Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery is a form of Weight Loss Surgery which alters the size of your stomach and digestive system. By reducing the size of the stomach and shortening the length of the small intestine the body feels full after eating smaller portions and absorbs fewer nutrients thus reducing the body’s calorie intake. This in turn causes an individual to lose weight.

Generally, individuals with a BMI of 40+ will be eligible for surgery if all other forms of weight loss treatments such as dieting and medication have been attempted with unsuccessful results. Individuals with lower BMI can be classed as suitable for Gastric Bypass Surgery if they have other related conditions.

What are the benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass Surgery benefits can be dramatic. Patients who have undergone the procedure have often found substantial weight loss within two years of surgery. For individuals suffering from severe obesity this can lead to substantially increased life expectancy, reduced heart disease and cancer. Many patients have seen their cholesterol levels fall following surgery and have also seen major improvements in other excess weight related problems such as fatigue, arthritis, joint pain, hypertension, sleep apnea, and asthma.

Other than the many physical benefits patients have enjoyed there are substantial psychological benefits reported following Gastric Bypass Surgery such as increased self esteem and increased confidence levels.

When coupled with continual development of correct behaviours post Gastric Bypass Surgery such as reduced portion size, Increased physical activity, and having a successfully balanced diet the results can be life transforming and longstanding.

What does Gastric Bypass Surgery involve?

There are two main forms of Gastric Bypass Surgery performed and they are:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass – This involves a small pouch being created by stapling parts of the stomach together or vertical banding. This limits how much food an individual can eat. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is then attached to the pouch to act as a bypass so that not all of the intake of food passes through the duodenum and first portion of the jejunum.

Biliopancreatic diversion Gastric Bypass (BPD) – This is a more complex procedure. A proportion of the stomach is removed during surgery with the small pouch being connected to the final part of the small intestine thus substantially reducing the calorie and nutrient absorption. More of the stomach and small intestine is bypassed as a result of this particular form of Gastric Bypass Surgery.

There are a variety of factors affecting how long the Gastric Bypass Procedure takes. Generally speaking open Gastric Bypass Surgery takes between 90-180 minutes to perform. Closed (Keyhole) Gastric Bypass Surgery will vary in time depending on the complexity of the case.

Weight Loss Surgery is a popular and generally safe procedure but choosing to have any surgery is a serious and personal decision. If you decide that this is right for you then further information on Gastric Bypass Surgery, your suitability and the possible side effects will be provided by a qualified practitioner during the consultation stage pre surgery.

What is the Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost?

The cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery can vary significantly between clinics and surgeons. Gastric Bypass Surgery is also a very individual form of weight loss surgery which means it’s very hard to fix an exact cost. Generally speaking the cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery ranges from £7,500 to £15,000

How can I afford Gastric Bypass Surgery Prices?

A Gastric Bypass Surgery consultation is often free or may involve a deposit which is deducted from the cost of the procedure. Don’t worry about the costs of Gastric Bypass Surgery - most clinics offer interest free credit and flexible payment options.