The Truth About Weight Loss Surgery

woman's stomach

10 Dec The Truth About Weight Loss Surgery

Posted at 15:30h in Weight Loss by

In recent years, bariatric surgery has become the go-to medical procedure option for those struggling with severe obesity. But with the rise of weight loss injections, new evidence suggests that surgical solutions may be on the decline. So, is it still an option worth considering for those trying to lose weight? Here, we explore the facts about weight loss surgery, its types, prevalence, side effects, and alternatives.

As a team of qualified, experienced nutritionists, we are here to support you whatever weight loss journey you’re on. If you looking to overcome your challenges, reach your ideal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. Schedule your complimentary call today to find out more. 

WHAT IS BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery, is an umbrella term for surgical procedures designed to treat obesity and obesity-related conditions. These surgeries work by altering the digestive system, either by restricting food intake, reducing nutrient absorption, or a combination of both. They typically involve permantently removing part of the stomach itself. The goal is to achieve significant and sustained weight loss in patients who have not succeeded with traditional diet and exercise methods.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

There are several types of bariatric surgeries, each with their own approach.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): This procedure creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, limiting food intake and absorption.

Sleeve Gastrectomy (gastric sleeve): About 80% of the stomach is removed, creating a sleeve-shaped stomach that restricts food intake.

Gastric Band: An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: This complex procedure involves removing part of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine.

HOW COMMON ARE THESE SURGERIES?

Until recently, bariatric surgery had become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of obesity. While exact global figures are difficult to determine, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of these procedures are performed annually worldwide, with around 7000 annual procedures in the UK each year. 

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS?

Like any major surgery, bariatric procedures come with potential risks and side effects:

Short-term complications: These can include bleeding, infection, and leaks from the surgical site.

Nutritional deficiencies: Malabsorptive procedures can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, vitamin B12, and calcium.

Dumping syndrome: This occurs when food moves too quickly through the digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone formation.

Psychological issues: Some patients may experience depression or difficulty adjusting to their new lifestyle post-operation.

IS BARIATRIC SURGERY STILL AS POPULAR?

A recent study published in the BMJ examined the trends in bariatric surgery in England and Wales from 2010 to 2020. The study found that the number of bariatric surgeries increased from 4,190 in 2010-11 to 5,681 in 2019-20, representing a 35.6% increase. Sleeve gastrectomy became the most common procedure, accounting for 57.2% of all surgeries by 2019-20. The study also noted that patients undergoing surgery were older and had more comorbidities in later years, suggesting a shift in patient demographics. However, private admissions for bariatric surgery experienced a decline last year, marking the first decrease since 2020, according to a report from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY VS WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS

Both bariatric surgery and weight loss injections (such as semaglutide or liraglutide) can be effective for weight loss, however, both carry significant risks. It’s important to speak with your doctor to fully understand the potential risks and side effects before embarking on treatment.

According to current data, bariatric surgery typically results in more significant and sustained weight loss, especially for those with severe obesity. Surgery can lead to 20-35% total body weight loss, while injectable medications typically result in 10-15% weight loss. The choice between the two depends on individual factors, including BMI, health conditions, and personal preferences. However, neither is a guaranteed long-term fix.

At our nutritionist-led weight loss clinic, we’ve worked both with people who have used weight loss injections, and those who have previously undergone bariatric surgery, and have gone on to struggle further with their weight loss. In our opinion, a comprehensive approach that promotes long-term, meaningful changes to diet and lifestyle remains the best option for sustained weight loss. 

DOES BARIATRIC SURGERY LAST FOREVER?

While bariatric surgery can facilitate long-term weight loss for some, it’s not a permanent solution if diet and lifestyle changes and not committed to. While many patients maintain significant weight loss for years after surgery, some do regain weight over time. Success depends on adhering to dietary guidelines, lifestyle changes and follow-up care. Some procedures, like gastric banding, can be reversed, while others, such as sleeve gastrectomy, are permanent.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

While bariatric surgery is an option some may wish to consider, others are put off by the potential side effects and irreversible nature of many of these procedures. Many of the clients we speak with are concerned about the cosmetic impact of losing weight with surgery, namely excessive sagging skin that can result in the need for further surgeries.

Working with a qualified weight loss nutritionist alongside, or instead of, more extreme medical procedures, can help you to achieve long-lasting success on your weight loss journey. 

Kim Pearson’s Intelligent Weight Loss method is a personalised, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals achieve lasting weight loss and improved metabolic health. The five pillar method focuses on addressing the root causes of weight gain through tailored health, nutrition and lifestyle strategies, while incorporating mindset coaching and supportive accountability.

By providing structured, expert-led support, we empower clients to overcome their weight challenges, achieve their ideal weight and build sustainable healthy habits.

WORK WITH US 

If you’re ready to overcome your health and weight challenges and establish diet and lifestyle habits that stick long term, we can help you to come up with your plan for success. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team. Together you can decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.

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LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

SARAH LAW

Sarah has worked with hundreds of clients over the past decade to help them live in a healthy body that they feel confident in.


Sarah spent a large part of her teens and 20’s as a professional dancer battling with orthorexia and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. This created a desire to understand the human body more so she could finally cut through the confusion and end the cycle of yoyo dieting. This fuelled her passion to help other women do the same.

 

Sarah specialises in supporting women who are struggling to lose weight due to underlying health issues. She’s helped many women manage their weight during and after the menopause, as well as clients with thyroid disease and immune system dysfunction. Sarah loves food and sharing healthy recipes with her clients. Her aim is to ensure that clients don’t feel deprived and instead, achieve their weight loss and health goals in a positive and sustainable way.

 

To enquire about working with Sarah, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

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