What are the different types of obesity surgery?

First steps...

Initially, your doctor will suggest you lose weight through a change in diet and an increase in physical exercise (by eating less and burning excess fat, you lose weight). A dietician can help you lose weight by designing a weight loss plan after giving crucial nutritional advice on the purchasing and preparation of foods.

When is medical treatment necessary?

If changes to diet and exercise are not effective, your doctor may consider medicines for weight loss. While these medicines can help you to lose weight, after you stop treatment there may be a gradual reversal of any weight loss. To help avoid this, you will need to continue to diet and exercise regularly.

Because we have no knowledge of possible negative effects on puberty and later eating behaviour, medicines for obesity are not yet recommended for young people under the age of 18.

What are the different types of obesity surgery?

Many obese people are turning to stomach surgery to help them get on the road to a healthier life. If you are morbidly obese, or if you have a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 40 and have a risk factor for an obesity-related disease, you can be considered for obesity surgery, such as:

Gastric Banding

Gastric banding limits the capacity of the stomach. This means that after eating a small amount of food, you feel full. Keyhole surgery is used to tie an inflatable band (sometimes called a ‘lap band’) around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch at the top. This limits the amount of food your stomach can hold. Food then slowly passes from the pouch into the lower part of your stomach and on into your digestive system.

The operation is reversible.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is permanent surgery on the stomach to reduce the length of the digestive tract and stop food being absorbed.

A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach. Then, so that food bypasses the stomach and much of the intestine (meaning it can't be digested), part of the intestine is then grafted to the top of this pouch.

Is obesity surgery an easy solution for weight loss?

No. Obesity surgery is not an easy option for obesity sufferers. It is a major step, and although it has many benefits, it should be remembered that it carries the usual pain and risks of any major gastrointestinal surgical operation.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about obesity surgery, or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.