A gastric band is an inflatable silicone ring which can be used to control the amount of food passing from the stomach into the digestive tract. The operation is carried out through a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure while you sleep under a general anaesthetic. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes. When the gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, it creates a small pouch with a small opening, or ‘channel’, to the rest of the stomach. The size of the pouch and the channel both depend upon how much the ring is inflated. The band is adjustable and the more it is inflated the narrower the channel and the more difficult it is for food to pass through. Find out more
Known as the Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB) System, this weight loss treatment is carried out by swallowing the balloon. Once it’s placed in the stomach, the balloon is simply inflated to the size of an apple. The balloon sits at the top of your stomach giving you the sensation of feeling fuller faster which will enhance your weight loss. It is a relatively minor procedure however it may take your stomach a little while to adjust to the balloon. The procedure itself generally takes 20-30 minutes and most patients can go home on the same day. Many patients can return to work three days later.
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Gastric Bypass takes place under a general anaesthetic using laparoscopic surgery and most patients spend two nights in hospital. During the procedure the surgeon will bypass some of the stomach and small intestine by stapling the stomach leaving a smaller pouch. This means that smaller amounts of food can be consumed and you will feel fuller quicker.
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The Gastric Sleeve proceedures involves about 70% of the stomach being removed using laparoscopic surgery. It is performed under general anaesthetic and usually requires the patient to stay 2 nights in hospital. Unlike a bypass, the stomach and digestive system function as normal, just smaller therefore reducing appetite and calorie intake. Find out more
Traditional Gastric-Bypass surgery results in excellent weight loss however, the procedure is technically challenging and carries a risk of complications. The Mini-Gastric Bypass is becoming a treatment of choice as it is both quicker, and carries a lower complication rate. Find out more
