Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss, it is a transformative tool that helps improve overall health and well-being. If you are considering bariatric surgery in the UK or simply curious about how it works, this guide will provide insights into the procedures, mechanisms, and benefits.
At Phoenix Health, we take a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring you receive the best advice and care tailored to your individual needs. Let us explore the treatments and their impact on your journey to better health.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery involves medical procedures aimed at promoting significant and sustainable weight loss by altering your digestive system. These treatments are particularly effective for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more who have struggled to achieve results through diet and exercise. NHS bariatric surgery guidelines often recommend these treatments for patients dealing with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea.
How Does Bariatric Surgery Work?
The effectiveness of bariatric surgery lies in its ability to limit food intake, change digestion, or both. Depending on your unique health profile, the procedure recommended for you may fall into one of three categories:
- Restrictive Procedures
Restrictive surgeries, such as gastric sleeve surgery, reduce stomach size to limit food intake. These procedures not only support long-term weight loss but also help regulate hunger hormones, benefiting patients with conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
- Malabsorptive Procedures
Malabsorptive surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery, alter the digestive system to reduce calorie absorption. This category of procedures often resolves health issues like sleep apnoea and hypertension, offering a new lease on life for many patients.
- Combination Procedures
Combination surgeries, such as the Duodenal Switch, blend restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. They are particularly effective for patients with a high BMI, offering dramatic results.
Bariatric Treatments Phoenix offers for you
At Phoenix Health, we offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your needs:
Band on Bypass: A procedure designed to optimise weight loss for those who have undergone previous gastric bypass surgery.
Gastric Band: A minimally invasive surgery that places an adjustable band around the stomach, restricting food intake. If you are looking for NHS-approved Gastric Band Surgery, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
Ellipse Gastric Balloon: A non-surgical option involving a swallowable balloon that temporarily occupies space in the stomach to limit food consumption.
Gastric Bypass: One of the most effective solutions for long-term weight loss.
Gastric Sleeve: Ideal for patients seeking significant weight reduction with a lower risk of malabsorption.
Duodenal Switch: A combination surgery offering high weight loss outcomes, particularly for those with a high BMI.
Revisional Surgery: Designed for patients who need adjustments or corrections from previous bariatric procedures.
What Happens During the Bariatric Procedures?
Bariatric surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, ensuring smaller incisions, quicker recovery, and reduced risks. Here is what to expect:
Preparation and Anaesthesia: You will be placed under general anaesthesia for a pain-free procedure.
Procedure: Depending on the chosen method, the surgeon will reshape your stomach, place a band, or reroute parts of your digestive system.
Closure: Once complete, the small incisions are closed, and you are moved to recovery.
Most surgeries take between one to three hours, with a hospital stay of one to two days. Non-surgical options, like the Gastric Balloon, can often be completed in a day.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is life-changing in more ways than one. Here are some of the key advantages:
Significant Weight Loss: Most patients lose a significant portion of their excess weight within the first year. This helps improve mobility, confidence, and quality of life.
Resolution of Health Conditions: One of the major advantages of bariatric surgery is its ability to improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes, reducing dependency on medications.
Improved Mental Well-Being: Losing weight can boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health. Many patients find themselves participating in activities they once avoided.
Long-Term Results:Unlike dieting alone, bariatric surgery provides sustainable weight loss by altering the digestive system, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits.
How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost?
The cost of bariatric surgery can vary widely depending on the type of procedure you choose and your specific health needs. Options like gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, or non-surgical treatments such as the intragastric balloon each have different pricing structures. Factors like the complexity of the surgery, the use of advanced techniques, and the level of aftercare required can also influence the overall cost.
At Phoenix Health, we provide clear and transparent pricing tailored to your chosen treatment, ensuring you receive the best value for your journey to improved health.
With over 20 years of experience in obesity care, we are proud to be an NHS-approved weight loss provider in the UK. Contact us to learn more about our surgery options and pricing. We are committed to guiding you every step of the way. Our clinical team ensures you have access to the best surgical and non-surgical options tailored to your unique weight loss needs. Whether you are exploring treatments like gastric sleeve surgery, seeking support for weight loss surgery on the NHS, or considering revisional procedures, we are here to help.
Explore the range of our treatments today and begin your transformation journey with Phoenix Health.
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