Bariatric surgery functions as a medical procedure which helps individuals with extreme obesity lose weight. The program enables patients to shed weight while enhancing their overall health status and life satisfaction. Multiple patients experience medication reduction or complete discontinuation of their drugs which include diabetes and high blood pressure treatments following their surgical procedure. The surgeon performs bariatric surgery by decreasing stomach size and rerouting sections of the digestive tract. The stomach reaches fullness more quickly which leads to reduced food intake. Because bariatric surgery is a major procedure, it is usually only offered when diet and exercise have not worked.
The procedure inserts a flexible silicone ring around the stomach's upper section to form a restricted food storage area above the band. The pouch quickly reaches its maximum capacity which causes patients to experience fullness after eating small amounts of food. The band connects to a port which exists beneath the skin surface and doctors use this port to adjust the band tension through fluid injection or removal. Weight loss with a gastric band is usually slower; on average patients lose around half of their excess weight with this method. The surgery is reversible (the band can be removed) if needed.
The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch at the upper section of the stomach by using specialized staplers during a gastric bypass procedure. The surgeon attaches the newly formed pouch to a part of the small intestine which lies further down the digestive tract. Food now bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the gut.The body processes food differently which results in reduced calorie absorption and produces a sense of fullness at lower food portions. Gastric bypass produces superior weight loss results because patients lose two-thirds of their extra weight while the procedure remains permanent unlike the other operation.
The surgical procedure removes approximately 80 percent of the stomach to create a slim sleeve-shaped stomach structure. The surgical procedure which eliminates most of the stomach causes people to experience fast fullness after eating only a few bites of food. The surgical procedure reduces appetite hormone levels which assists in controlling hunger. The weight loss procedure known as sleeve gastrectomy produces two-thirds of excess weight reduction in patients. The surgical procedure creates a permanent change in the body's structure which resembles the effects of bypass surgery.
A gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical option. A deflated soft balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline (sterile salt water). The balloon takes up space in the stomach so that the patient feels full much sooner. This helps the patient eat less during the months the balloon is in place. The balloon is usually removed after about six
Most bariatric surgeries are done under general anaesthetic (the patient is asleep) and often by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. In keyhole surgery, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and uses a camera (laparoscope) to guide the instruments111.wales.nhs.uk. Keyhole surgery generally causes less pain and leads to a quicker recovery than a large open cut. After the operation, patients typically stay in hospital for 1–3 days and need about 4–6 weeks to fully recover.
In the weeks after surgery, eating and drinking must be changed. Patients start on a liquid diet (water and thin drinks) for a few days, then gradually introduce pureed or soft foods.. Over about 12 weeks they slowly move to normal foods, but in much smaller portions. For example, by three months most people eat three small meals a day (about the size of a side plate each) plus one or two small snacks. It is very important to chew food well, eat slowly and avoid drinking liquids during meals. Alcohol is usually avoided altogether, especially in the early months. Patients also have scheduled follow-up visits with their surgeon or dietitian for months or years after surgery to check progress and nutrition.
Heal Private is a UK healthcare provider specialising in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. We work with leading UK consultants, surgeons and healthcare professionals in obesity and weight management. Our network of experts provides high-quality care and support at every step – from initial consultation through surgery and aftercare. With Heal Private you can access the best UK bariatric surgeons and medical specialists to ensure safe and successful treatment. Contact Heal Private today to arrange an appointment and start your journey to healthier living.