Weight Loss Surgery FAQs | Answers to Questions
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time in your browser preferences. Find out more
  1. You are here:
  2. Home
  3. Weight Loss Surgery
  4. Further Information
  5. FAQs

In the UK, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published criteria for those considering weight loss surgery .National Institute for Clinical Excellence

In order to be eligible you must:

  • Be over the age of 18
  • Demonstrate that all appropriate and available non-surgical measures have been adequately tried but have failed to maintain weight loss
  • Have a genuine desire to overcome your obesity problems and demonstrate full commitment to finally getting your weight under control
  • Fully understand both the benefits and the risks of weight loss surgery
  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with other obesity related health problems
  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above Calculate your body mass index (BMI) here
We use several surgeons and hospitals throughout the UK. Our surgeons have each performed many operations. We are pleased to be able to offer a choose and book service as we firmly believe every patient should get the surgery you need not the surgery that is available. We have worked with lots of patients over the years and know that some have had a weight loss procedure that was not necessarily right for them, however, it was the only procedure available from the provider at the time they had their surgery.
All surgery is performed under general anaesthetic.
This depends on the procedure you choose to have. A gastric band procedure usually takes approx 45 minutes – 1 hour, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy take approx 2 hours.
This depends on the procedure you choose to have. Gastric band patients will have a 1 night stay and gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients will have a 3 night stay.

You should not drive for 2-3 days after surgery.

Your procedure will normally be performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), generally five scars (approx 2-3cms in length) are made during surgery, two under the breastbone and three across the abdomen.

It is important you understand the risks associated with weight loss surgery. Your surgeon will make sure you are fully informed and committed to make changes before you sign terms and conditions.

Obesity is a disease, being seriously overweight is a great risk to your health, surgery does carry risks, however, far outweighs the risk of you doing nothing.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery carries some risks and complications but on the whole is regarded as a much safer procedure with a quicker recovery rate and reduced pain, infection risk and anaesthetic time than that of open surgery.

See weight loss procedures we offer for further information on the risks associated with each weight loss surgical procedure.

This depends upon what you do for a living and the procedure you have chosen to have. Gastric band patients usually return to work within 1 week and gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients normally return to work within 2 weeks. 
You should be fit to fly short haul approximately 5 days following your procedure. For long haul flights, it is advised you wait 4-6 weeks following your procedure. The gastric band does not set off airport security systems.
We invest heavily in resources for our post operative care. Weight loss surgery is the first part of a long process, aftercare is the key to your success. Support is ultimately the one part of your journey that truly does make a real difference to your end goal. When creating our comprehensive aftercare programme we listened to patient feedback and were guided by patients who had been there. Our programme will ensure you learn about and have the chance to get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you will need to make to get the most out of your surgery. We also provide a 24hr helpline seven days a week. Knowing there is help at hand 24-hours per day is very re-assuring. We even give you a medical identification card to keep with you at all times in the event of an emergency.

  Following your surgery you will be asked to follow a post operative regime to allow the stomach to recover from surgery and to enable your body to adjust to a new digestive process.

Knowing what to eat is one thing…. Being able to do it can be a whole different ball game….. you will start to eat normal food again , albeit smaller portions. You will also need to make some changes to your eating habits.

We know how challenging this can be.

99.9% of the patients we see did not get to the weight they were before their operations because they were hungry!

We truly understand how and why some people ‘use’ food as a crutch and know that this has nothing to do with greed and gluttony.

Our Health educators and Dieticians actually do ‘get’ where you’re coming from and are passionate about supporting you through your journey, understanding your needs, and getting you through those days when you really feel you can’t cope on this roller coaster journey. 

Great news – let us know and we can ensure your care pathway is changed to reflect your condition. We will monitor you very closely to ensure you and your baby are kept healthy. 
We will talk to you more about the medication you are taking at your consultation as some tablets can be crushed down during the post operation regime. You may be asked to check with your GP
Yes, depending on the procedure you choose to have depends on the supplements you will need to take . We will give you further information at your consultation.
Exercise does play a big part of your weight loss journey and you are encouraged to increase your physical activity both before and after your surgery – we are not advising you to go to the expense of a gym membership at this stage, increasing your daily steps by walking more will make a huge difference.
Yes – in moderation.  
How much excess skin you have depends on you, your body and how much weight you lose. Every patient feels different about how they look when they get near to their goal weight. Please wait approx 2 years after surgery before making any decisions about cosmetic surgery.
0808 278 1276

Talk to one of our dedicated weight loss enquiry handlers

Or Send us a message...

How will we use your personal information?

0%

FINANCE AVAILABLE

Spread the cost of your treatment

  • Fixed monthly payments over a term that enables you to budget
  • Loan money paid directly to Ramsay Health Care
  • A loan designed to put more expensive health procedures within easier reach
  • Simple Online application
More Information

Why We're Different

  • Access to a team of specialist bariatric nurses – expert medical advice and regular medical reviews
  • Access to the hospital out of hours service
  • Access to a dietician - expert nutritional advice on making the most of the procedure you have chosen to have
  • 2 x-ray adjustments and up to 6 clinical adjustments
  • Access to your surgeon as clinically indicated
  • Access to support groups for patients
Find Out More

Weight Loss Blog

Keep up to date with the latest Ramsay Health Care weight loss blogs

Weight Loss Surgery Criteria Hero

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is used as a treatment for patients who are obese & requires a life-long commitment to weight loss - several factors your bariatric surgeon will asses before recommending it

Continue Reading
Oct 13, 2019
Healthy Loss Hero

How to Lose Weight Healthily

When deciding to lose weight, it’s important to set yourself realistic and achievable goals, and to go about it in a healthy way.

Continue Reading
Sep 28, 2019
avoid-obesity

How to Avoid Obesity

According to statistics from Cancer Research UK, after smoking, obesity is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK. So how do you avoid becoming obese? Here are some tips

Continue Reading
Jan 14, 2019
eat-after-gastric

What to eat after having gastric band surgery

Following your gastric band, your eating habits and portion sizes will change. We've outlined what you should and shouldn’t be eating after surgery

Continue Reading
Apr 28, 2017

Talk to one of our dedicated weight loss enquiry handlers

0808 278 1276

Our specialist enquiry handlers will be able to help you with any questions you may have!

Find weight loss surgery near you