Gastric Band Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery)
Weight Loss Procedures
Medically reviewed by The Harley Medical Group Clinical Governance Board on 5th March 2020.
HELPING PATIENTS TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHIER BODY WEIGHT AND LIFESTYLE
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Over 10 million adults in the UK are classified as obese, which is based on a body mass index – BMI – of above 30kg/m2. Maintaining a healthy weight in today’s world is an ever increasing challenge and many people are turning to weight loss procedures for a long term solution. Do any of the following apply to you?
- You’ve tried many diets and can lose weight in the short term but struggle to keep it off
- Your weight is impacting your confidence and self-esteem
- Your weight is affecting your mobility, energy levels and overall quality of life
- Your health is affected and you’ve developed or are at risk of obesity related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea
At The Harley Medical Group, we are specialists in cosmetic procedures and receive regular enquiries about fat removal procedures such as liposuction or tummy tuck. For the best results, however, these procedures should be used for body contouring after weight loss, not primarily for weight loss.
It’s important to reduce your weight to a healthy level before contemplating any of our procedures and a weight loss procedure is a safe, effective way*. Weight loss surgery is a specialist discipline with a very different set of skills so we refer our weight loss clients with a BMI over 32kg/m2 to our partner provider, Healthier Weight.
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What procedures are available?
There are four main procedures, and these are:
- Gastric Band Surgery
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Non Surgical Sleeve / ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)
- Non-Surgical Gastric Balloon
A gastric bypass procedure is also available but this is targeted at people with specific needs. If it is relevant to you we will discuss it when we speak to you.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
The benefits of weight loss procedures
The benefits of weight loss procedures*
- Improved confidence and self esteem
- Better mobility
- Higher energy levels
- Resolution of weight related health problems, for example type 2 diabetes and hypertension
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURE?
You are likely to be eligible for a weight loss procedure if:
- Your BMI is over 32kg/m2 – check your body mass index here
- You’ve previously attempted to lose weight by changing your diet or eating behaviours
- Your weight is impacting your day to day life
Is a weight loss procedure right for me?
If you have reached the point at which you believe you have exhausted dietary changes alone as a way to manage your weight, a weight loss procedure could be a good long term solution. When assessing your eligibility, we will use the above criteria but will also consider the following:
- What is your weight history?
- What are your eating habits?
- How is your weight impacting your health? Do you have any related medical conditions and are you taking any medication?
When having a weight loss procedure it is important to remember that it is only a means by which to help you change your diet and eating habits. It does this very effectively but all successful patients will say that sustained success also requires a commitment to make behavioural changes.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
Gastric Band
Gastric Band
The most popular private weight loss procedure in the UK with significant amounts of long-term data to support that gastric band surgery is both a safe and effective weight loss procedure. It could be suitable for you if your BMI is between 32-45kg/m2 *
Gastric band surgery is a relatively quick procedure taking just over 30 minutes. It’s done under general anaesthetic with over 90% of patients treated as day cases and going home on the day of their surgery.
The surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the top of the stomach to create a small golf ball sized pouch above the band with the larger stomach below. It works by restricting the amount of food you can eat as this new pouch becomes full after only a small portion. This means that as long as you are eating foods of the right texture and slowly, you will feel full much sooner and for longer.
The stomach is not cut in any way so the procedure is completely reversible. The main advantage of the gastric band is that the restriction is adjustable. Tubing that comes off the band connects to an access port stitched to the abdominal wall about an inch below the surface of the skin, close to the belly button. The port is not visible but can be felt by an experienced bariatric nurse who can access the port and adjust the restriction of the band by inflating or deflating with saline.
