Surgery to help treat obesity now available at Spire Bristol Hospital
In the UK, an estimated one fifth of men and a quarter of women are obese and 24 million adults are overweight – in 1980 only 8 percent of women and 6 percent of men were classified as obese. Surgery can be a successful way of treating obesity for some people who have failed to lose weight by any other method. It is major surgery however and not a ‘quick fix’. The goal of obesity surgery is for the patient to live better, healthier and longer. The surgery at Spire Bristol Hospital involves placing an adjustable gastric band round the upper part of the stomach, which restricts how much food the patient can eat before feeling full.
Morbid obesity (BMI of over 40) is a complex medical disorder, not due simply to over-eating. Aside from having an impact on general quality of life, obesity can seriously affect our health in many ways. It can cause breathing difficulties, joint problems, skin conditions and infertility, and, in more serious cases may lead to diabetes, heart problems and cancers. Recent studies indicate that the health risks associated with obesity are worse than smoking, drinking or poverty.
Consultant general surgeon Justin Morgan says: “Unlike other methods of obesity surgery, there is no cutting or stapling needed to divide the upper stomach pouch from the lower stomach. Over time the gastric band can then be adjusted to suit the patient’s progress or removed altogether if necessary. The insertion of the gastric band is usually performed using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery”.
Initially patients attend a consultation at the hospital during which they will meet with the physician, dietician and nurse specialist counsellor. The dietician will talk through alternatives to surgery and ensure that the patient has attempted other ways of losing weight before considering surgery.
The nurse specialist counsellor will explain the details of the surgery, and the lifestyle changes that will be required following insertion of the band. These consultations will also help the specialists to assess whether or not a patient is suitable for surgery.
If the patient is suitable for surgery they will normally be in hospital for one night following the operation, and will then be required to attend three follow-up consultations at the hospital in the first year. This will include counselling to help patients achieve their goals and adjust to lifestyle changes.
For more information call 0800 434 6622
Date 15 Oct 07
