We offer several private weight loss options
The upper part of the stomach is stapled into a small gastric pouch that is then attached to the small intestine. The smaller stomach means less food is consumed and is sent more directly to the lower intestine. This option is expected to achieve a weight loss of approximately 30% of your body weight. This procedure is simpler than a bypass. Food follows the usual route, but the stomach is reduced in size by about 80 per cent. The stomach is stapled into a narrow tube or “sleeve” shape, with the unwanted part removed. This option is expected to achieve a weight loss of approximately 25% of your body weight. An adjustable inflatable plastic silicone ring is fitted around the top part of the stomach, restricting its size when inflated. This option is expected to achieve a weight loss of approximately 20% of your body weight. A gastric balloon does not require you to be sedated and there are no incisions. It is available for patients with a BMI of 27-plus. A balloon is placed through the mouth and once in the stomach is filled with water to make you feel full. It is a short-term measure, with the balloon removed after six months. The expected weight loss is 10 to 20 kilos (22 to 44 lbs). Other options may be more suitable for you, for example, if you have a lower BMI (body mass index) or you are concerned about surgery. If you have had a weight loss or bariatric surgery and have had a complication or failed to lose weight, often this is because the primary procedure may not have been the best choice for you or there is an issue with that surgery. At the Imperial Weight Centre at Imperial College Healthcare Private Care, the surgeons and the teams involved are able to diagnose exactly what those issues may be and give you other surgical or interventional options. Many patients for example have severe acid reflux after sleeve gastrectomy and our surgical team are experts in managing patients such as these. Mr Ahmed and Professor Purkayastha in particular have a special interest in acid reflux that is problematic for patients who have a sleeve gastrectomy and are experts in the LINX procedure, which could potentially transform many patients lives if they have problematic acid reflux after this sort of primary surgery. If you had a gastric band and it is not suiting you anymore or your restriction has gone, this can be removed and converted to other surgeries, and if you have problems with your bowel habits or bile reflux after mini gastric bypass this can also be rectified with corrective surgery by our specialist surgeons. These revisional procedures will also have full wraparound multidisciplinary team care which is essential for good long-term outcomes for any life changing transformation such as bariatric surgery.
Suitability for treatment
At your comprehensive one to one initial assessment, your consultant will discuss the options available to you.
There may be medical reasons why one option is more suitable for you, for example, a gastric bypass is often recommended for patients with diabetes but might not be suitable for someone who has had a lot of previous bowel surgery. Your specialist will advise you honestly if surgery is not in your best interests.