What is a Gastric bypass?

Obesity is on the rise in the UK. As the nation awaits the publication of the latest obesity statistics, teams of specialist obesity surgeons are already treating the morbidly obese with weight loss surgery operations. The specialty called "bariatrics" is dedicated to treating obesity as it is a major contributor to early death and poor health in modern society.

A variety of obesity operations are available and they are typically performed by the laparoscopic (keyhole) route.

Viewers of the Fat Doctor TV series (Discovery Home & Health) have watched specialist surgeons, Shaw Somers and Guy Slater, performing keyhole Roux-En Y gastric bypass and gastric banding for several years. Both Shaw Somers and Guy Slater are leaders in the bariatric specialty and have transformed the lives of thousands of patients and freed them from the prison of obesity.

The most popular operation is the gastric bypass. This surgery involved reducing the size of the stomach to that of a small egg. This significantly reduces the food intake. In addition, a section of the bowel is bypassed causing mal-absorption of food and calories. This brings about an effective weight loss. In many cases, patients will lose a stone a month. The operation generally results in a loss of 65% (or more) of the patient's excess weight. Another advantage is that the operation has a direct effect on gut hormones. As a result, it can cure type II diabetes with a virtually immediate effect.

Bariatric surgeon Shaw Somers comments:

"It is very satisfying to see patients returning to clinic looking much slimmer and healthier. Out of all the types of surgery I have performed, bariatric surgery is the most rewarding as it really does change people's lives."

Bariatric surgeon Guy Slater agrees:

"The job satisfaction is tremendous as the effect on patients lives is so significant. Patients are healthier, see a reduction in the medication they need to take, develop self confidence and also influence the rest of their family with improved eating habits."

Demand for the surgery is increasing as people see the dramatic bypass successes of celebrities and real life patients such as those seen on The Fat Doctor. Patients are now seeing bariatric surgery as a viable option and many people can approach their local Primary Care Trust with requests as to whether they will fund bariatric surgery for them.

Ahmed (38) underwent a gastric bypass in 2008 and has lost 18 stones, he explains:

"I knew I had reached the end of the road when because of a condition called sleep apnoea I couldn't breathe when I went to sleep. My wife was terrified that I would die and leave her to look after our three children alone. Both of my parents died in their 50s from heart attacks and I constantly felt like I was waiting to die. After the operation I lost more than a stone a month. I'm free from my type 2 diabetes and blood pressure medication and can sleep safely. It's also wonderful to be able to take the kids swimming every week. I feel I was given a second chance."