Types of Weight Loss Operations
WLR's dietitian Juliette Kellow explains the types of operations available for weight loss in the UK.
Types of Weight Loss Operations Available in the UK
By WLR Dietitian
Juliette Kellow BSc RD
There are several operations for weight loss to choose from and obese people who are suitable for surgery should discuss the risks and benefits of each with a health professional.
Some weight loss operations reduce the size of the stomach so that only small amounts of food can be eaten; others bypass part of the small intestine so that the body absorbs fewer calories from food; and others combine the two.
Types of Weight Loss Operations available in the UK
A band fitted around the top of the stomach which severely restricts the amount of food you can eat.
A line of staples separates the top part of the stomach to create a pouch which means food bypasses most of the stomach and small intestine.
Stomach Stapling (Vertical banded gastroplasty)
An obsolete weight loss operation replaced by the gastric band.
An operation for weight loss which reduces the size of the stomach.
This operation removes most of the stomach and attaches a small pouch left to the final part of the small intestine.
A similar operation to the bilopancreatic diversion, this operation involves removing part of the stomach.
A deflated silicone balloon is placed into the stomach and filled with liquid to create a feeling of fullness.
Implantable Gastric Stimulator
This operation involves implanting electrodes into the stomach which stimulates the stomach to send messages to the brain to induce feelings of fullness.
For more information on surgery to lose weight see Weight Loss Surgery Info.
