Gastric bypass surgery at Spire Norwich Hospital

Spire Norwich Hospital is a well-established private hospital serving patients across Norfolk and East Anglia. We have expert bariatric surgeons (consultants specialising in weight loss surgery) for you to choose from. They can carry out gastric bypass surgery which can help you lose weight if changes to diet and exercise haven't worked. You’ll have a treatment and recovery plan that’s personalised to suit your lifestyle.

Our surgeons work with a team of psychologists, dietitians, anaesthetists and specialist bariatric nurses who'll help you throughout your treatment and recovery, so that you get the support you need.

Getting here

Spire Norwich Hospital is close to the University of East Anglia and just three miles from the city centre. We're approximately three miles from Norwich train station. There’s free parking on-site for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

Your first appointment will take place in one of our consulting rooms. Your consultant will discuss your medical history with you and explain your different options. There’ll be plenty of time to ask any questions. You’ll be able to talk about:

• What surgery involves – they may recommend gastric sleeve surgery to begin with
• What’s included in your treatment costs
• Your anaesthetic and how it might affect you
• Any potential complications and risks of surgery
• What’s involved in your recovery, including your aftercare plan which includes changes to your diet and lifestyle

If you decide you’d like to go ahead with a gastric bypass, you’ll meet a psychologist, a dietitian, an anaesthetist and a specialist bariatric nurse so they can further assess if surgery is right for you. You'll also need to have a pre-operative assessment which may include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood tests
• MRSA swab

When you come in for your operation, you’ll be with us for around one to three nights. You’ll stay in one of our large, bright, private en-suite rooms. All our rooms have the comforts and conveniences you’d expect to find at home, including:

• TV
• Window
• Armchair

Here’s what will happen on the day of your gastric bypass:

• You’ll meet your surgical team and anaesthetist
• Your anaesthetist will administer the general anaesthetic, which will send you to sleep for the operation
• Once it’s taken effect, your surgeon will carry out the surgery to reduce the size of your stomach and connect it to the lower part of your small intestine
• Your operation will take between one and three hours

If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in your room while you have your operation.

While you’re in hospital, your nursing team will give you pain relief as and when you need it to make sure you’re comfortable.

After you leave hospital, your consultant will arrange to see you four weeks later for a follow-up appointment to check your progress and ensure you’re recovering and losing weight as intended. You’ll also have access to our specialist bariatric nursing team through a monthly Support Group and at your three and nine month follow-up appointments.

Although everyone’s different, here’s a typical recovery guide for gastric bypass surgery: