Weightloss Surgery | Gastric Sleeve & Bypass, Gastric Band

Weight Loss Surgery

The gastric sleeve involves removing 2/3 of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow tube of stomach. This leads to restriction – a feeling of fullness after small meals. There are also effects on the gut hormones which control hunger/fullness, blood sugar control.

Cons: the remainder of stomach is removed completely, so this is considered an irreversible procedure – it may be converted to a gastric bypass if revision is required; Complications can include leaking from the staple line which can be difficult to manage; the tube has high pressure, so any pre-existing acid reflux may be worsened

The gastric bypass involves the creation of a small pouch at the entrance of the stomach, which is disconnected from the remainder of the stomach. This pouch is re-joined to the bowel further downstream, so that food skips or ‘bypasses’ a long segment of bowel. It therefore works by restriction (the small pouch causes a feeling of fullness after small amount of food), and malabsorption (by food not being exposed to as much bowel, therefore reducing the amount which is absorbed).

Cons: More technically demanding, greater impact on the body’s physiology, vitamin and minerals are also not absorbed and you will need to be on regular lifetime vitamin supplements, complications include leak from where the stomach and intestine have been joined, internal hernias where bowel can slip into a gap inside the abdomen and get trapped

The band is an inflatable band which is placed around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch above it. It is connected via a tube to a port which sits under the skin on the tummy. Fluid can be injected or removed via this port to tighten or loosen the band. This is a gradual process with adjustments performed repeatedly over time. The aim is to not have it too tight where food is unable to pass and comes back up, and not too loose where you don’t feel full after eating.

Pros: Technically more straightforward operation, reasonable weight loss and outcomes

Cons: Requires more frequent follow-up for band adjustment, Bands can cause problems such as infection, erosion, leakage

You will be able to commence liquids from day 1, and remain on a liquid diet for 3 weeks before upgrading to pureed foods.

Stay hydrated. Protein is a priority as it provides the building blocks for healing and is essential in the diet

Alcohol absorption is affected by the changed anatomy. It is therefore important to avoid driving after drinking alcohol as the blood alcohol level may be unpredictable

You will need to commence a multivitamin/mineral supplement as your body won’t absorb these through your food as well as before. We will also regularly monitor your vitamin levels via routine blood tests after the surgery.