How it works

The stomach is divided to create a small pouch, about 5% of the total stomach volume, meaning you can eat a very small amount of food before feeling full. The small bowel is also divided and attached to this new small pouch, bypassing the original stomach and reconnecting further along the digestive system. As well as restricting the volume of food intake, the bypass also reduces levels of the gut hormone ghrelin, causing a loss of appetite.

The procedure

The gastric bypass procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours and usually involves a 2 night stay in hospital. Most patients are back at work after 1-2 weeks. It is a laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure so scarring is minimal.

Although a more complex procedure than gastric banding, in expert hands it is a safe and very effective form of weight loss surgery.

Aftercare

Careful long term follow up is essential after a gastric bypass to help you achieve your weight loss goals and to ensure that your nutritional status is optimal. 

Request a personalised quotation

Your 2 year aftercare package includes:

• Clinical reviews at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
• Care from a team of specialist bariatric nurses
• Detailed dietary advice from a nutritionist and health educator to get the best results
• 2 years FREE VitaWeight™ vitamin and mineral supplements
• Online support forum
• 24 hour emergency helpline

Watch our video on the benefits of a gastric bypass by Dr Ashton