The indication
Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.
Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?
Published catalogue
Understand medical procedures
Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.
Medical procedures
Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.
Starting point · Bariatric surgery
Matching procedures
9 procedures
Bariatric surgery · Primary metabolic and bariatric surgerySleeve gastrectomySleeve gastrectomy removes most of the stomach to create a narrow gastric tube and requires long-term nutritional and metabolic follow-up. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Primary metabolic and bariatric surgeryGastric bypassGastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the intestine, changing intake and nutrient absorption. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Primary metabolic and bariatric surgeryAdjustable gastric bandAn adjustable gastric band places a device around the upper stomach and requires access to long-term adjustment, surveillance and possible removal. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Primary metabolic and bariatric surgeryBiliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switchDuodenal switch combines sleeve gastrectomy with substantial intestinal rerouting; nutritional and protein monitoring is especially important and lifelong. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Primary metabolic and bariatric surgerySADI-SSADI-S combines a sleeve with a single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass; altered absorption requires structured long-term supplementation and laboratory follow-up. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Revision and conversionRevisional bariatric surgeryRevisional bariatric surgery investigates and changes a previous operation for complications, inadequate response or weight recurrence; conversion and anastomotic revision are distinct procedures. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Revision and conversionGastric band removal or conversionBand removal takes out the implant and port, while conversion adds a different bariatric operation; scar tissue, oesophageal or gastric effects and staged surgery may matter. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Endoscopic weight-management proceduresIntragastric balloonAn intragastric balloon is an endoscopically placed temporary device rather than metabolic surgery; placement, removal, tolerance and the accompanying weight-management programme must be clarified. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.Bariatric surgery · Endoscopic weight-management proceduresEndoscopic sleeve gastroplastyEndoscopic sleeve gastroplasty uses internal sutures to reduce stomach volume without removing the stomach; it differs from surgical sleeve gastrectomy in anatomy, evidence and follow-up. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.
Before deciding
Understand a procedure before considering it
A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.
Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.
The alternatives
Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.
Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?
Preparation
Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.
Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?
What happens
Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.
Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?
Aftercare and recovery
Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.
Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?
Risks and complications
Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.
Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?
Your questions, ready for the consultation
Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.
- What benefit can I reasonably expect?
- What might change the decision?
- Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?
These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.
Sources and reading context
NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.
- Discussing surgery with a specialist NHS · Seeing a specialist — Having an operation (surgery)
- Preparing for surgery NHS · Before surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Planning aftercare and discharge NHS · After surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Understanding consent to treatment NHS · Consent to treatment
Sources accessed on 14 September 2026
Continue with the right medical context.
Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.