Mr Sanjay Agrawal, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, is a senior Consultant Surgeon specialising in Bariatric (Obesity/Weight-Loss), laparoscopic (keyhole) and upper gastrointestinal surgery at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital.
Mr Agrawal talks about the options available if you’re planning to make a serious decision about losing weight.
Choosing surgery to help with your weight-loss journey can be life changing. Whether you need to kick start results or a life-long change, the options are outlined below.
No one arrives at the decision to have bariatric surgery lightly.
Choosing the type of bariatric surgery that’s right for you can make all the difference when it comes to results. Your Consultant will work with you to choose the right surgery for your circumstances. The four options below make up around 90% of all bariatric procedures in the UK.
Gastric banding is a more permanent solution that can be adjusted to suit lifestyle changes down the track.
Who is it for?
You need to have a BMI of 40+ (35+ with other weight-related conditions) to be eligible for a gastric band. This option is attractive to those who may need to make adjustments in the future. The band can be deflated or loosened during pregnancy or after you’ve had sufficient long-term success and can show that you’ve developed healthier eating habits.
This flexibility of the band does mean that the results are more variable. People with gastric bands have to be highly disciplined to be successful.
How will it change my life?
Weight loss is slower and more gradual with a band. You’ll need to follow a strict diet plan. Gastric banding can be very successful but like all bariatric procedures, the outcomes depend on the continued commitment of the patient. The ability to adjust the band is an attractive option for some but it needs to be for the right reasons.
A bypass is the most established of the more complex laparoscopic bariatric procedures.
Who is it for?
A gastric bypass is a more substantial procedure. Patients who opt for this type of surgery are usually severely obese with a BMI of over 35 or 40 many with other weight-related conditions such as diabetes. The operation is particularly effective in addressing some of these other conditions.
How will it change my life?
A gastric bypass is a life-long commitment. It changes the way your intestines process food and nutrients. You’ll need to follow nutritional advice and take supplements for the rest of your life. Eating the wrong foods can lead to ‘dumping syndrome’ and may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and low sugar levels.
Sleeve gastrectomy is the newest of the more common laparoscopic procedures in bariatric surgery and is now becoming the most popular type of bariatric procedure in the UK.
Who is it for?
A gastric sleeve is an irreversible procedure for people with a BMI of 40+ (35 with weight-related conditions).
How will it change my life?
Your relationship with food will be altered forever. The areas of the stomach responsible for hunger and appetite are removed so you’ll only be able to eat a small amount and will have to follow a strict diet plan. However, food follows the normal digestive route so there are fewer absorption issues than are experienced with a bypass.
Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital offers expert weight loss surgery. Through Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy procedures we can assist in boosting your confidence and help you to make positive lifestyle changes.
At Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital our patients can now expect the full support of our multi-disciplined team including:
- Expert Bariatric surgeons – who are all upper GI surgeons
- Dedicated support nurses and a strong team to assist during surgery
- Dieticians
- Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy procedures
- An aftercare package that suits your needs
- An option to pay for your treatment with an interest free loan
For any enquiries, to book an initial consultation or to request more information, please contact our dedicated hospital enquiry team at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital on 01277 695 631. www.nuffieldhealth.com