Things to consider
- You will need to work with your gastric band by changing your diet and adopting new eating behaviours. Although the band doesn’t reduce appetite as such, it does make you feel full on a small portion when you eat foods of the right texture
- You will need to visit the clinic for gastric band adjustments
- You will be required to follow a post procedure diet of 2 weeks liquids and 2 weeks soft foods before returning to normal foods
- You will need to allow a few days to recover from surgery before resuming normal activities. Recovery time after a band however is faster than other surgical procedures
- The procedure is fully reversible if necessary
Lisa's Gastric Band Story
- Baseline BMI 33kg/m2
- Starting weight 14st 1lb
- Current weight 10st 8lb
- Total weight loss 3st 7lb*
I’d been struggling with my weight since having twins. I spent so much money on diets and I’d lose a couple of stone, but as soon as there was a special occasion like a holiday or a wedding, my weight would go straight back on again.
I used to eat without even thinking about it, especially when I was tired. The crunch came when I realised I’d been in a job for 20 years that I didn’t enjoy. My passion in life is clothes and looking good, so I decided I wanted to be a style coach. But who’s going to take you seriously when you’re wearing frumpy clothes that you want to hide away in?
Since my gastric band procedure I have lost over 3 stones and I’m back in size 10 clothes*. It’s given me the confidence that I never had before to set up my own business helping people to make the most of how they look*.
The most important thing I’ve learnt is to eat slowly. I really enjoy eating out now as I take my time – and savour every mouthful.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve
This surgical procedure involves removing over 80% of the stomach to leave a narrow banana shaped stomach. It is a relatively new procedure but has grown in popularity, especially in the NHS, partly because it offers rapid weight loss and relatively low maintenance. A gastric sleeve could be for you if your BMI is above 40kg/m2 and you have struggled with your weight for a long time or don’t feel you could work with a gastric band.
It works by both reducing stomach capacity and by reducing production of ghrelin, a gut hormone which is closely associated with appetite.
The procedure is performed using keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic and takes an experienced sleeve surgeon just over an hour to complete. A small tube (called a bougie) is placed through the mouth into the stomach and the surgeon will cut along this using it as a guide to ‘size’ the new smaller stomach. You will usually stay in hospital for one night after surgery.
Things to consider
- You will be required to follow a post procedure diet of 2 weeks liquids and 2 weeks soft foods before returning to normal foods
- You will need to allow at least one week to recover from surgery before resuming your normal activities
- You will stay in hospital for one, maybe two nights after your surgery
- The gastric sleeve is a more invasive procedure than the gastric band. Complications can be harder to manage and may require a longer stay in hospital. Risk of complication is higher if you are a smoker.
- This procedure has a risk of staple line leakage. In the event you experience this complication it is impossible to predict how long it will take to heal. Sleeve patients need to be aware that an extended stay in hospital is a possibility, albeit remote.
Carol's Gastric Sleeve Story
- Baseline BMI 50kg/m2
- Starting weight 22st 7lb
- Current weight 12st 7lb
- Total weight loss 10st 0lb*
I feel incredibly sad when I think of how I was. As a result of steroids my weight had ballooned to 23 stones and I was borderline type 2 diabetic. It had been a gradual process, but here I was aged 56, retired on the grounds of ill health, with inherited genes that predisposed me to diabetes and a serious weight problem which I had to do something about.
I searched the Internet and booked a consultation with Healthier Weight. I went on to have a gastric sleeve and lost 10 stones in just ten months*. Within 2 weeks of the operation my blood sugar and blood pressure returned to normal. Now I have confidence and self-esteem, I can walk without perspiring and even run for a bus – I have my life back, it’s magic!
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
Non Surgical Sleeve (ESG)
Non surgical sleeve (ESG)*
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or ESG is a new non-surgical version of gastric sleeve surgery that involves stitching the stomach together from the inside into a banana shaped sleeve. It works by reducing stomach capacity and by slowing the speed with which the stomach empties.
The ESG could be suitable for you if your BMI is between 32-45kg/m2, and you have exhausted diet options. The procedure offers similar results to gastric sleeve surgery but as a non-surgical alternative, it has a lower risk profile and faster recovery. The ESG could be a good option for you if you are not willing to consider having over 80% of your stomach removed or you don’t feel you could comply with a higher maintenance procedure such as a gastric band.
