Our multi-disciplinary approach will ensure that you are consistently supported throughout your journey with us, and that you can access the right advice and support at the right time. All our services adhere strictly to the latest guidance provided by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, NICE.
In order to be considered for weight loss surgery patients must have tried to lose weight in other ways and must have weight problems that affect their health or quality of life.
Like all operations, weight loss surgery is not without risks, it is only considered for people who are morbidly obese. This is because it is serious and changes need to be made to lifestyles. Before proceding to surgery we need to assess that you are suitable to proceed both physical and psychologically.
The trust offers weight reduction surgery in the form of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. These are done using key hole techniques to minimise recovery time.
Surgeons also manage the complications caused by gastric bands they do not perform this procedure for weight reduction purposes or manage the maintenance of the band. The trust also offers a procedure in the form of a gastric balloon. The balloon is not offered as a weight loss procedure by the trust but is utilised as a tool that can be placed to enable patients to reach a safe BMI to progress towards surgery.
Eligibility
To become eligible for Tier 4 surgery patients should have completed a Tier 3 program with the specialist weight management service. The referral for this service should be by the patients GP but patients must have met a strict criteria. They must have a BMI of over 40 (or a BMI over 35 with other medical risks). Once the patient has completed a pathway with Tier 3 services a referral is then made to the bariatric surgery team at James Cook for assessment.
They must have failed with other weight loss methods and must be committed to follow up appointments and to changing their eating habits.
Prior to surgery patients must attend educational seminars at the Tier 4 service which explain each step of the process from preoperative lifestyle changes to follow up appointments aswell as discussing the procedures we offer. You will meet other people who are thinking about weight loss surgery and members of the team.
The Tier 3 Specialist Weight Management service works closely with the bariatric surgery team to support patients who require hospital treatment. This Integrated approach is unique to James Cook and ensures that patients have a smooth journey as possible.
Types of surgery available
Gastric (stomach) bypass
Artificially reduces the amount the stomach can hold and helps decrease appetite. Food also passes through the bowel at a quicker rate decreasing the calorie intake by malabsorption. This type of surgery is the most invasive. Weight loss can be rapid in the first few months after surgery . Overall, it is hoped that a patient will lose 70% or their excess weight.
Sleeve gastrectomy
A permanent procedure which converts an expanding stomach into a tube by removing a large part of the upper stomach. It cannot be reversed.
Weight loss results from volume restriction and risks associated with this surgery are similar to the bypass operation. It achieves weight loss in two ways. The stomach is narrowed significantly restricting the amount of food you can eat. It is also associated with a reduction of appetite as the portion of the stomach removed produces a hormone responsible for hunger.
Gastric balloon
An inflatable medical device that is temporarily placed in the stomach to reduce weight. The balloon reduces the amount your stomach can hold and makes you feel fuller quicker.
This procedure is carried out endoscopically and is licenced to stay in place for 12 months. The trust only utilises the gastric balloon as a tool to reduce a patients BMI to a safe level to proceed towards bariatric surgery. It is not utilised as a weight loss procedure alone.
Post operative care
Following your surgery the service invites you back to the hospital at regular intervals for a period of 2 years before handing care back to your GP. This is to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from your surgery as well screening and correcting any early micronutrient deficiencies which may occur.