Significant weight loss is important and in the early stages can reverse the disease. If diet and exercise alone are not successful, weight loss surgery can be considered. There is a high rate of cure or improvement in diabetes type 2 following weight loss surgery.

Usually not. The gradual weight loss achieved with gastric banding means that the body has a chance to mould to its new shape! A good exercise regime during weight loss also seems to make a big difference here.

Usually about 2 weeks.

The reservoir which we use for adjustments sits under the skin. You can’t see it except sometimes for a small lump under the skin, and have to press to feel it.

These are done either in the office or in Xray using a needle. It’s a bit like having a blood test, usually only takes a few minutes and does not need anaesthetic.

If you get ill, require an operation not related to the band, or become pregnant we can adjust the band to minimal restriction. We also recommend you have the band “let out” or adjusted to minimal restriction if you travel to remote locations.

Yes but with some restrictions. Our dieticians will talk to you in detail about this. For some weeks immediately after surgery you are on a liquid and puree diet. You then change over to normal nutritious food. You can still go out to restaurants. There are some restrictions and “rules” which most people do not find very difficult to follow.

These are covered in the DVD and consultations. Complications at the time of surgery are rare but include bleeding, damage to stomach or oesophagus, infections and blood clots. These can be extremely serious. A big incision may be required to fix these problems. Later problems include slippage, erosion, infection, tubing disconnections or system leaks. These later complications may affect 1 in 10 people over a period of years. We may have to remove or replace the band with further surgery, usually keyhole.

Yes, usually with keyhole surgery. This is required for complications of the band sometimes. It is very uncommon for patients to request removal of a properly functioning band.

The device is designed to stay in place permanently. At present there are many people who have had a band in for more than 15 years. We do not know what happens after 20 or 30 years because no one has had one for that long.

The operation is more major than a band and is not reversible, although the risk of serious complications is still low. Hospital stay is a few days longer. We know that the operation works well for the first 3-5 years, it is relatively new so we don’t have good information about how people do after 10 years. It is possible that repeat surgery may be required for some people years after if they gain weight again.

It is not necessary to do adjustments after the operation. This is especially relevant to people who live in remote areas or travel a lot. Because there is no implant we don’t have the problems of late slippages etc. Patients can tolerate a wider variety of food compared to a band (although still in small amounts). Weight loss is more rapid compared to a band in the first year but tends to be the same in the longer term.

This operation involves removal of a portion of the stomach to reduce its size. The part remaining looks like a tube or sleeve. In the same way as banding, hunger is reduced and a small meal makes you full.