Gastric Band To Gastric Bypass
While a gastric band can be an effective way of losing weight, sometimes patients can find that it’s not helping them to lose as much weight as expected.
1 - 2 hours
6 - 8 weeks
1 - 2 hours
6 - 8 weeks
While a gastric band can be an effective way of losing weight, sometimes patients can find that it’s not helping them to lose as much weight as expected. And occasionally patients can find a band causes clinical complications or discomfort. If that’s the case for you, you might find that converting to a gastric bypass is the solution.
This procedure removes the gastric band and converts your surgery to a gastric bypass. By reducing the size of your stomach and re-routing the path digested food takes to the small intestine, the amount of food you can eat and the calories you can absorb is reduced, and so you lose weight.
As you’ll be given general anaesthetic before your conversion surgery, you won’t be aware of anything as you’ll be asleep during the procedure.
At the start of the gastric band to bypass revision operation, your surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen. The gastric band will then be removed through these.
You may either have your gastric bypass procedure during the same operation, or separately at a different time. At your consultation, you’ll discuss all the aspects of your procedure, and your surgeon will give you their recommendation depending on your individual circumstances.
When they’re performing the gastric bypass, your surgeon will begin the procedure by making a cut across the top of your stomach. This will create a small pouch about the size of a golf ball, and this is where the food you consume will go. The next step is to cut the small intestine, with the lower part being connected to the new pouch. To help drain digestive fluids from your stomach, they will then reconnect the rest of your stomach and upper small intestine lower down.
To finish the procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions before you’re taken back to your room to start your recovery.
You might decide to have gastric band to bypass conversion surgery if your gastric band is proving ineffective in delivering the weight loss your expected, or if you’ve regained weight after an initial loss. Gastric banding can also be associated with various complications over time, including band slippage, erosion, or leakage, which can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and other health concerns. Revision surgery to a gastric bypass can help to address these complications.
Gastric bypass surgery is often associated with better long-term weight maintenance compared to a gastric band, so you may choose revision surgery to improve your chances of keeping weight off for longer.
Weight regain or complications from gastric banding can negatively impact your quality of life – if so, revision surgery to a gastric bypass might help to enhance your overall well-being.
Once you’ve had your surgery, you’ll start off your recovery with an overnight in hospital before you’re discharged and able to return home the next day.
In the first few days after your procedure, it’s normal to feel some discomfort and the surgical area is likely to be swollen initially. Symptoms like these should begin to ease off as your body adjusts and recovers. In the meantime, suitable painkillers will help.
As with all kinds of bariatric surgery, following the guidance and instructions that we give you regarding your post-surgery diet is vital if you’re to recover well and achieve the weight loss results that you’re looking for. Typically, this will mean that you’ll have a liquid-only diet for the first 2 weeks, and then progress to pureed food in week 3 and soft food in week 4.
If you work, you should plan to take about 2 weeks off. At about the 6-week point, you should be sufficiently recovered to resume your usual daily tasks and start exercising.
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Our Patient Advocate will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video consultation or face-to-face consultation. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a surgical theatre, afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our Patient Advocate is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Some people who have obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may find that these aren’t adequately controlled with a gastric band. If so, revision surgery could be a good option to improve the management of these conditions.
While gastric bypass can lead to significant weight loss, it is still possible to regain weight if dietary and lifestyle changes are not maintained. Post-surgery follow-up care is crucial to prevent weight regain.
Over the long-term, band to bypass patients can experience sustained weight loss, an improvement in their health, and a better quality of life. Bear in mind, though, that your outcomes after treatment may vary depending on your individual commitment following your conversion care and your dedication to making the required lifestyle changes.
Patients often require nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals, to prevent deficiencies. This will be discussed with your healthcare team.
Leading the charge with Sur’s trailblazing approach, I’ve witnessed firsthand how we’re changing lives, one surgery at a time.
Ashley’s role: For the last three years, I’ve been a guiding hand for over 500 patients on their transformative journeys with surgery. From initial contact to post-procedure care, I’m by their side, making the process as smooth as possible. While surgery can be intimidating, the rewards—both physical and emotional—are invaluable.
Most enjoys: What lights me up? Connecting with people and establishing authentic, long-lasting relationships. There’s nothing quite like the post-surgery conversations; the newfound confidence in patients is absolutely uplifting.
Reasons to choose us: Compassion is our cornerstone. We’re committed to going the extra mile, being there for our patients whenever they need us.
Outside the office: Quality time with family takes precedence—be it a round of tennis, a cinema night, or a holiday. Paris has a special place in our hearts, as do winter sports.
Derek’s Role: My role involves guiding patients to select the surgical procedure that will yield the best results for them. Particularly with those on a weight loss journey, I offer support from our first conversation and continue to do so post-surgery.
Most Enjoys: It’s tremendously rewarding to alleviate patients’ anxieties about surgery and then witness the transformative results that follow.
Reasons to Choose Us: We offer not just surgical expertise but also an exceptional level of postoperative care, underlining our genuine commitment to patient well-being.
Outside the Office: I relish holidaying in warmer climes with my family and enjoy unwinding with friends when I have the chance.
Eunicia’s Role: As the initial touchpoint for those considering surgery, I’m responsible for guiding patients through their options, detailing both the benefits and potential risks. Once a decision is made, I’m there to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
Most Enjoys: It’s deeply rewarding for me to know I’ve made a tangible impact on someone’s life. The gratitude from our patients is heartwarming, and I can’t help but become emotionally invested because I genuinely care.
Reasons to Choose Us: Our professionalism sets us apart, but what truly makes us unique is our unwavering commitment to treating everyone with kindness and individualised care.
Outside the Office: Travel is a passion of mine, with Barbados topping the list of incredible destinations I’ve visited. I’m a social butterfly who loves catching up with friends and keeps active with weekly yoga, pilates, and Zumba sessions.