Weight Loss Surgery

We want you to feel comfortable with your weight loss surgery decision. In discussion with us we will talk through your individual requirements and assess your needs and goals. The surgery that best suits you and your weight loss objective will be decided after this assessment. Weight loss surgery is a complex field and necessarily involves a wider team of professionals.

There is no doubt that this surgery is life enhancing and a positive step forward for the overwhelming majority of patients.

All patients meet with our specialist team throughout their time with us; Sarah Roche our Nurse Specialist, Sarah Wrigglesworth our Psychotherapist and Lucy Jones our Consultant Dietician.

All patients have an initial appointment with our dietician, Lucy, whether you are choosing a gastric balloon, gastric band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. This is both an assessment and an opportunity for Lucy to share all of the dietary instructions for before and after your operation, to support you in your success. You can read more about the dietary support package here.

Surgical options

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy is a highly effective weight loss procedure where around 80 percent of the stomach is physically removed. The remaining stomach is in the shape of a long thin tube and works by making you feel full more quickly. The majority of people lose their appetite (don’t feel hunger) as there is a reduction in the hunger hormone, Ghrelin, after this surgery. Those with a known hiatus hernia or severe acid heartburn will be advised to consider an alternative option, however. This form of surgery is highly effective at improving Type 2 diabetes in the long term. Expected weight loss is around 70% of your excess weight (that which is above BMI 25)

Suitability

You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 35-40 and suffer from a weight related condition (including diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure)
You are morbidly obese (have a BMI of over 40)
You have tried to lose weight in the conventional way, through diet and exercise, but have failed to lose a significant amount of weight.
You are fit to undergo a general anaesthetic

The Procedure

The sleeve gastrectomy is performed through keyhole surgery and takes about 90 minutes. Recovery is rapid and most people will return home the following day or after 2 days. The following animation shows the procedure.

Gastric Bypass

A gastric bypass is considered to be the gold standard for weight loss surgery as it is most effective at long term weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes. The operation involves reduction of stomach capacity together with re-routing of the bowel. This allows a smaller quantity of food to be eaten together with less absorption of calories from the food that is consumed. The expected weight loss is around 80% of your excess weight (that which is above BMI 25). Post-operative multivitamins and minerals as directed by the dietician are mandatory. Most type 2 diabetics will become medication free shortly after surgery. If you have had multiple abdominal operations in the past then you will be advised to consider an alternative operation such as a sleeve gastrectomy.

Suitability

You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 35-40 and suffer from a weight related condition (including diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure)
You are morbidly obese (have a BMI of over 40)
You have tried to lose weight in the conventional way, through diet and exercise, but have failed to lose a significant amount of weight.
You are fit to undergo a general anaesthetic

The Procedure

The gastric bypass is carried out using keyhole surgery and takes about 2hours to perform. Recovery is rapid and most people will return home the following day or after 2 days. The following animation shows the procedure.

Gastroscopy

A camera investigation to look at your oesophagus, stomach and first part of the duodenum. This can be done with throat spray or sedation depending on your wishes.

Suitability

Anyone!

The Procedure

Can take between 2 minutes and 10 minutes depending on whether a biopsy or a stretch is required. You will need to not eat for 6hrs before the procedure and stop drinking water 2 hours in advance.