Gastro consultants are specialists in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. They help manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acid reflux, ulcers, and gastrointestinal cancers. Regular consultations are key for patients with chronic digestive issues or those undergoing treatments like bariatric surgery.

A sleeve diet plan involves gradual dietary progression after surgery, focusing on protein-rich foods, minimal carbohydrates, and small portion sizes. Long-term, patients must continue eating nutrient-dense, low-calorie meals to maintain weight loss. Key components include lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, and avoiding sugary and fatty foods.

A "belly doctor" typically refers to a gastroenterologist, a specialist who treats conditions affecting the stomach and digestive system. Patients see belly doctors for issues like ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic stomach pain. Bariatric patients often consult gastroenterologists for pre- and post-surgery care to ensure their digestive systems are functioning well after surgeries like gastric bypass.

For individuals struggling with obesity, there are many options for weight-loss help, including bariatric surgery, medication, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapies. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action based on individual needs and health conditions.

Common VSG side effects include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and constipation due to the smaller stomach size. Nutrient deficiencies, like vitamin B12 and iron, may occur if patients don't follow their prescribed supplements. Long-term complications can include weight regain or the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A diet clinic offers personalized services to help people manage their weight, often through nutritional counseling, meal planning, and fitness guidance. These clinics may also provide medical interventions such as appetite suppressants, weight-loss injections, or bariatric surgery evaluations. They cater to individuals looking for both medical and non-surgical weight-loss solutions.

Another term for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the Roux bypass is highly regarded for its effectiveness in helping patients lose weight and improve health conditions related to obesity. Named after the French surgeon César Roux, this procedure is a combination of both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. It requires a lifetime commitment to dietary changes, exercise, and regular follow-up with healthcare professionals.

Lap band removal is necessary for patients experiencing complications or insufficient weight loss from their adjustable gastric band. Common reasons include slippage, erosion, infection, or intolerance to the band. The removal procedure is typically straightforward, and patients may choose to undergo a different bariatric procedure, such as a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

After a stomach bypass (gastric bypass) surgery, patients must follow a strict diet to promote healing and sustain weight loss. This typically starts with liquids, then progresses to pureed and soft foods, eventually allowing small, nutrient-dense meals. Long-term dietary adjustments are crucial to prevent complications like dumping syndrome.

Weight loss pills include prescription medications like Orlistat (which blocks fat absorption) and over-the-counter supplements marketed to boost metabolism or suppress appetite. While some medications are effective when used correctly, they must be combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise for long-term success.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a popular form of bariatric surgery that reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the digestive system. This results in both restriction of food intake and malabsorption, leading to significant weight loss. The surgery is considered highly effective for morbidly obese individuals and also helps improve obesity-related health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. However, it requires lifelong dietary changes and nutritional supplements to avoid deficiencies.

A gastro appointment is a consultation with a gastroenterologist. During this visit, the doctor assesses symptoms like stomach pain, acid reflux, or changes in bowel habits. The appointment might involve a physical exam, blood tests, or diagnostic procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify the issue.

The sleeve in weight-loss surgery refers to the stomach after a portion has been removed during a sleeve gastrectomy. The remaining part of the stomach is shaped like a narrow tube or sleeve, significantly reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold and aiding in long-term weight loss.

In the UK, diet pills can be prescribed by doctors or purchased over-the-counter. Common options include Orlistat (available on the NHS), which reduces fat absorption, and appetite suppressants like Phentermine. The use of diet pills should always be monitored by healthcare professionals to avoid potential side effects or misuse.

The gastric sleeve or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach. This surgery is purely restrictive, meaning it reduces the stomach’s size to limit food intake. It’s highly effective for weight loss and requires fewer alterations to the digestive system than the gastric bypass.

The Orbera gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight-loss device placed in the stomach to reduce food intake. The balloon is inflated and left in place for six months. During that time, patients follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to lose weight. It’s a popular choice for patients who want to avoid invasive surgery.

Gastric band surgery involves placing an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach, limiting food intake and promoting weight loss. This procedure is reversible and less invasive than other bariatric surgeries. It’s available privately and occasionally through the NHS for eligible patients.

Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. It significantly reduces food intake and alters digestion, leading to substantial weight loss. This procedure is one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery and is highly effective for long-term weight reduction.

Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery in which an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch that limits food intake. It is one of the least invasive forms of weight-loss surgery but has fallen out of favor due to its lower success rates compared to other procedures like the sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y bypass. The band can be adjusted or removed, making it more flexible than other surgeries.

A gastro appointment is a consultation with a gastroenterologist. During this visit, the doctor assesses symptoms like stomach pain, acid reflux, or changes in bowel habits. The appointment might involve a physical exam, blood tests, or diagnostic procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify the issue.

The term bariatric refers to the branch of medicine focused on the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disorders. Bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, are designed to help patients achieve significant, long-term weight loss when other methods like diet and exercise have failed.

Bariatric relates to treatments aimed at weight reduction, especially in individuals with severe obesity. This includes medical, surgical, and behavioral interventions. Bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve or bypass, is often a last resort for those who have struggled with losing weight through traditional methods.

A bowel doctor, another term for a gastroenterologist, focuses on the intestines and related organs. Patients may seek care from a bowel doctor for conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or bowel cancer. They also manage complications that arise in the bowel following surgeries like the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.

Tummy illness refers to a range of conditions affecting the stomach, including gastroenteritis, ulcers, acid reflux, and food intolerances. Symptoms can include nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain. In cases of chronic or severe symptoms, consulting a gastroenterologist is essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Roux-en-Y bypass is another term for the RNY procedure. This surgery helps patients lose weight by creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the digestive tract. The result is a reduced ability to absorb calories and nutrients. Patients who undergo RNY experience rapid weight loss, but it also requires them to make permanent changes to their diet and lifestyle to avoid complications like dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the... +More