Anaesthesia is one of those topics that people tend to either not think about at all or worry about a great deal. If you fall into the second camp, this post is for you. Here is a clear and honest look at what anaesthesia for gastric sleeve surgery involves, including some things that are particularly relevant for bariatric patients.
What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be fully unconscious throughout the procedure and will have no awareness of what is happening. You will not feel pain, hear anything, or remember the surgery itself. General anaesthesia is administered intravenously through a cannula placed in your hand or arm, and once you are under, a breathing tube is placed to manage your airway during the operation.
The Pre-Assessment
Before your surgery date, you will usually have a pre-operative assessment that includes a conversation with or questionnaire from an anaesthetist. This is where you disclose any previous reactions to anaesthesia, any family history of anaesthetic problems, current medications, allergies, and any relevant health conditions.
James had a flagged adverse reaction from a previous procedure and made sure this was on his records well before surgery day. The anaesthetic team at Weight Loss Riga were aware and had a plan in place before he went into theatre. This is a good example of why the pre-assessment matters and why you should not downplay anything when you are asked about your medical history.
Why Anaesthesia Is Different for Bariatric Patients
There are some specific considerations for people having weight loss surgery. Higher body weight can affect how drugs are absorbed and distributed in the body, how long you stay under, and how quickly you come around. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, which is common at higher weights, require additional care with airway management. Your anaesthetist will take all of this into account when planning your sedation.
Positioning on the operating table is also something anaesthetists and surgical teams think about carefully for bariatric patients, both for comfort during the procedure and for reducing strain on joints and pressure points.
Going Under
The induction of anaesthesia is typically very fast. The anaesthetist will inject the anaesthetic agent through your cannula, and within seconds you will feel an overwhelming drowsiness. Most people describe the sensation as peaceful rather than frightening. You will not count to ten. You will simply stop being aware.
Some people feel a brief cold sensation in their arm as the drug goes in. Some feel a slight lightheadedness. And then nothing. The next thing you will know is waking up in recovery.
Coming Round
Waking from general anaesthesia can be disorienting. You may feel confused, cold, nauseous, or emotional for a short while. Some people cry when they wake up and have no idea why, which is a known response to the anaesthetic drugs. A recovery nurse will be with you the whole time and will keep reassuring you until you are more alert.
Nausea is a common side effect of general anaesthesia, and anti-nausea medication is usually given as a matter of course both during and after surgery. If nausea is something you are particularly prone to, mention it in your pre-assessment so it can be built into the plan.
What to Do If You Are Worried
Anaesthesia anxiety is real and it is common. If you are anxious about it, tell your team. Most anaesthetists are very good at addressing concerns, explaining exactly what will happen, and making adjustments where possible. Some hospitals offer a pre-operative visit to the anaesthetic room specifically for anxious patients.
The overall safety record of modern general anaesthesia is very good. Serious complications are rare, and the monitoring that takes place throughout your surgery is continuous and thorough. You are in experienced hands.
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: 2 July 2026 | Last Reviewed: 2 July 2026 | Next Planned Review: 2 January 2028