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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Our FAQ pages are here to answer any questions you may have about the procedures and treatments offered by The Hospital Group. Browse the questions below, or if you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us on FAQ@thehospitalgroup.org. Note prices are correct at the time of posting - please see the relevant price page in each section for the latest prices.
Obesity Surgery
Is Tina Malone having a Gastric Band?
Yes, following her loss of a massive 4 1/2 stone on the gastric balloon, Tina Malone has decided to have a gastric band to get her to her target healthy weight. She's agreed to share her experience online, so look out for updates on this website. Due to filming commitments, Tina will be having the gastric band fitted in the early part of 2010.
Thank you Tina for agreeing to share your experience - we wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the transformation!
I'm thinking of having a gastric band, what would I pay each month on finance?
Sorry, we do not currently offer finance packages or payment plans.
Can I keep having a gastric band a secret?
That is entirely your choice. Many of our gastric band patients see weight-loss surgery as the last resort and choose only to tell a close friend relative or spouse. You will still be able to eat a "normal" diet but in much smaller portions. Having a gastric band is nothing to be ashamed of, but everything you discuss with us will be kept completely confidential.
How much weight can I expect to lose after having a gastric band?
It is important to stress that every gastric band patient is different and will lose a varying amount of weight in the first few months post-surgery. Most people lose 1-2 pounds each week, with some losing more than that. The degree of weight-loss can also be measured by how well your clothes fit.
How long after having a gastric band can I start taking my birth control pill?
After having a gastric band you should wait at least a week before you begin taking your contraceptive pill.
I have a BMI of 50, is this too high for a gastric band?
No this isn't too high for a gastric band, we do perform the procedure on patients with a BMI of 50. It may be an idea to also consider the gastric bypass but we will discuss all options with you at consultation.
I've had a gastric band and recently become pregnant, what do I do?
Gastric band patients who become pregnant should have their band aspirated by week 12. Contact your local clinic and make an appointment with a nurse.The nurse now tends to leave 2 - 2.5 ml in the band so the position is maintained but restriction is minimal. The gastric band can then be filled either 6 weeks post giving birth or after breast feeding.
What does it mean when your gastric band needs to be aspirated?
When a gastric band is aspirated this means that all, or almost all of the fluid is removed from the lap band itself.
How much is your gastric band?
Our gastric band prices currently start from £5,950 - check out the prices page for latest information.
I would like more information on gastric bands, can you recommend anything?
You can purchase online the Lap Band book from our online shop. This was written by a bariatric surgeon and is a step-by-step guide to gastric band surgery.
How long will I be in theatre for a gastric bypass?
A gastric bypass can be performed in approximately 2 hours.
I've heard of a "BIB" procedure, what does this mean?
The "BIB" is the gastric balloon, an obesity surgery procedure. The acronym stands for BioEnterics™ Intragastric Balloon.
How long will I need to take off work after a gastric band, and is this classed as sick leave?
We recommend that you take 1-2 weeks off work after your gastric band procedure. If you have young children it may be good to consider asking a family member or friend to help you with them. This time, unfortunately, is not usually classed as sick leave.
How much is the gastric band and do you offer payment plans?
The gastric band procedure starts from £6,950. Unfortunately we do not currently offer payment plans.
We recommend our Pro Shot 25+1 vials as a liquid form of protein, they are fat free and only 100 calories per vial so they are ideal for your post gastric band diet. You can purchase these online by clicking the link below.
A band fill is the adjustment of a gastric band. This process involves fluid being injected into the port, the gastric band then inflates and tightens itself and results in the stoma (opening) between the upper and lower parts of the stomach, becoming smaller. This enables less food to pass through. Fluid can also be withdrawn from the lap band, which has the opposite effect, if weight-loss needs to be slowed down or restriction is too tight.
I've heard a gastric balloon has to be removed? When is this?
A gastric balloon must be removed 6 months after your operation date. Unlike the other two procedures, gastric band and gastric bypass, the gastric balloon is only seen as a temporary measure to kick start better motovation with portion control and healthier eating. The idea is after 6 months the patient will adapt to a new and improved dietary regime.
How many nights do I need to stay in hospital for a gastric band?
Gastric band patients are normally in hospital for just one night.
I'm really considering a gastric band but live in Belfast, where would my procedure be carried out?
