Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity and its related health conditions. The procedures have been adapted and improved for over 50 years. While the procedures offered vary in their methods of achieving weight loss, all place a restriction on the stomach capacity (sometimes including other organs of the digestive system) to digest large amounts of food and absorb nutrients. After surgery the patient will feel full after eating much smaller portions than they have been used to eating. 

Surgery is gaining recognition for its positive and transformative effects on obesity and health. Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure are potentially life-threatening diseases that can be improved and even reversed with surgey.  

Eligibility is subject to a medical criteria. You might be offered a procedure if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or more and you have repeatedly failed to lose weight through diet and exercise. You are also a good candidate for surgery if your BMI is between 35 and 40 and you have a serious health condition related to obesity.  

Offer weight loss surgery to diabetics, says NICE

Weight loss surgery journey 

Your weight loss surgery journey begins at the moment you decide that surgery is right for you. Undergoing bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment to improve your lifestyle and eating habits. Making good use of support and information from within a community of bariatric patients and specialists will help you achieve your goals and make your journey successful.

As you begin your research you will discover various procedures come under the term of weight loss surgery. You will need to read carefully about each procedure and consult your GP and surgeon when considering your options.  

Types of weight loss surgeries 

Gastric Balloon

Gastric Band

Gastric Sleeve

Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) 

Roux-en-Y (RNY) Gastric Bypass

Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS)

Getting started with your research 

If you are thinking of having surgery, begin searching for available information from trusted websites and medical sources. The NHS website provides a general overview of weight loss surgery. you can discover more by comparing the websites of providers and reviewing patient feedback. If you are unsure about something you have read online or have been told about weight loss surgery, please check with your GP and a bariatric specialist. You can also get in touch with The Gastric Guru or send your query to contact@thegastricguru.com. Not all information online has been fact-checked and certified accurate. The best way to get started in your research is to request an initial consultation with your GP. If you are certain that you want to have bariatric surgery, then joining an online forum can be useful in helping you to discover more through the experiences of others who have undergone a procedure or are waiting to have an operation. 

Why not start by joining one of our Support groups online and find out about other people’s expierences are on starting their weight loss journey. 

Please seek and follow the specific guidelines from your bariatric team. Guidelines vary for individual patient needs and surgeries.