There are three main types of weight loss surgery: gastric band, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass. Each surgery uses a different technique to help you towards your weight loss goals. If you’re wondering which kind of gastric surgery is best for you, read on as we break down the important details of each.
Gastric Band Surgery
Sometimes called a lap-band, gastric band surgery involves placing a band around the top of your stomach to restrict the amount of food that you can eat.
The band creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach, where food will go before passing to the rest of the stomach. As the band makes part of your stomach smaller, it means that you won’t be able to eat lots of food at once. This restricts your portion size and helps you feel fuller more quickly.
Gastric Band Surgery
How long does the surgery take? | 1-2 hours |
How long is the recovery period? | 5-7 days |
How much weight could I lose? | 39-42%* of excess weight |
Could be right for you if… | You have a BMI from 33-55 and eat large portions |
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), gastric sleeve surgery removes 90% of your stomach. Included in the removal is the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, a hormone that can increase your appetite. By removing this large portion of your stomach, gastric sleeve surgery reduces the amount of food that you can eat, helping you to lose weight and keep it off.
Gastric Sleeve at a glance
How long does the surgery take? | 1.5-2 hours |
How long is the recovery period? | 7-10 days |
How much weight could I lose? | 62-63%* of excess weight |
Could be right for you if… | You have a BMI from 33-55 and eat large portions and tend to snack a lot |
*The UK National Bariatric Surgery Registry, 3rd Registry Report, 2020
Gastric Bypass Surgery
During gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon makes a small pouch in the top of your stomach, which is connected to your small intestine via a small tunnel. This means that food that you eat goes into the small pouch and ‘bypasses’ the rest of your stomach, reducing your food and calorie intake.
Gastric Bypass at a glance
How long does the surgery take? | 1-2 hours |
How long is the recovery period? | 7-10 days |
How much weight could I lose? | 71-72%* of excess weight |
Could be right for you if… | You have a BMI from 35-55 and your diet contains a lot of junk food |
Helping you achieve your weight loss goals
Weight loss surgery can be confusing at times, especially when it comes to deciding which procedure you’d like to have. That’s why our dedicated team of weight loss experts is here to talk you through your options.
There’s also lots to think about when planning for your surgery, from pre and post-op diet plans to childcare and taking time off work. Our expert advisors can help you prepare and will answer any questions you might have throughout your weight loss surgery process.
And the support doesn’t stop there – we’re here for you following your surgery, with expert dietary and nutritional advice part of our comprehensive aftercare package.
If you’re interested in learning more about your weight loss options, why not book your free, no-obligation consultation today?
