Weight-loss surgery in Manchester

Weight loss surgery can help you achieve a healthier weight and improve your self-confidence.

Many of us will experience fluctuations in weight at various times of life. We may put on a bit of extra weight while on holiday, or during the winter months when cooler temperatures and earlier nights often result in us being less active.

While this kind of short-term weight gain is not often a cause of concern, if you carry excess weight for a longer period of time, it can have a significant effect on your health, vitality and quality of life.

Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) can lead to significant weight loss and improve many health conditions. A doctor who specialises in this field is known as a Consultant Bariatric Surgeon.

At The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester, leading weight loss surgeons provide a range of surgical options to help people lose weight safely and return to a healthier weight and lifestyle. They would be delighted to help you too.

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative impact on health.

It is most commonly defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI)—a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). According to the World Health Organization:

A BMI of 25–29.9 is classified as overweight
A BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese

Obesity increases the risk of various health conditions, including sleep apnoea, Hypertension, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS), heart problems, high blood pressure and joint problems.

There are certain things that can lead to obesity, including:

A sedentary (physically inactive) lifestyle;
Unhealthy eating habits;
Pregnancy;
Certain diseases, and
Certain medications such as steroids and antidepressants.

If you have a family history of obesity, you are more at risk of being obese yourself.

Weight loss surgery can help to remove excess weight, but it is important not to treat it as a “cure” all by itself.

Effective and successful obesity treatment is a combination of:

Lifestyle modifications – increasing physical activity and making dietary changes like eating healthier food and less food;
Weight loss medications – certain medication may help to promote weight loss, or to suppress appetite. It is important this is always monitored by your consultant, and
Weight loss (bariatric) surgery – treats obesity by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold or the absorption of food.

The Procedures We Offer:

gastric bypass surgery: A small pouch is created at the top of your stomach. This pouch is then connected to your small intestine, so that food is moves directly into it. This means that you will feel full with less food and that you will absorb less food as a result.

The mini gastric bypass (OAGB): This procedure promotes weight loss through three mechanisms: limiting food intake, reducing calorie absorption (malabsorption), and altering gut hormones that regulate appetite. The procedure begins by dividing the stomach and creating a small, tube-like pouch—this is the restrictive component, meaning only small amounts of food can be eaten at one time. As a result of this procedure, food bypasses a significant portion of the stomach. This delay in digestion and absorption reduces the number of calories the body takes in, leading to weight loss.

Sleeve gastrectomy: A permanent surgical procedure in which up to 80% of the stomach is removed. This leaves behind a long, narrow section of stomach shaped like a tube—similar in size to a Smarties tube. The procedure aids weight loss in three key ways:

A smaller stomach means you feel full more quickly.
Appetite is reduced because the portion of the stomach that produces hunger-related hormones is removed.
Additional hormonal and biochemical changes in the gut also contribute to weight loss.

The surgery is performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques under general anaesthetic, so you will be fully asleep during the procedure. It typically takes between 30 and 40 minutes to complete. Most patients can return home the day after surgery, and physical recovery usually takes between 10 days and two weeks. On average, individuals lose around 75% of their excess weight within 12 months following the operation.

Many people opt for the sleeve gastrectomy because:

It is a relatively straightforward procedure.
It leads to significant and lasting weight loss.
And it tends to have fewer short- and long-term complications compared to gastric bypass.

Due to these advantages, sleeve gastrectomy is currently the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in both the UK and worldwide.

intragastric balloon: A gastric balloon is a soft, silicone device that is placed in the stomach to help create a feeling of fullness. It’s designed to reduce hunger and help you feel satisfied more quickly after eating small amounts of food. However, the balloon itself does not cause weight loss. Weight reduction depends on your commitment to making lasting dietary and lifestyle changed.
It is important to note that t he first few days after the balloon it’s common to experience discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and cramping. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside as your body adjusts. After being discharged home, you will be advised to follow a specific diet until any nausea or vomiting settles. This balloon can be left in place for six – 12 months.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): The gastric band is a medical device that is surgically placed around the upper portion of the stomach. It can be adjusted by a healthcare professional using a small port located under the skin on the abdominal wall, which is connected to the band by a thin tube.
The band functions by sending signals to the brain that create a sensation of fullness. It is typically inserted using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep during the procedure. The operation usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
Most patients are able to return home the day after surgery, and full physical recovery generally takes 10 days to two weeks. It's important to note that the band requires regular adjustments over the first 6 to 12 months following the procedure.
This procedure is done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery).

When you come to The Alexandra Hospital for your initial consultation, your Consultant will evaluate your medical history and discuss any concerns you have because of it.

They will carry out a physical examination, which will include:

Weighing you
Measuring your height.

By using your weight and height, they will be able to calculate your BMI.

Once your BMI has been calculated and your Consultant has talked with you in detail, they will be able to explore possible surgical options with you.

For some people, weight loss surgery will not be the right answer, whereas for others it will be exactly the right thing.

Effective weight loss treatment is always a collaboration between you and your Consultant, ensuring you always receive the best treatment for you.

While many of our patients are local to Manchester, excellent road links give easy access to people from Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, South Yorkshire and further afield.

Many people are referred to us by their GP, a Consultant in another speciality, or their private medical insurance provider.

We treat private medical insurance and self-pay patients.

When you visit Alexandra Hospital for your weight loss surgery, you will benefit from:

Fast access to a leading authority – our Consultant Bariatric Surgeons are highly experienced and have helped many thousands of people lose weight safely. We can arrange an appointment for you without delay, so that you can access the help you need sooner.
Innovative treatments – In addition to ‘standard’ weight loss surgery, intragastric balloon provides an effective and safe treatment for weight loss. Our Consultant Bariatric Surgeons continue to research and investigate the best possible weight loss treatment.
Personalised care – We believe in a tailored approach to weight loss treatment. Your Consultant will ensure that any treatment you receive, including weight loss surgery, is the correct one for you. They will oversee every aspect of your care, from initial assessment through to treatment and post-treatment follow-up. If you have any queries or concerns at any time, it is easy to arrange another appointment with them. Where needed, revision bariatric surgery can be carried out.
An experienced team – Your Consultant has quick, easy access to on-site specialists in other fields. The multidisciplinary team on-site means you will always see the most appropriate person for your condition at every stage.
Convenient appointments – Weight loss appointments are available throughout the week and are easy to book online or by telephone. We can also offer remote consultations by telephone or video call if required and where clinically appropriate, making it even easier to access the help you need.
If you are worried about your weight and would appreciate expert guidance, why not book a private appointment today to get clarity about the best way forward, sooner?