Obesity - Weight Loss Surgery
Obesity surgery is a surgical procedure for people who have tried everything to lose weight but have not been able to lose weight or maintain weight loss.
In the UK it is estimated that 20% of men and 25% of women are obese and nearly half the population are over their ideal weight. Although being overweight is relatively harmless, being obese or morbidly obese can cause long term health problems and reduce your overall life expectancy.
Morbid Obesity
The phrase morbid obesity refers to individuals who are 50% to 100% above their ideal body weight and is normally measured by body mass index (BMI).
Your BMI is a calculation of your weight relative to your height, a person who has a BMI of 30 to 40 is considered obese and over 40 as morbidly obese.
Morbid obesity (BMI of over 40) is a complex medical disorder that has an impact on your general quality of life. It can seriously affect your health in many different ways including breathing difficulties, mobility problems, skin conditions, infertility and in some cases can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and cancer.
Obesity can often develop in a yo-yo pattern as you go through various diets, medication and other non-surgical methods of losing weight and then regain the weight after the program has finished.
Lose weight safely
You may feel that weight loss surgery is too drastic a measure and the risks associated with undergoing surgery are too great. We are here to reassure you that by using expert bariatric surgeons in dedicated high tech hospitals the complications are minimised.
Further Reading on Obesity
» Click here for more information on obesity surgery» Obesity
» Obesity surgery - NHS waiting times
More Information on Obesity Surgery
» Obesity surgery FAQ» Obesity facts
» What is my BMI
» Are you a candidate for obesity surgery
» What are the different types of obesity surgery
» Gastric Bypass
» Gastric banding
» What are the risks of obesity surgery
» How your life will change
Obesity Surgery in the UK
Obesity surgery is not designed as a quick solution and requires a comprehensive program that includes the support and services of other healthcare professionals such as dieticians and psychologists over the long-term.
The surgery involves placing an adjustable gastric band (sometimes called a lap band) round the upper part of the stomach, which restricts how much food the patient can eat before feeling full. The gastric band is usually inserted using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The gastric band can then be adjusted to suit the patient's weight loss or removed altogether if needed.
What's involved with weight loss surgery?
You will usually stay in hospital for one night following the operation. You will also be required to attend a number of post operative consultations that will include counseling to ensure you are adapting to the lifestyle changes.
The aim of obesity surgery is to ensure the patient is able to achieve their weight loss goals and at the same time adjust to the lifestyle changes that will be needed following insertion of the gastric band.
When you lose a large amount of weight over a short period of time the skin loses its elasticity and is normally left behind. However, we are able to offer a comprehensive range of body contouring procedures to help correct the problems associated with dramatic weight loss.
Calculate your Body Mass Index