What is Weight Loss Surgery?

The start of a new journey

Weight loss surgery aims to help people who are obese lose weight, when conventional dieting and exercise does not work.

Weight loss surgery can help you lose approximately 60% of your excess weight improving your overall health and general well being which can prolong your life by a staggering 9 years.

It's important to remember that you don't have to be ill, morbidly obese or desperate to undergo weight loss surgery - for people who want to take control of their weight and find it impossible to keep off the pounds alone, weight loss surgery can be essential.

SurgiCare's weight loss surgery experts specialise in offering gastric band and gastric bypass surgery. Find out more about weight loss surgery when you order a brochure or call us on 08000 46 1000.

What can I expect from SurgiCare's weight loss surgery procedures?

At SurgiCare, we understand how obesity can affect you medically, physically, psychologically and socially, as well as the misconceptions surrounding weight loss surgery.

We see weight loss surgery as only part of the process. Our unique, comprehensive after care package includes your chosen weight loss surgical procedure, as well as an in depth pre-operative assessment and regular post-operative consultations with a registered dietitian.

If you decide to undergo weight loss surgery with SurgiCare, our lifestyle team will help you:

• alter your eating habits
• improve your food choices
• boost your activity levels
• increase energy levels
• reach your goal and achieve long term success

We will help you achieve all this as well as the bonuses that come with weight loss surgery: a boost in confidence, increased energy levels and other factors we sometimes take for granted such as fertility, raised libido and new or renewed self esteem.

SurgiCare adheres to all National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines to ensure that weight loss surgery is the right option for you, that your chosen procedure is suitable and that it is the right time for you to go ahead with weight loss surgery.

Is weight loss surgery for me?

To be eligible for weight loss surgery, you must meet certain criteria set by NICE.

• Your BMI should be over 40, or between 35 and 40 with 2 co-morbidities (obesity related disease, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis)
• You should be over 18 (we generally don't operate on patients above the age of 60)
• You have tried other weight loss treatments without permanent success
• You are medically and psychologically fit for surgery (we will assess this)
• You have sufficient understanding of the procedure and the lifestyle changes it requires
• You are strongly motivated to undergo the procedure and lifestyle changes needed
  

Calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)

Facts to bear in mind about weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is not a 'quick-fix' solution. It is a tool to help you feel full on significantly less food, banish hunger and cravings whilst freeing you from the 'yo-yo' dieting cycle. However, it does require motivation and willpower for optimum results. Our expert multidisciplinary weight loss surgery team will guide you through your journey, offering support, advice and individual diet/exercise regimes tailored specifically to fit into your lifestyle.

Here are some facts to reassure you about going ahead with weight loss surgery:

• More than 4,000 people underwent weight loss surgery in 2005
• The Gastric Banding procedure usually only requires a 1 night stay in hospital, the Gastric Bypass usually a 2 night stay
• Most patients return to work the week after weight loss surgery
• Our specialist weight loss surgeons are happy to provide you with a non specific sick note
• It is possible to keep the procedure a secret! - some patients explain their change in dietary habits by giving other reasons and no one need find out
• Patients can lose 60% of their excess weight after weight loss surgery. However, it is possible to lose 100% of your excess weight
• Complication rates are minimised by using expert surgeons, all members of BOSS.
• Weight loss surgery can transform your health - studies have shown that diabetes was completely resolved in 77% of patients and resolved or improved in 86%. High blood fat levels were reduced in 70%, and high blood pressure resolved in 62%

To find out whether weight loss surgery is right for you, complete our online enquiry form or arrange a time to consult with an obesity specialist using our call back service.