Gastric bypass surgery

[tonker]

Could anyone give me advice on Gastric surgery please. My cardiologist who put me through my annual excess BMI gruelling, suggested I ought to start thinking about it.

How long would my recovery be, and would it have any ramifications for my class one? Apart from eating smaller more regular meals, as aircrew would I need to do anything else.

Best regards in advance

Tonker

[Radgirl]

Big subject.

Poor results in adolescents and the young. Gastric band is falling out of favour leaving gastric sleeve and a bypass operation. Both work by several mechanisms and the choice can only really be made after you have had a proper assessment and full explanation.

There are also various procedures inserting devices into the stomach but their long term benefits are uncertain

The operation needs to be done by a proper bariatric surgeon who works in a proper system so you get follow up. The operation is laparoscopic (keyhole) taking several hours and one night stay. The risks are greater than for some other laparoscopic procedures but long term benefits far outweigh them. You will be on a restricted diet for a period after the operation (weeks depending on what you have and your surgeon) but should then be able to regain your medical.

Hope this is a start

[tonker]

Thanks very much.

[Phororhacos]

From the UK CAA website..
(sorry about the odd formatting). Original is here... http://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=4294973798

 Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by altering the anatomy of the digestive system and limiting
the amount of food that can be eaten/digested e.g. gastric bypass or gastric banding. It is a major
procedure that is usually considered as an option if an individual’s BMI is 40 or more, or between 35
and 40 if other risk factors that could be improved by a reduction in weight are present. Other
criteria also need to be fulfilled and this option should be discussed with your GP/specialist. If it is
deemed an acceptable for treatment for you and you decide to proceed, you must notify your AME
as you will be assessed as ‘unfit’ for a period of up to 3 months post surgery which will be
dependent upon the type of procedure performed and your recovery. Endoscopic procedures will
significantly reduce this period. Detailed reports will be required to confirm that you have made a full
recovery from the procedure, are not experiencing any incapacitating side-effects, and a final
assessment with your AME will be required before you can be assessed as ‘fit’ again. Any other
treatment or procedure that you might be considering must be discussed with your AME.

[tonker]

Again thanks. Not a half term jobby then!

[S76Heavy]

Are there any active commercial pilots who have had this surgery performed on them?