The weight loss surgery service we provide at the Spire Hospital Bristol has 4 components:

1. Assessment by the multidisciplinary team
2. Endoscopy
3. Weight loss surgery
4. Fills

We, as a team, provide comprehensive care at the Spire Hospital Bristol for people undergoing weight loss surgery. All patients will be kept under long term follow up and support. Further fills or deflations can be undertaken as necessary.

Assessment by the multidisciplinary team

We undertake a comprehensive assessment of all patients referred for gastric banding. This is performed by our nurse practitioner, specialist dietitian and a consultant physician, a specialist in diabetes, endocrinology and obesity.

Patients come fasting to the assessment and have a full set of fasting blood tests (full blood count, U&Es, LFTS, fasting glucose, lipids and thyroid function tests) performed and an ECG. Each assessment takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours, at the end of which a careful decision is made with the individual as to their suitability for weight loss surgery. Occasionally indivdual's need the input of a clinical psychologist and if this were indicated, referral is made at that time.

Approximately 20% of patients have undiagnosed problems including anaemia, diabetes, sleep apnoea etc identified. These conditions are investigated further and managed prior to any individual having weight loss surgery.

Endoscopy

Our surgeons undertake upper GI endoscopies on all the patients. We have identified a number of patients with peptic ulceration or significant reflux. This is also managed prior to the patients having weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery

Our preferred treatment is gastric banding. This is by far the most straightforward procedure and it is almost the least risk to patients and has the fewest potential complications. Patients are admitted on the day of their surgery and have an overnight stay post surgery.

Post surgery all patients have a gastrograffin swallow to assess the placement of the band. Once this has been performed and the surgeons are happy, the patient is discharged home.

Fills

The package to Spire currently includes three postoperative fills. Patients come up to the outpatient department and the band is inflated by injection of liquid into the reservoir, which fits underneath the abdominal skin. Three fills are included in the Spire package.

Additional Information

We also provide these additional services as standard:

• Continued patient support - We provide a 7-day telephone service for all our patients. If there are any problems or concerns, they can contact one of us between 9am and 6pm 7 days a week.
• A Support Group - We have a support group locally and encourage all patients considering weight loss surgery and all those who have had weight loss surgery to join the support group and attend the monthly meetings.

The total cost for the AOS package is £7450 inclusive of all services detailed here. For further information, please contact us on 0117 962 3028 or use our contact form.