Gastric Surgery

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the UK suffer from obesity, which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. Although consuming more calories than you use up is generally considered to be the main cause of this chronic condition, it’s more complex than that – there are a number of things which can contribute to someone becoming obese, including behavioural, genetic, metabolic and environmental factors.

Most adults fall into one of the following BMI bands:

18.5 to 24.9 : Healthy weight

25 to 29.9 : Overweight

30 to 39.9 : Obese

40 or above : Severely obese

Weight loss surgery – also known as bariatric surgery – can help to improve your health, increase your energy levels and enjoy life to the full. But how do you know that you’re a good candidate for this type of procedure, and which might be best for you if you decide that this is a step you’d like to take?

 

Find out what your BMI is

Your BMI is calculated by combining your weight and height, and knowing yours is important in knowing if your weight is unhealthy. You should remember, though, that muscle mass isn’t taken into account when measuring your BMI.

To find out your BMI, you need to know your weight in kilograms and your height in metres.

Calculate it as follows:

Weight ÷ (height x weight) = BMI

For example: 100kg ÷ (1.6 x 1.6) = 39

So your BMI is 39.

If you do fall into the 30+ category, then weight loss surgery could be an option for you.

 

Understand your bariatric surgery options

There are 3 main types of weight loss surgery. Your surgeon will be able to advise you as to which one would be best for you at your free consultation.

Gastric band

A gastric band could be right for you if you have a BMI of over 30. An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, reducing its size. This helps you to control your meal portion sizes and makes you feel full on smaller amounts of food.

Gastric sleeve

If you suffer with obesity and have a BMI of 35 or more, a gastric sleeve could help you lose weight for the long term. During this procedure, an area of the stomach that produces an appetite-increasing hormone is removed, making the stomach smaller. This in turn makes you feel less hungry, eat less and feel satisfied on smaller food portions.

Gastric bypass

A gastric bypass procedure can help you achieve long term weight loss if your BMI is 30 or above. During surgery, a small pouch is created in the top area of your stomach and connected to your small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach. The reduced size restricts how much you can eat, and so you lose weight.

 

When you’re considering your weight loss surgery options, there can be a lot to think about. You’ll want to do as much research as possible, and know that your provider will provide the care and service you need before, during and after your surgery. Our specialist weight loss advisors can help – they’ll talk you through the process and help you understand exactly what’s involved.

Get in touch now by clicking here.