You would have your consultation at our Belfast clinic with one of our obesity consultants and patient care co-ordinators. The operation would then be carried out either at our Dolan Park Hospital near Birmingham or at another private hospital in Leeds. This depends on your BMI (Body Mass Index).
Can a gastric band be removed?
Yes the gastric band is a reversible procedure. If you want to you can have it removed. Sharon Osbourne did just that, she had a gastric band and then later had it removed when she had reached her goal weight. This would be a big decision to make however, and should not be made quickly as it would require a lot of self-motivation from the patient.
What other weight-loss surgery options do you do other than the gastric band?
We also offer the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and the gastric balloon. The gastric band procedure is the most common, however all have their own advantages when it comes to weight-loss. The procedure most suitable to a person can often be determined by their BMI, as well as their individual medical needs and requirements.
My son has Down's Syndrome and is overweight, would he be able to have a gastric balloon?
Unfortunately operating within the private sector we are obliged to ensure that any patient is able to fully understand and consent to any procedure. Our team of medical professionals therefore advise regretably, that it is not suitable to operate the gastric balloon on a Down's Syndrome patient.
I live in Lancashire, and I'm interested in gastric banding, where would the surgery be carried out?
The gastric band procedure would most likely be carried out at our own private hospital in Worcestershire. If your BMI is extremely high your procedure may be carried out in Leeds.
When can you start eating solid foods after having a gastric band?
Following you gastric band procedure you can begin to eat soft foods such as scrambled egg, cottage pie, porridge etc after just 2 weeks. After 4 weeks you can then move on to "normal eating" but discuss your daily food intake with your dietician.
Will the gastric band leave me with much scarring?
Scarring from the gastric band is usually very minimal. If the lap band is inserted laparoscopically you will have a series of one inch scars as well as a slightly larger scar for the port placement. These scars tend to heal very well and over time will be barely visible.
Do all gastric bands require a general anaesthetic?
Yes the gastric band procedure does involve having a general anaesthetic although it is only keyhole surgery. If patients are scared of general anaesthetics we do have the option of gastric balloon, this is normally the preferred method for lower BMI patients.
I suffer from Crohn's Disease, can I still have the gastric band?
Yes you can still have the gastric band if you suffer with this medical condition. We advise that you book in for a weight-loss surgery consultation to discuss this further witha specialist bariatric surgeon.
A gastric bypass starts from £10,950.
After your aftercare package expires we recommend that you book in for your band fills with Obesity Healthcare, visit www.wiseaftercare.org or call 0845 124 9234 for more information.
Do I need a doctor's letter to have a gastric band?
No not necessarily. When you express interest to book your gastric band procedure, one of our nurses will go through your medical file and will only write to your doctor if they feel they need more information or if something causes concern which could jeopradise you having the gastric band.
How much is a gastric balloon?
Our gastric balloons start from £3950.
Can I have a gastric band if I've already had a gastric bypass?
Yes this is possible to have. A gastric bypass patient can have a gastric band if approved by a bariatric surgeon.
How do I know if I qualify for a gastric band?
If you are 18 or over and overweight , there is a chance or will qualify for a gastric band, however it is dependent upon your BMI (Body Mass Index), this can be calculated if you click on the link below. A gastric band will start from £6,950. If you are not eligible for a gastric band, our other two weight-loss options are the gastric balloon or gastric bypass.
I'm 17 and overweight, can I qualify for a gastric band?
Unfortunately we only carry out gastric bands and all other weight-loss surgery procedures on patients who are aged 18 or over. If you are struggling with weight issues we would recommend you make an appointment to see your GP and discuss various weight management options with them first. If at the age of 18 you are still considering a gastric band, we would be happy to book you in for a consultation and assess whether you are eligible for an obesity surgery procedure.
What do I eat immediately after a gastric bypass?
Immediately after a gastric bypass procedure it is important you have a liquid only diet for the first 4 weeks. You will have regular contact with a dietician who will take you through what and what not to eat/drink. It is also important rest immediately after the procedure and take approximately 1-2 weeks off work.
What is the Gastric Balloon - I've never heard of it!
The gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss management procedure to help you kick-start your healthy lifestyle. The balloon itself is inserted into the stomach, and then inflated with saline so that you feel less hungry. It will stay in place for 7 months to help you learn the habits of healthy eating, after which time it is removed.
Last update: Cosmetic Surgery Prices | The Hospital Group - 06.09.2010 [15:11:20]