Gastric bypass NHS . A few frequently asked questions :

Q. What is a gastric bypass. What does it involve ?

A. The gastric bypass is a form of weight loss surgery which basically involves the creation of a small stomach pouch to reduce food intake. It is a proven and effective form of weight control.

Q. How does the gastric bypass differ from the gastric band ?

A. The gastric bypass is a bigger operation than the gastric band which is a form of stomach banding but the gastric bypass may be more suitable for some people. Talk to your doctor to see which operation would suit you. People with the gastric bypass tend to lose weight quicker than those with the gastric band operation. The gastric band is a reversable operation, the gastric bypass is not. There is also the advantage that the gastric bypass can be a beneficial treatment for people with certain types of diabetes.

Q. Is a gastric bypass operation available on the NHS ?

A. In certain situations, yes. Although it is a long and demanding process you have to endure until you receive funding for a gastric bypass nhs operation, even if you were to be accepted for funding the waiting list can be around a year, and obviously as with all things this can vary greatly from region to region around the country.

Q. What is the first step I must take ?

A. The first thing you must do to be considered for a gastric bypass NHS operation is to see your doctor. You will need a referral from him to continue. He will almost certainly insist you attempt some other form of weight loss first. He will probably send you to see a dietitian initially. Do whatever is asked of you and take the process one step at a time.

Q. What are the general criteria for a gastric bypass operation ?

A. Usually a patient would be considered for a gastric bypass procedure if he/she had a BMI of over 40.

Q. Other than weight loss are there any other health benefits ?

A. Type II diabetes will in many cases be cured with a gastric bypass operation and there will be significant improvements in the risk factor for weight related conditions such as heart disease.

Q. Where can I get further information on gastric bypass and other forms of weight loss surgery ?

A. Obviously your doctor should be your first port of call. There is also BOSPA - the British Obesity Surgery Patients Association which is a charity run by patients for patients who can help and support you in all aspects of weight loss surgery

Q. What other help can BOSPA offer me ?

A. They will be able to inform you if you may be eligible for surgery on the NHS, they will be able to put you in touch with a local support group and they will be able to give you an honest and fair assessment of both the advantages and risks involved in weight loss surgery. Their address is BOSPA, P.O Box 805, Taunton, TA1 9DU

glossary of terms used in gastric weight loss surgery -

gastric bypass nhs - the standard gastric bypass operation carried out with NHS funding, this is an operation that cannot be reversed.

stomach banding - a general term often used to cover different forms of gastric banding and bariatric surgery.

gastric band - a slightly simpler form of weight loss surgery than the gastric bypass whereby a restrictive band is placed around the top of the stomach. It is also a cheaper operation if you find that you need to fund weight loss surgery privately. It has the advantage over the gastric bypass that the surgery can be reversed if need be. Weight loss however tends to be quicker with the gastric bypass.

gastric balloon - short term but effective weight loss procedure. An inflatable balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with a solution. It is short term because for safety reasons the balloon has to be removed after 6 months.

roux-en-y - this is the name given to the most used form of gastric bypass surgery.

gastric sleeve - a very effective but relatively complex operation, it is usually only carried out on patients who are considered to be super obese.

sleeve gastrectomy - another name for the gastric sleeve.

bariatric weight loss surgery - a general term for all forms of weight loss accomplished through the use of surgery.

laparoscopic surgery - another name for keyhole surgery which is the standard way for most weight loss operations.

hypnotherapy gastric band - the use of hypnosis to give the impression of having had a gastric band fitted. A high level of effectiveness is claimed and it is of course much cheaper than conventional weight loss surgery without the worries of any side effects.

General UK guide line prices should you decide to fund weight loss surgery privately.

gastric band £6000

gastric bypass £9000

gastric sleeve £8000

gastric balloon £5000

hypnotherapy gastric band £400

Obviously these are only general indications of prices as there are many factors which would influence them, such as the quality of the service and the clinic, regional variations, market forces and much more. Please do your research carefully and with the help of your doctor. It is worth remembering that the quality of the after care is as important as the surgery itself. This is one reason why a NHS gastric bypass or indeed any other weight loss surgery on the NHS is preferable to the private option. Although it must be said that many clinics do offer exceptional after care service.

There are also clinics based in Europe, particularly Belgium for some reason, which offer cheaper weight loss surgery procedures, these may very well be excellent clinics but again do you research with utmost care.

Gastric by-pass and gastric banding are the most common opertations although others such as the gastric balloon and gastric sleeve are gaining popularity. Contact BOSPA or you doctor for more information. There is also an excellent level of information on the BUPA website.

Good luck with everything.

a gv3 website