Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is often recommended if you have a higher BMI, suffer from reflux or have a sweet tooth. You’ll need a full consultation with our Bariatric Consultant to discuss the operation and agree on whether this is the right choice of weight loss surgery for you.

It’s important that you’re fully aware of the implications before committing to gastric bypass surgery, as it requires a change to the way you think about eating, drinking and exercise.

Losing weight before surgery will help with your recovery, increase your rate of post-operation weight loss and make the transition to a new diet easier. Your surgeon will advise you if there’s anything you need to do to prepare for your operation, including providing advice about losing weight in order to shrink your liver and reduce fat in your abdomen.

Smoking may lead to post-surgery complications and slow down your recovery so, if you’re a smoker, we’ll advise you to stop to decrease your risk of getting an infection after your operation.

The gastric bypass operation usually takes between one and three hours and is performed with keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic. This means that your Consultant makes small cuts in your tummy, rather than one large cut.

Using surgical staples, they'll make a pouch out of the top of the stomach, separating it from the lower part. An opening in the pouch will be made and it will be connected to a section of the small intestine. The food you eat will bypass the lower part of your old stomach and the first part of your bowel. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or small metal clips.

In terms of risks, there are general risks with all surgical and weight loss procedures including wound infection, bleeding and the normal risks of anaesthetic.

The procedure requires a two night stay in hospital, and it may take you a week or two to recover from gastric bypass surgery. Recovery time varies from person to person, so it’s important to follow your surgeon's advice.

In the two weeks after your gastric bypass you should stick to a liquid diet before easing yourself into more solid foods. While you’re recovering, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or driving.

Try to be as mobile as you can to help you avoid blood clots forming.

Following surgery, you’ll need to change your eating patterns and your diet. Eating smaller amounts, and chewing your food thoroughly should help with your weight loss.

Our diet and nutrition experts will offer nutritional advice and face-to-face follow up appointments for several months afterwards to help and monitor your progress. They may suggest dietary supplements to ensure you get the nutrients you need for energy and good health.

Book your first consultation by completing our online booking form or by calling our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.