Obesity (Bariatric) Service
The Oxford OesophagoGastric Centre offers support and surgical treatment for severely
obese people to manage their weight loss. Obesity increases the risk of serious
health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep disorders, strokes,
infertility and reduces life expectancy. Due to pressure on the NHS to cope
with the problems of an increasingly overweight population, government guidelines
have been set for the referral of patients requiring this service.
A person's weight is considered 'ideal' if their body mass index (BMI) is between
18 and 25. BMI is calculated from weight in kg and height in metres. Click here to calculate your BMI and see
where you come on the scale below:
| BMI |
Definition |
| less than 18 |
Underweight |
| 18 - 25 |
Normal |
| 25 - 30 |
Overweight |
| 30 - 35 |
Obese |
| 35 - 40 |
Severely obese |
| 40 - 50 |
Morbidly obese |
| over 50 |
Super obese |
To be considered for obesity or bariatric surgery, patients must have a BMI over
40 (or 35 if also suffering from an obesity-related disorder), aged 18 or over and
be strongly motivated to make the lifestyle changes required both before and after
surgery. They must already have tried other ways of losing weight.
Surgery works by reducing the amount of food available, and hence the number of
calories, during digestion. This is achieved by either restricting the size of the stomach so only small meals
can be eaten, or by bypassing part of the small intestine so less calories are absorbed by the body.
The surgeon discusses with the patient the types of surgery available including
the advantages and disadvantages of each, before deciding on the most suitable course
of action. Refer to Medical Conditions:Morbid Obesity
for details and comparison of these procedures.
Both before and after surgery, patients attend day clinics where their weight is
recorded, BMI calculated and waist, neck and mid-arm measurements taken. For the two weeks prior to surgery, a special diet is recommended. On-going post-operative
support is provided with advice on diet and lifestyle changes. As weight is lost,
minor adjustments to gastric
bands may be necessary.
Further information can be found on the British Obesity Surgery Patient's Association website.