Weight Loss Surgery

There are all sorts of reasons for putting on weight...

...stress, health problems that restrict your ability to exercise, or unhealthy eating habits that began in childhood. Everyone is different so the first step we take is to listen to your hopes and concerns, and help you to work out whether weight loss surgery is the answer for you.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, chances are you've tried losing weight in all sorts of other ways. It's important not to feel guilty about these perceived 'failures' as once you reach a certain Body Mass Index (BMI) it's extremely difficult to lose weight through dieting, exercise and even anti-obesity drugs.

The first thing you need for weight loss surgery to succeed is to be committed to making it work. As well as the actual surgical procedure you'll be given strict diet and exercise regimes to follow so we need to know that you're going to stick to them.

The second thing you need to do is work out your BMI using the OPA BMI calculator. If over 35 you are eligible for weight loss surgery. Your surgeon will recommend which type of procedures are most suited to you at your consultation.


You may be considered for weight loss surgery by the NHS if;

  • you are over 18 years old.

  • your BMI is over 45kg/m2 along with a medical condition that weight loss would improve, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis or sleep apnea. Without any of these, your BMI needs to be over 50 kg/m2.

  • you have made serious attempts to lose weight

  • you are prepared to make substantial changes to your diet and lifestyle you are willing to be monitored by a specialist team after your surgery


    Choosing the right Operation

    Having decided that weight loss surgery is for you, one of the next decisions is what operation would be best?
    This is a decision made jointly between you and your surgeon and we strongly urge you to do your research to understand which operation is best suited to your circumstances. Here are some pointers to guide you through the process.

    Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

    In the last ten years, gastric banding, a permanent procedure which is potentially reversible has become more and more popular. The band itself is inserted laparoscopically under general anaesthetic in around 45 to 60 minutes, with most people spending a night in hospital and then returning to work within two weeks.

    The band is placed around the top part of your stomach, creating a small pouch. Food can only trickle slowly through the restricted area which means you feel full after a small amount of food. The result is you need to eat less and over time you lose weight. If you eat too much you will regurgitate the surplus food, so it s up to you to re-educate your eating habits and learn how much you can eat with the band in place.

    The band can be adjusted to achieve the optimum slow weight loss of 1 to 2lbs a week; any faster weight loss can result in a lot of loose skin. It is intended to remain in place permanently and don't worry, it won't set off airport metal detectors!
    Click here for animation of Gastric Band Procedure

    Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

    A laparoscopic gastric bypass involves making permanent changes to your digestive tract and is considered as the gold standard operation for weight loss. This can be done using the keyhole (laparoscopic) technique through five tiny cuts on the abdomen.

    A small pouch is created at the top of your stomach, into which a new opening is made. The first segment of your small intestine is then bypassed, with the remainder of your small intestine joined to the new opening. The rest of your stomach becomes redundant but this doesn't harm it in any way.

    Weight loss is achieved in two ways: the amount of food you can physically take in is reduced; and your body absorbs fewer calories from the food you do eat. This is why this is referred to as a restrictive or malabsorbtive procedure.

    A laparoscopic gastric bypass often produces rapid weight loss, which also often results in a rapid improvement and even resolution of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in some cases.
    Click here for Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure  

    Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

    In this procedure,around 85% of the stomach is removed leaving you with a 'sleeve-shaped ' stomach with a much smaller capacity. Like the bypass, this is a permanent process which works by reducing the amount of food you can eat, so you lose weight.
    This is done using the keyhole technique, through five tiny cuts on the abdomen. The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and take approximately one and half hours. You should be able to walk around later the same day and you will stay in hospital for 2-3 days. Normal activities should be back to normal in 3-4 days returning to work within 2-3 weeks.


    Real Experience

    Barbara had "Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

    and said "My life has changed completely. I wish Gastric Banding had been available 40 years ago. I can do things that I haven't done in years; go to the theatre or cinema and fit into the seats without having to wait until everyone had gone incase I got stuck. I can walk better, breathe better and enjoy the simple things in life especially exercise and swimming without embarrassment".
    I am now a life time member of OPA.




    • barbaraba

    • Hospitals used by members
    • Derby Hospital Information
    • Musgrove Park Information
    • WalsallManor, Heart of England
    • University Hospital North Staffs