Does this sound familiar?
If so, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery.
The first stage of your journey is a hugely important step and you will need to discuss your option initially with your GP. Bariatric procedures are not automatically funded in the NHS and so your GP will have to apply for funding for you. If this is approved then we will ask you to complete a questionnaire that will help us understand your medical and weight history. When you have returned this to us we will send you an appointment. There is more information about both the pathway and the information that we will need from you on this site.
First assessment... For most patient this will involve a whole day spent with the team where look at all aspects of your medical and weight history and then after a team meeting discuss the options with you. One of the options may be surgery, but for about 1 in 5 of our patients another choice is made.
Preparation for surgery… Your multi-disciplinary team will advise you on what you need to do at the pre-assessment clinic. This normally involves going on a special pre-operative diet (largely composed of milk) and modifying your medications if required.
The surgery… You will be admitted the day before or on the morning of your surgery. Depending on the type of surgery being performed, your length of stay may vary in the hospital. This is typically one night for a gastric band and 3 nights for a gastric bypass. It is normal for some patients to spend one night in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) for close monitoring.
After the surgery… Immediately after the surgery, you will have some discomfort in your upper abdomen which can be controlled by pain relief. You can expect to be mobilised out of bed 4-6 hours later. You will not be able to eat or drink anything for the first 24-36 hours however you will be kept hydrated with IV fluids. Over the next few days, you will be able to start eating a liquid-based diet and after approximately 2 weeks, you will move onto bulkier food items.
Recovery… Most patients make a very rapid and successful recovery. You will attend a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your surgery to monitor your progress. If you have had a band fitted, you may require subsequent adjustment appointments to ensure the band is functioning effectively. After this, you will be seen at regular intervals during the first year with the dietician and specialist nurse. If you have any problems, you can always contact your clinic for advice.
Benefits of surgery…
| • | Sustained and rapid weight loss |
| • | Reduced appetite |
| • | Significant improvement or cure of type 2 diabetes |
| • | Increased mobility and improved co-morbidities |
| • | Psychosocial benefits |