For those struggling to lose weight, there are many avenues for assistance, including weight-loss centers, bariatric surgery, medication, and lifestyle counseling. Professional help often involves personalized diet and exercise plans, behavioral therapy, and medical treatments like appetite suppressants or surgery for those with severe obesity.

Sleeve surgery is another term for the gastric sleeve procedure, where most of the stomach is removed to help patients achieve significant weight loss. The procedure is less invasive than other forms of bariatric surgery, like the Roux-en-Y bypass, but still offers dramatic weight-loss results.

The choice between gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass depends on individual factors. The sleeve is less invasive and focuses solely on restricting stomach size, while the bypass alters both stomach size and digestive processes. Bypass surgery often results in more weight loss but comes with higher risks of malabsorption and complications.

The gastric sleeve diet is crucial for recovery after sleeve gastrectomy and long-term weight loss success. Initially, the diet consists of liquids, gradually progressing to pureed foods, then soft foods, and finally solid foods. High-protein, low-carbohydrate meals are recommended to ensure proper nutrition and prevent weight regain.

After undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RNY), the diet is critical for long-term success and recovery. Immediately after surgery, patients are required to follow a liquid diet to allow their stomachs to heal. Over time, they transition from liquids to soft foods, and eventually solid foods. This post-op diet is high in protein to support muscle retention and healing, low in fats and sugars, and carefully portioned to avoid stretching the stomach pouch. Lifelong dietary changes are necessary to avoid... +More

Weight management involves long-term strategies to maintain a healthy weight, including diet, exercise, behavioral changes, and sometimes medical interventions like surgery or medication. A well-rounded weight management plan focuses on sustainable habits rather than quick fixes, emphasizing portion control, balanced nutrition, and physical activity.

Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery in which an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch that limits food intake. It is one of the least invasive forms of weight-loss surgery but has fallen out of favor due to its lower success rates compared to other procedures like the sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y bypass. The band can be adjusted or removed, making it more flexible than other surgeries.

In the UK, gastric sleeve surgery is available through the National Health Service (NHS) for patients who meet specific criteria, such as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 with obesity-related health conditions. Private options are also available, and the cost typically ranges from £8,000 to £12,000.

Stomach stapling is an older term for bariatric surgery procedures that reduce stomach size. It involves surgically creating a smaller stomach pouch using staples, which limits food intake. Modern techniques like gastric sleeve surgery have replaced traditional stomach stapling, but the principle remains the same—restricting food capacity.

This is another term for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, where the stomach is divided into a small pouch and a large "remnant," with the small intestine rerouted to connect to both. It is a more complex surgery compared to other weight-loss procedures but has a high success rate in achieving long-term weight loss.

The Allurion Balloon is not yet widely available on the NHS, though some private clinics in the UK offer it. This non-invasive procedure is an attractive option for individuals seeking a temporary weight-loss solution without the risks associated with surgery.

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight-loss treatment available in the UK. A soft silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach and inflated, reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. This procedure helps patients feel fuller faster and is often used as a temporary measure to kickstart weight loss.

In the UK, gastric sleeve surgery is available through the National Health Service (NHS) for patients who meet specific criteria, such as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 with obesity-related health conditions. Private options are also available, and the cost typically ranges from £8,000 to £12,000.

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic condition where the stomach lining thins and loses its ability to produce stomach acid and digestive enzymes. This condition can be caused by long-term H. pylori infection or autoimmune diseases and may increase the risk of stomach cancer. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms.

Another term for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the Roux bypass is highly regarded for its effectiveness in helping patients lose weight and improve health conditions related to obesity. Named after the French surgeon César Roux, this procedure is a combination of both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. It requires a lifetime commitment to dietary changes, exercise, and regular follow-up with healthcare professionals.

Gastric bypass surgery typically costs between £10,000 and £15,000 in private clinics in the UK. This surgery is a popular option for long-term weight loss and involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the intestines to limit food intake and absorption.

Semaglutide is a weight-loss medication that mimics a hormone regulating appetite and food intake. In the UK, it is marketed under the brand names Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity). It is prescribed to individuals struggling with weight management, often in conjunction with diet and exercise.

A gastric band fill is a procedure where saline is added to the adjustable band around the stomach to tighten it, reducing the stomach's capacity and limiting food intake. The fill is performed through a port placed under the skin and can be adjusted based on the patient’s progress and needs. Fills are crucial for regulating how much food can pass through the stomach, ensuring consistent weight loss.

Gastritis erythema refers to redness or inflammation of the stomach lining, often seen during endoscopic examinations. It can indicate mild gastritis or early stages of stomach irritation. The cause may be related to infections, medication use, or diet, and treatment typically involves addressing the underlying issue.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, caused by infections (commonly H. pylori), prolonged use of NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, or stress. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bloating. Treatment typically involves antacids, antibiotics (if infection is present), and lifestyle changes like dietary modifications.

The term bariatric refers to the branch of medicine focused on the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disorders. Bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, are designed to help patients achieve significant, long-term weight loss when other methods like diet and exercise have failed.

A gastro appointment is a consultation with a gastroenterologist. During this visit, the doctor assesses symptoms like stomach pain, acid reflux, or changes in bowel habits. The appointment might involve a physical exam, blood tests, or diagnostic procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify the issue.

Gastro refers to gastrointestinal conditions broadly, while gastritis specifically refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastro disorders can include a range of conditions affecting the entire digestive tract, whereas gastritis is a localized condition of the stomach.

Similar to stomach stapling, gastric stapling is a weight-loss surgery where staples are used to partition the stomach. The procedure has largely been replaced by more advanced surgeries like the gastric sleeve and Roux-en-Y bypass, which offer better long-term results and fewer complications.