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Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to be an effective way of helping people achieve substantial and long-term weight loss. It significantly reduces your risk of developing certain obesity-related medical conditions, but can also help to reverse pre-existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat, bypassing from a small gastric pouch directly into the small intestine (where some food absorption occurs) and altering how/when your body signals hunger.
During a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, the top of the stomach is divided using staples to leave a small stomach pouch, which is then directly attached to the small intestine, A second join is made further down the small intestine to allow the digestive juices to meet your food. The remaining stomach pouch is approximately 50ml in size (about the size of a large egg), severely restricting the amount of food you can tolerate. By skipping the first part of the small intestine, absorption of food will be affected and the hormones that control appetite and hunger will be altered. It’s this combination of restriction and malabsorption that make it so effective at helping you to lose weight.
Typically, you can expect to lose 25-35% total body weight in the first 2 years, with most of that being in the first 12-18 months. Start your weight loss journey today.
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Gastric Bypass
What is gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to be an effective way of helping people achieve substantial and long-term weight loss. It significantly reduces your risk of developing certain obesity-related medical conditions, but can also help to reverse pre-existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat, bypassing from a small gastric pouch directly into the small intestine (where some food absorption occurs) and altering how/when your body signals hunger.
How does Gastric bypass surgery work?
During a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, the top of the stomach is divided using staples to leave a small stomach pouch, which is then directly attached to the small intestine, A second join is made further down the small intestine to allow the digestive juices to meet your food. The remaining stomach pouch is approximately 50ml in size (about the size of a large egg), severely restricting the amount of food you can tolerate. By skipping the first part of the small intestine, absorption of food will be affected and the hormones that control appetite and hunger will be altered. It’s this combination of restriction and malabsorption that make it so effective at helping you to lose weight.
Benefits of gastric bypass surgery?
How much weight will I lose with gastric bypass surgery?
Typically, you can expect to lose 25-35% total body weight in the first 2 years, with most of that being in the first 12-18 months.
Mini calculator
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Common FAQs (drop down for each question):
Recovery time and aftercare following gastric bypass surgery?
We encourage you to be up and walking within a few hours after surgery. The average hospital stay is 2 nights. You will be allowed to drink fluids straight away.
Recovery from the operation is approximately 2 weeks. You can return to work after this time but you may need a little longer if your job involves heavy lifting. You can expect to be fully recovered within 6-8 weeks.
Will I be in pain following gastric bypass surgery?
It is normal to experience some pain after keyhole surgery, however, this should be well controlled with the pain medication that is provided to you. It is important that you keep active once home to promote recovery and reduce pain.
What is the cost of a gastric bypass?
You can find information about prices here (link to booking/finance page).
Can I get finance for gastric bypass surgery?
Yes, we offer flexible finance options (including 0% APR up to 12 months) for all our weight loss surgeries. Please find further information here (link to booking/finance page).
What will I be able to eat after gastric bypass surgery?
You will be provided with extensive support from your specialist bariatric dietitian detailing your return to normal diet following your surgery. Briefly, it will follow this structure:
Week 1-2: Liquid diet
Week 3-4: Puree diet
Week 4-8: Soft Diet
Week 8 onwards: Healthy varied diet
You will eventually return to eating most foods, but in much smaller portions than previously. As you can only eat small amounts, we encourage focusing on foods high in protein and fibre, and low in fat and sugar.
Is there anything I will never be able to eat again after gastric bypass surgery?
No, we expect you to be able to manage all foods, however, some foods may cause discomfort or trigger dumping syndrome. Your specialist bariatric dietitian will be able to support you with a return to normal diet.
Can I drink alcohol after gastric bypass surgery?
We advise avoiding alcohol initially after surgery.
Following weight loss surgery, your body will metabolise alcohol differently. Subsequently, it will affect you must faster and in much smaller volumes. Even one drink may put you over the legal limit so it’s important you are very cautious when drinking alcohol following surgery. Follow the guidelines from your specialist team, or feel free to contact them for further support.
How long does a gastric bypass last?
Research shows weight loss remains significant for many years after surgery. A recent randomised controlled trial showed 26% total weight loss at 5 years.
Aftercare is essential to ensuring long term health so it’s vital that you follow the advice provided.
Will I have scars following gastric bypass surgery?
The scarring is minimal as the surgery is keyhole/laparoscopic. The incisions include three 10mm cuts and three 5mm cuts, which will heal fully within 10-14 days. The scars will fade over 1-2 years and will be barely visible. The scars may be more noticeable with darker skin colours.
Can I regain weight following gastric bypass?
It may be possible to regain weight after the initial period of weight loss. While the surgery is a tool to help you eat less, you will still need to make healthy choices and exercise regularly to ensure the best results.
Will I get lose skin after gastric bypass surgery?
Some loose skin is inevitable following weight loss surgery, but the amount will depend on genetics, bodyweight distribution, and how much weight is lost. Excess skin can be distressing, but we believe the benefits from weight loss surgery far outweigh this downside. There are also excellent options for cosmetic removal should this be required.
What can you no longer do after gastric bypass surgery?
There is certain guidance that should be followed to minimise unwanted effects following surgery, for example, not skipping meals, not drinking alongside a meal or consuming large portions.
Does anyone regret gastric bypass surgery?
We understand that making the decision to have weight loss surgery is life changing. We have written a blog post about this here (link).
What is the life expectancy following gastric bypass surgery?
Research has consistently shown that life expectancy increases following gastric bypass surgery. A Swedish population study demonstrated a median increase in life expectancy of 3 years in comparison to obese patients not having surgery.
If your gastric bypass question isn’t answered above, please fill out the ‘Ask An Expert’ form at the bottom of this page and we will endeavour to answer it.
