Bariatric surgery

We are a friendly, approachable and experienced team who specialise in weight management. Our team is designed to fully support patients with all aspects of weight loss and consists of a Consultant Physician, Specialist Dietitians, Specialist Nurses, a part-time psychologist, a bariatric coordinator and Consultant surgeons .

We deliver services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Treatment Centre, Alexandra Hospital, Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove, and Orchard Place and Smallwood House Health centres in Redditch

Those thinking about Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) will attend our pre-surgery group education sessions on completion of our Tier 3 programme. The groups are delivered by our Tier 4 Bariatric Specialist Nurses and Dietitians and give more information about bariatric surgery, pre and post-surgery eating, and provide an opportunity to meet someone who has already been through surgery. Those wishing to proceed with bariatric surgery are then seen in a 1-1 clinic with the tier 4 team, and an appointment is made with one of our surgeons.

• Roux – En- y / Gastric Bypass
• Sleeve Gastrectomy

The sleeve Gastrectomy removes part of the stomach to help with weight loss. The stomach is divided vertically from top to bottom, and the larger stomach section is then removed. This leaves a smaller gastric tube which is around 25-30% the size of your original stomach.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy encourages weight loss by reducing the amount of food you can eat and by reducing your appetite through complex hormonal mechanisms (not well understood). Your stomach will be around 70% smaller than before the surgery, meaning that the portion sizes that you are able to manage will be smaller. A Sleeve Gastrectomy is permanent and the alteration to your stomach is not reversible.

Unlike some other forms of bariatric surgery, a laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy does not affect the valves or nerves in the stomach. This means that although the stomach is reduced, the stomach function largely remains intact.

The gastric bypass combines restrictive and Malabsorptive techniques to produce weight loss:

Restrictive – the upper portion of the stomach is stapled to create a small ‘upper stomach’, or pouch about the size of a golf ball.

Malabsorptive – Most of the stomach is bypassed along with at least 150 cm of proximal small intestine, necessitating vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Neuro-hormonal component – the intestine is cut or divided. The lower portion of this division (the long roux limb) is then lifted and joined to the new stomach pouch. The free end of the intestine (the biliopancreatic limb) is then joined to the remaining portion of the gut forming a ‘Y’ shape. Once the restrictive component of the bypass decreases, different mechanisms will kick in to maintain weight loss.

Food eaten passes into the pouch, which becomes full with small quantities of food, meaning that you will feel full quicker. Food then bypasses the remainder of the stomach and passes through the newly created opening into the long roux limb. This ‘replumbing’ of the intestine results as well in a degree of malabsorption of food and calories, aiding further weight loss.

The Weight management service

Who can access the service?
People who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40kg/m2 or a BMI between 35 and 40 who have an obesity-related condition that would be improved by weight loss e.g. Diabetes and hypertension.

Can I self-refer?
Unfortunately we are unable to accept self-referrals. We require a referral letter from your GP. We cannot accept referrals from other hospital speciality consultants.

What happens in my first appointment with a Tier 3 dietitian?
Your first appointment will be with one of our dietitians, and will take approximately 50 minutes. The aim of the first appointment is to help us understand your weight history, lifestyle factors and events that may have led to weight changes. We would then invite you to further individual appointments to focus on your weight, or invite you to our group programme.

Will you give me a diet plan to follow to help me lose weight?
We often find that people who access our service have tried many diets in the past which have not worked for them, and so the aim of our service will be to help you understand what you need to do to manage your weight in the longer term. We will also explore any current habits and factors that are impacting on your weight.

If I see the psychologist for an assessment, will I be offered one to one therapy?
Unfortunately, our psychologist is unable to see anyone for individual therapy following an assessment.

Do I have to be interested in surgery to access the service?
No, many people attend the Tier 3 weight management service for dietetic support with weight management.