The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and takes about 75 minutes to complete. A stitching instrument is placed into the stomach through the mouth and a series of stitches are made along the length of the stomach to narrow it. Unlike gastric sleeve surgery, none of the stomach is removed. You will usually stay in hospital for one night after surgery.
Things to consider
- ESG is a new procedure and so only short term studies are available in published data
- It is non-surgical so offers a faster recovery
- The procedure can be revised or ‘re-done’ if necessary
- You will be required to follow a post procedure diet of 2 weeks liquids and 2 weeks soft foods before returning to normal foods
- As with all procedures, it is necessary to commit to changes in diet and eating behaviours in order to maintain weight loss
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
NON SURGICAL GASTRIC BALLOON
NON SURGICAL GASTRIC BALLOON*
A gastric balloon is the least invasive of all of the weight loss procedures as it is a temporary procedure with the balloon removed after 6 months. It works by restricting the available space in the stomach for food.
A gastric balloon could be suitable for you if your BMI is over 27kg/m2 and you have exhausted diet options but are not prepared to consider surgery.
The procedure is done under light sedation and takes only 15 minutes to complete. You will be discharged to return home the same day. The deflated balloon is inserted through the mouth and when in the stomach, is inflated with saline before the tube is removed to leave the balloon floating freely in the stomach. The balloon occupies a large percentage of the stomach’s capacity which means that you can eat very little before you feel full.
Things to consider
- It is only a temporary procedure and will be removed after 6 months
- It is not surgery so leaves no scars or wounds and no permanent change to the body
- You are likely to experience a period of nausea following the procedure as your body adjusts to the balloon being in place. Although uncomfortable, this usually passes after a few days
- You will be required to follow a post procedure diet of 2 weeks liquids and 2 weeks soft foods before returning to normal foods
- More than any other procedure, you will be required to commit to lifelong changes in your diet and eating behaviours in order to maintain your weight loss once the balloon is removed
Danielle's Gastric Balloon Story
Baseline BMI 29kg/m2- Starting weight 13st 3lb
- Current weight 10st 4lb
- Total weight loss 2st 13lb*
“I realised my weight was out of control, when I was away skiing with my family and couldn’t enjoy the activities they were doing. I tried so many branded diets and weight loss programmes, eating at a certain time, avoiding certain foods, and not eating at night, but nothing worked.
I decided to opt for the ReShape Duo balloon and the results are amazing. My asthma is reduced, my cholesterol is down, I feel much better and increased energy levels mean I can do much more than before. I wasn’t comfortable at the gym because I was so much bigger than everyone else there. I was embarrassed about my size, but now I am one of the skinniest in the class!” It’s worked for me and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone else*.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
What happens before and after my procedure?
What happens before and after my procedure?
Before your procedure we will collect background information from you about your general health along with your surgical, weight and diet history. We will then meet you for a free face to face consultation at which you will discuss your options with a surgeon.
Should you decide to go ahead with a weight loss procedure you will receive a call from our nursing team in the week beforehand to complete a pre-operative assessment to ensure that you are ready for your procedure.
You will be called by our team a couple of days after your surgery to see how you are, and you will then be invited to attend a review appointment two weeks later. You will also be given our emergency contact telephone number.
Good long term weight loss outcomes require good aftercare from a specialist team.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.
Things to consider
Things to consider before weight loss surgery
The main thing to consider before having any weight loss procedure is whether you have genuinely reached the point at which you have exhausted the dietary options available to you. Most weight loss surgery patients have tried various diets over a long period of time, and will be at the point when they are no longer making progress or they can’t face another bout of so called ‘yo-yo’ dieting.
To be successful with any procedure you need to be ready to make a commitment to permanent changes to your lifestyle, diet and eating habits. We will discuss these changes in detail before and during your consultation prior to undergoing the surgery.
The procedure will help you make those changes but there is still a requirement for the patient to work with the procedure in order to achieve good results for the long term as well as the short.
*Weight loss results and benefits vary and are different for every individual. Specific weight loss goals cannot be guaranteed.