Gastric Sleeve
What is a gastric sleeve/sleeve gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery has been shown to be an effective way of helping people achieve substantial and long-term weight loss. It significantly reduces your risk of developing certain obesity-related medical conditions, but can also help to reverse pre-existing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
During the operation, the stomach is divided using staples and approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller stomach in the shape of a narrow tube.
How does a gastric sleeve work?
The remaining stomach tube has a capacity of 100ml-200ml in size (approximately half a cup of tea). It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat and altering the stomach’s ability to signal hunger.
Benefits of a gastric sleeve?
How much weight will I lose following a gastric sleeve?
Typically, you can expect to lose 20-30% total body weight in the first 2 years, with most of that being in the first 12-18 months.
Mini calculator eg…
Start your weight loss journey today – book now icon with link to booking page
Common FAQs (drop down):
Recovery time and aftercare following a gastric sleeve?
We encourage you to be up and walking within a few hours after surgery. The average hospital stay is 1 night. You will be allowed to drink fluids straight away.
Recovery from the operation is approximately 2 weeks. You can return to work after this time, but you may need a little longer if your job involves heavy lifting. You can expect to be fully recovered within 6-8 weeks.
What is the cost of a gastric sleeve?
You can find information about prices here (link to booking/finance page).
Can I get finance for gastric sleeve surgery?
Yes, we offer flexible finance options for all our weight loss surgeries (including 0% APR for 12 months). Please find further information here (link to booking/finance page).
What will I be able to eat after gastric sleeve surgery?
You will be provided with extensive support from your specialist bariatric dietitian detailing your return to normal diet following your surgery. Briefly, it will follow this structure:
Week 1-2: Liquid diet
Week 3-4: Puree diet
Week 4-8: Soft Diet
Week 8 onwards: Healthy varied diet
You will eventually return to eating most foods, but in much smaller portions than previously. As you can only eat small amounts, we encourage focusing on foods high in protein and fibre, and low in fat and sugar.
Is there anything I will never be able to eat again after gastric sleeve surgery?
No, we expect you to be able to manage all foods, however, some foods may cause discomfort or trigger dumping syndrome. Your specialist bariatric dietitian will be able to support you with a return to normal diet.
Can I drink alcohol after a gastric sleeve?
Yes, you can drink alcohol following a gastric sleeve, but in moderation. We advise avoiding alcohol initially after surgery.
Alcohol has a high calorific value and will fill up your stomach very quickly, potentially preventing you from eating your next meal. It could also cause dumping syndrome.
How long does a gastric sleeve last?
Research shows weight loss remains significant for many years after surgery. A recent randomised controlled trial showed 22.5% total weight loss at 5 years.
Aftercare is essential to ensuring long term health so it’s vital that you follow the advice provided.
Are there any long-term problems following a gastric sleeve?
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are likely if you do not follow the aftercare advice provided or stop taking your required supplements.
Can you gain weight again following gastric sleeve?
A sleeve gastrectomy is an irreversible procedure and requires lifelong adaptations to achieve long term results. While the surgery is a tool to help you eat less, you will still need to make healthy choices and exercise regularly to ensure the best results.
Is a gastric sleeve safe?
There are associated risks with any operation, however, your surgeon will discuss these with you and make sure you are comfortable before going ahead. At HealthyMe, our surgeons have developed extensive experience in advanced operating techniques and minimal access surgery, so you can be reassured that you will always be in the safest hands.
How painful is gastric sleeve surgery?
It is normal to experience some pain after keyhole surgery, however, this should be well controlled with the pain medication that is provided to you. It is important that you keep active once home to promote recovery and reduce pain.
Can the gastric sleeve be reversed?
No, the gastric sleeve is not reversible as most of your stomach will be permanently removed.
Will I have scars following gastric sleeve surgery?
The scarring is minimal as the surgery is keyhole/laparoscopic. The incisions include three 10mm cuts and three 5mm cuts, which will heal fully within 10-14 days. The scars will fade over 1-2 years and will be barely visible. The scars may be more noticeable with darker skin colours.
Will I get lose skin after gastric sleeve surgery?
Some loose skin is inevitable following weight loss surgery, but the amount will depend on genetics, bodyweight distribution, and how much weight is lost. Excess skin can be distressing, but we believe the benefits from weight loss surgery far outweigh this downside. There are also excellent options for cosmetic removal should this be required.
If your gastric sleeve question isn’t answered above, please fill out the ‘Ask An Expert’ form at the bottom of this page and we will endeavour to answer it.
Mini gastric bypass
What is a mini gastric bypass and how does it work?
The mini gastric bypass is similar to the standard Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, however, only one join is made (instead of two) between the stomach and the small intestine. The mini gastric bypass involves creating a slightly longer stomach pouch but bypasses a longer proportion of the small intestine. Studies have shown no significant difference in the outcomes between the two gastric bypass surgeries, making the mini bypass an attractive intermediate option between the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat and bypassing the small intestine.
By skipping the first part of the small intestine, absorption of food will be affected and the hormones that control appetite and hunger will be altered. It’s this combination of restriction and malabsorption that make it so effective at helping you to lose weight.
How does a mini bypass compare to a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve?
The mini gastric bypass is more invasive than gastric sleeve surgery, but not as significant as the traditional Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. The operation time is shorter and there is a reduced risk of early post operative complications. Studies also show a reduced risk of internal herniation. Weight loss outcomes remain similar to that of a traditional gastric bypass, alongside similar metabolic outcomes such as nutritional status and diabetes remission. However, studies suggest a higher incidence of reflux following the mini bypass compared to the Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, which you may need to consider when opting for which surgery is right for you. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss these in further detail with you to ensure you choose the most appropriate option for you and your lifestyle.
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