Bariatric surgery

How long does it take to get bariatric surgery?
Generally there will be at least 12 months between your 1st appointment in the service, and the date of your surgery, however this timeline can vary. If you have lost 5% of your body weight by 6 months in the Tier 3 service before being assessed by the surgical team.

Losing weight before bariatric surgery?
Most people will lose some weight in the tier 3 service and everyone needs to follow a special eating plan to help reduce the size of the liver 3 weeks before surgery. This helps to reduce the risk of complications from surgery.

Follow-up after surgery?
People will receive regular follow up from our Specialist Nurses and dietitians in our Tier 4 weight management service for 2 years after surgery

How much weight on average do people lose after surgery?
People who have a Sleeve Gastrectomy typically lose 60% of their excess weight (weight that they can above a Body Mass Index of 25kg/m2). People who have a Gastric Bypass usually lose about 70% of their excess weight. Weight loss varies from person to person, and will depend on their eating habits and the amount of activity that they do.

What are the risks of Bariatric Surgery?
Any operation has risks. A bleed, blood clot, wound infection or leak as a result of the surgery carries a risk of 1 in 50 people. In the long term, people might experience dumping syndrome (food entering the gut too quickly and causing symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fatigue and nausea), reflux, or stomach pain.

Are vitaminsand mineral supplements required after the surgery?
Yes, after the surgery multi-vitamins and minerals need to be taken every day on a life-long basis. These are individually tailored but usually include an A-Z multivitamin, a calcium and vitamin D supplement and an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 injections every three months following surgery are also needed to prevent deficiency.

Dear *****

I am writing after completion of a Gastric Sleeve procedure in late December 2017, as you are aware this procedure is for weight loss and within this letter I have to compliment the Trust on firstly offering this type of procedure but also for the standards of care given, I highlight the professionalism, compassion and friendliness from all the staff I came into contact with across the Trust.

I have been over weight since I was 15 years old and I have tried everything including different diets, over the counter Diet pills, and other “Fads” to try and lose weight, some with short term limited success. I really had nowhere to turn and and I was very despondent with my weight controlling my everyday life.

Once I met ******* she gave me a massive amount of information and encouragement. I was seen by ******** (Con surgeon) and everything explained thoroughly, after a short while a slot was given at short notice for surgery on the 29th December 2017. The pre surgery Liver shrinking Diet over Christmas was a Challenge but surgery went ahead and went reasonably smoothly. My weight loss has been an extraordinary part of my life since the procedure and I am convinced this will massively reduced my chances of getting diabetes and the associated risks plus many other serious longer term issues associated with Obesity. I have no hesitation in stating that this procedure will ultimately extend my life expectancy.

Weight Stats:

The WRH staff are in my opinion outstanding from ****** and his team. I hope my gratitude to all concerned is covered. I am realistic that I still need to focus on my diet for the rest of my life and the surgery is a tool to help me do this along with support from the Trust. Next stop 100kg!!

Testimonial 2

Dear *****,

Thank you all for the journey you have helped me embark and for being by my side as I continue on it’s path. Your knowledge and encouragement have really helped me get to where I am today. *****, thank you for recognising my desire and need to go forward with the operation as soon as possible and for helping this to happen. *****, You have been a reassurance and a wealth of knowledge of helping cure the side effects I was feeling. I look forward to continuing my journey with you all and know that with your guidance, and my desire, that I will succeed.

• Healthy minds
• Eat Well
• Exercise
• BOMMS
• Every Mind Matters

Referral information:

Referral Criteria

In order to be referred through to the Worcestershire Specialist Tier 3 Weight Management Team you need to fulfil the local Care Commissioners’ criteria.

• Registered with a Worcestershire GP
• Aged at least 18 years
• BMI >40 Kg/m² with or without obesity related co morbidities
• BMI >35 kg/m² with at least one obesity related co morbidity e.g. Diabetes/Hypertension/Sleep apnoea or Intracranial hypertension.

If you would like to contact the team please use the details below.

Specialist Weight Management Dietitians