Partial stomach removal for weight loss

Need to know

• What happens during surgery? icon plus

  This operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. It may be carried out as open surgery or minimally invasive keyhole surgery. Your consultant will let you know which option is best for you.
  
  Your consultant will remove the lower half of your stomach and close off the first part of your small intestine, called the duodenum. This is the part of your small intestine that receives partially digested food from your stomach. Your consultant will then connect the remaining part of your stomach to your bowel.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will check your BMI and carry out a detailed pre-surgery assessment before letting you know if surgery is suitable for you. Like all procedures, there may some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. As you're having a general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. They'll let you know if you need to do anything else to prepare and answer any questions you might have.

• After your surgery icon plus

  You'll need to have a catheter after surgery. You won't be very mobile so it'll allow you to empty your bladder without going to the toilet. You might also have a tube passing through your nose into your stomach or small intestine. Until you can eat normally, you'll get the nutrients you need through a small tube in one of your veins or into your bowel.
  
  You'll be given pain relief to help you feel more comfortable. You will be cared for in hospital for at least two nights. It could take at least two weeks at home for you to fully recover.
  
  Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. They'll also give you dietary advice.