Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery is also known as weight loss surgery and is one of the most effective methods to aid weight loss and maintain the loss. The principle of bariatric surgery is to reduce the size of your stomach by restricting the amount you can eat and drink. It can lead to significant weight loss and help improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholersterol. You may have been trying to 'diet' for much of your life or have lost a large amount of weight in the past, but have found it difficult to keep this weight off. Alternatively, you may have never 'dieted' before but have had bariatric surgery suggested to you by your GP or another specialist as the best option for you.

Surgery should be considered as a last resort when all other available weight loss methods have failed.  It is neither a quick fix nor a certainty that you will lose weight. The success of surgery will depend on you making good dietary choices and increasing your physical activity, supported by the bariatric team.  

The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Guidelines state that a person may be offered a referral for a comprehensive assessment by specialist weight management services if they have a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more, or between 35 kg/m2 and 39.9 kg/m2 with a significant health condition that could be improved if they lost weight (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea) and agree to the necessary long-term follow up after surgery (2023).  

The operations are performed under a general anaesthetic and usually take between one to three hours. A laparoscopic ('keyhole') technique is usually used where the bariatric surgeons will make five small incisions in your abdomen. Your abdomen will be inflated with gas to enable them to move their instruments and have a better view of your stomach. They will place surgical instruments, along with a camera, inside your abdomen and perform the surgery using a television screen for guidance. You will be admitted to Ward 10 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary post procedure and monitored until discharge home which is usually the next day   

We offer an effective follow up pathway for 2 years with our bariatric dietitians and nurse specialist to support you with your weight loss and maintain the weight loss.

• Phone: 01484 355217
• E mail: cah-tr.chftbariatric@nhs.net