Some people have no trouble deciding which procedure is best for them. For others, the decision is not so clear cut. It is precisely because some people are in “decision anxiety” about what procedure to have that we work in the way we do.
Firstly, you will always see a Consultant Physician before you see an obesity surgeon so you can chat through the pros and cons of the procedure as it affects you. That way you get the procedure that we think is best for you and not necessarily the one which is the surgeon’s favourite (or the only one that he does).
If we were to grade the procedures according to complexity it would be as follows:
- Gastric Balloon
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding/Easyband
- Gastric Bypass
- BPD/Bandinaro
Things to remember:
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A gastric balloon is a temporary procedure – the balloon has to be removed after six months
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Gastric banding requires considerable aftercare. You must be prepared to follow a careful nutritional regime post band surgery
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If you do not think you can tolerate the “rules” that you must follow after laparoscopic gastric banding then you may be better with a gastric bypass
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If you have a Body Mass Index greater than 60 you need to talk to us about banding, bypass and BPD/Bandinaro.
