Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got a question? Find your answer here!
In the UK, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published criteria for those considering weight loss surgery .National Institute for Clinical Excellence
In order to be eligible you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Demonstrate that all appropriate and available non-surgical measures have been adequately tried but have failed to maintain weight loss
- Have a genuine desire to overcome your obesity problems and demonstrate full commitment to finally getting your weight under control
- Fully understand both the benefits and the risks of weight loss surgery
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with other obesity related health problems
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above Calculate your body mass index (BMI) here
All surgery is performed under general anaesthetic.
This depends on the procedure you choose to have. A gastric band procedure usually takes approx 45 minutes – 1 hour, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy take approx 2 hours.
Some issues may relate to vitamin deficiencies if you are not taking the required supplements. Nasty anastomotic ulcers if you smoke.
After weight loss surgery you need to look after your skin, massage, moisturise, take vitamins, good fluid intake, exercise and avoid smoking. In same cases cosmetic surgery is required.
Nothing, as long as food is consumed slowly over 20 minutes, chewed well and without having a drink with the meal.
You can not eat and drink together, consume fizzy drinks and skip meals. All dietary golden rules need to be followed.
Generally after two weeks. Most insurance companies require you to be able to do an emergency stop before you can drive again.
Hair loss is a physiological response of the body to the weight loss. It may happen typically at month 4 after surgery and stops at month 8. It is fully reversible. It’s been suggested that your hair may grow back better than it was before.
Obesity is defined as a chronic disease that cannot be cured but it can be treated effectively.
A small side plate which is similar amount that after 1 year. The vast majority of people who had the sleeve are fully satisfied with the quality and quantity of their eating post surgery.
You should be able to eat a side plate portion 1 year post surgery. Portion sizes after sleeve increases with time, and after 1 year you should be able to have a starter as a main meal.
Yes, both types of bypass are fully reversible. Once the surgery is reversed you may expect to regain the weight you have lost.
The vast majority of people experience significant weight loss the first year after surgery, in conjunction with dietary behaviours . 80% of people are able to maintain the weight loss long term. Aftercare is essential in helping people maintain the weight lost
Side effects may vary patient to patient and are largely affected by dietary behaviours. These may include weight loss, reduced appetite, taste changes.
Normal recovery post sleeve gastrectomy is 2 weeks.
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After sleeve and gastric bypass surgery there is a radical change in the your gut hormones that regulates your appetite and satiety levels. Your appetite is reduced and the feeling of fullness is increased. You may experience a change in taste or smell for food or changes in food preferences. These changes coupled with a much smaller stomach are very effective in producing significant weight loss within the first year post surgery
This is very patient specific. However, research shows that most people lose between 70- 75% of their excess weight after the first year. Weight loss is a combination of biological response of the body to the hormonal changes caused by surgery, eating habits and lifestyle. (Excess weight is the weight above a healthy BMI of 25kg/m2).
All surgeries are very safe and complication rates are very low. However, this is major surgery and there are risks involved. Your surgeon will discuss it with you at your consultation. The benefits are way greater than the risks for all surgeries.
All weight loss surgeries are safe effective treatments. Each procedure has specific effects on specific conditions and your surgeon will be able to guide you in this area. Currently sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular surgery worldwide for the last 8 years because suits the vast majority of people.
Nothing. You can eat all food post gastric bypass however some foods very rich in sugar or fat can potentially cause dumping syndrome and make you feel ill.
Which Weight Loss Surgery is Right for You?
We offer a wide variety of weight loss surgeries; we’ll never recommend a surgery unless it’s 100% right for you.
Compare our available surgeries here:
Gastric Band
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Gastric Bypass
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Gastric Revisional Surgery
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Gastric Sleeve
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Mini Gastric Bypass
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Average recovery time after surgery
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5-7 Days
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10-14 Days
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7 days
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7 days
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10-14 Days
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Surgery procedure time (in minutes)
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45 mins
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60 mins
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70 mins
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60 mins
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70 mins
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Estimated weight loss
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50 - 70% Excess Weight Loss
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60 - 70% Excess Weight Loss
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25-50% of total body weight
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70–75% of their excess weight
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60 - 70% Excess Weight Loss
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Tonic premium aftercare
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Included  |
Included |
Included |
Included |
Included |
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Scarring?
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5 x Small (12mm) abdominal incisions across the middle and upper abdomen
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5 x Small (12mm) abdominal incisions across the middle and upper abdomen
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5 small abdominal scars
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5 small abdominal scars
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5 x Small (12mm) abdominal incisions across the middle and upper abdomen
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| Read more | Read more | Read more | Read more | Read more |
Disclaimer for all Weight Loss and Bariatric Procedures
Weight loss surgery results may vary: causes for being overweight or obese vary from person to person.
The UK’s Best Rated Weight Loss Surgery Company
Life changing stories
The UK’s Best Rated Weight Loss Surgery Company
Life changing stories
Ally
10 st (64 kg)*
Weight Loss
“I have struggled with my weight all of my adult life, I have PCOS and every diet I have tried just wasn’t successful.
I have lost over 10 stone and I feel absolutely incredible. I would never have dreamt to have the life that I currently have now.”
Paul
10 st (64 kg)*
Weight Loss
“Life before surgery was fake, I had a happy face but was not really happy. I wouldn’t go on lads holidays with my friends or take my kids swimming.
I have lost over 10 stone and it’s been life changing. I have got my life back. I can now take my kids swimming, go on holiday, do those things that I should have done 10,15,20 years ago.”
Danni's
5 1/2 stone (35 KG)*
Weight Loss
“Before I had surgery, I’d always yo-yoed with my weight. I was ashamed because of the size I’d gotten to. I was unable to buy the clothes I wanted to wear. I didn’t feel like the person that I wanted to be nor did my reflection match the person I felt inside.
The surgery with Tonic has absolutely changed my life. I’ve lost 5 and a half stone, and I am more confident and outgoing. “
Chanelle
9st (57kg)
Weight Loss
“Before weight loss surgery, I couldn’t cope with doing anything strenuous and I couldn’t spend time with my children in the way I wanted to. My eating was out of control, and I had been yo-yoing.
A year out from surgery, I’m a completely different person. Last year, my body fat percentage was in the morbidly obese category. Now, I’m in the healthy weight category.”
Claire
10 st (64 kg)*
Weight Loss
“I lost 8.5 stone. I feel like one of the gym girls, I have done a 10k this year and I am signed up to Brighton half marathon next year! I chose Tonic because I saw so many success stories online and because of the aftercare package. You have the dietician, the PT, the psychotherapist and the constant support group from others who have had surgery and the team in the office”
