Surgical options
There are several types of weight loss surgery available. The most appropriate option for you will depend on your health, eating patterns, treatment goals and individual circumstances.
Choosing the right surgical option
There is no single type of surgery that is right for everyone.
You may already have an idea about which surgery you would prefer based on your own research or conversations with people who have had weight loss surgery.
Our role is to give you the information you need, based on our medical experience and your individual circumstances, to help you make the best choice. The decision will be made together by you, your surgeon and the rest of your healthcare team.
Things to consider when choosing surgery
- Your health conditions: If you have diabetes, reflux or other medical conditions, some types of surgery may be more suitable than others. For example, gastric bypass may be a better option for some people with diabetes because it has a higher rate of diabetes remission. Certain inflammatory bowel conditions may make sleeve gastrectomy the preferred option. Your surgeon and specialist nurse will discuss how your medical history may affect your choice.
- Your eating habits: If you tend to snack frequently or eat large portions, some types of surgery may work better for you than others.
- Long-term effects: Most types of weight loss surgery require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements and regular follow-up.
- Recovery time: Recovery times differ between procedures.
- Whether the procedure is reversible: A gastric band can be adjusted or removed. Sleeve gastrectomy, one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are permanent procedures.
- Risks and side effects: All surgery carries risks. The type and likelihood of complications vary between procedures.
- Your personal goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through surgery. This might include losing weight, improving your health or increasing your mobility.
How much weight could I lose?
The amount of weight you may lose varies depending on the type of surgery you have. Gastric bypass and OAGB generally result in greater average weight loss than gastric banding. Your dietitian can discuss the amount of weight loss you might expect following each procedure.
It is important to remember that surgery will not necessarily bring your BMI into the healthy range of 20–25 kg/m², but it may help you move closer to it.
How quickly could I lose weight?
Weight loss happens at different rates following different procedures. Following gastric bypass, OAGB and sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss tends to be relatively rapid, with most weight lost during the first 6–12 months.
Weight loss following gastric banding is usually steadier and may continue for up to three years.
Smoking and vaping
You will be advised to stop smoking or vaping whichever type of surgery you have. If you need help to stop, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.
We will not consider you for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or OAGB if you are actively smoking or vaping, or if you plan to start again after the procedure. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of complications including anastomotic leaks and ulceration.