Struggling to decide which weight loss surgery is right for you? Take a look at our quick guide!
More people are seeking bariatric surgery to treat obesity and there are a number of very effective weight loss treatments available that can produce significant and sustained weight loss. But how do you decide which procedure is best?Your bariatric consultant will talk and guide you through your options. Their advice will be based on your individual situation taking into account many factors including: your body mass index, your eating habits, any health problems and previous surgeries, your desired weight loss and how quickly you want to achieve this, reversibility of the procedure, the risks of each procedure and their follow up requirements.
Gastric balloon
A soft silicon gastric balloon is inserted into your stomach, partially filling it and imparts a feeling of fullness more quickly after small meals. It’s temporary and removed after six months.If you’re looking to kick start a new, long term, healthy diet and lifestyle but you’re not ready for a permanent procedure with the associated surgical risks this may be the option for you. The gastric balloon is suitable for patients with a BMI between 27 and 35 who may not meet the criteria for other bariatric surgery or who are preparing for another surgery which requires a reduced BMI. As gastric balloon fitting is non-surgical it’s performed in 15 minutes and means you can go home the same day as well as being the cheapest weight loss treatment.
Gastric band
A gastric band is an inflatable silicone band that divides your stomach into two, creating a little top pouch that can only take a small amount of food before filling up and causes you to feel fuller quicker.With a band you’re likely to lose 50 to 60% of your excess weight steadily although there is high variability between patients.So if you’re not quite ready to go under the knife and you want a weight loss surgery that’s completely reversible and low invasive with alow risk of serious complications and a fast recovery whilst you’re committed to gradual weight loss and you don’t mind extra band adjustment appointments,the gastric band could be the best choice for you.
Gastric sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery permanently removes about 75% of your stomach leaving a narrow tube or sleeve so you’ll only be able to eat small meals and feel full for longer. The cells with an appetite prompting hormone (ghrelin) are removed so hunger is also reduced.This surgical option offers dramatic weight loss of around 60% of your excess weight. You might choose this option if you’ve a BMI of 40 or above, you’re happy to permanently change your stomach size and you want to lose substantial weight whilst still being able to eat normal food but in smaller portions with food absorption not being affected negating the worry about nutritional deficiencies associated with a gastric bypass.
Gastric bypass
A gastric bypass divides your stomach into two parts and connects the upper section to your small intestine, bypassing the rest of your stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine. It reduces your food intake and as some of the food you eat is not fully digested fewer calories are absorbed.Gastric bypass patients can lose around 70% of their excess weight. If you’ve a BMI of 35 plus and have a medical condition or a BMI of 40 plus and you’re happy to have permanent surgery that can result in rapid, dramatic and long term weight loss, whilst being aware of the risk of nutritional deficiencies and the need for supplements as well as ‘dumping syndrome’, then gastric bypass may be your preferred option.
About Ramsay Health Care UK
Ramsay Health Care is a leading provider of weight loss surgery in the UK. Ramsay offers weight loss procedures performed by experienced bariatric surgeons who are highly qualified and have undergone intensive specialist training.At Ramsay Health Care your weight loss surgeon will work in a multidisciplinary team who liaise with each other to provide the best plan of action for you. They include a dietitian who will meet with you and produce a bespoke eating plan, and specialist trained nurses who will be by your side during your journey to offer support and guidance to ensure that you achieve your goals.Contact us for more details.