along the way. It is not medical advice. Gastric sleeve surgery is a serious procedure and every patient's journey is different. Please always consult your own bariatric team or GP before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
Some posts on this site may contain featured or sponsored content, or affiliate links. Where this is the case, it will always be clearly stated at the top of the article. Our opinions are always our own.
Publish Date: 30 June 2026 | Last Reviewed: 30 June 2026 | Next Planned Review: 30 December 2027