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Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. Our commitment to our patients is in the quality of our care, the range of our services and the quality of our consultants and staff.
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St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is renowned for its highly specialised clinics that provide exemplary care for patients. Our expert Consultants cover the full range of specialties and are able to treat almost any medical condition.
We’re proud to be the chosen Hospital for some of the world’s leading Consultants. Our specialist Consultants cover a wide range of specialisms and are committed to our values as a Hospital.
Obesity is a weight condition that is associated with having excess of body fat which is defined by genetic and environmental factors that can be difficult to control when dieting.
Obesity increases your risk of developing related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, to name a few. Many individuals are affected by obesity and are not aware of it.
There are two ways in which the GI Unit at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth can help with obesity problems. One method is through a gastric balloon and the other is through bariatric surgery. The main operations are either Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass.
The Intragastric Balloon is a non-surgical weight control procedure. A soft silicon balloon is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, using a local anaesthetic. The gastric balloon, made of elastic, high quality silicone is swallowed via a long tube. It is then inflated with saline, partially filling the stomach and inducing the feeling of fullness. A patient’s food intake is then reduced and in conjunction with a healthy diet, weight is lost over six months, during which dieticians monitor weight management, and the tube is then removed after some time.
The Intragastric Balloon System takes up space in the stomach. This restriction will lead to patients getting full quicker during meal times and as such reduced portion sizes achieved per meal. This remains the primary factor contributing to weight loss. With the input and guidance of our nutritional team changes in meal choice and preparation aim to establish long term healthier eating habits for patients. The balloon system is temporary and is removed after 6 months.
The research and clinical studies demonstrate that patients who use the Intragastric Balloon in combination with diet and life modification programs lose more weight that diet and lifestyle changes alone. For example, in a recent study out of a total of 255 patients who were followed for one-year. During that period, 125 patients received the device and had it in place for six months. After the device was removed, they were followed for an additional six months. 130 patients participated in a 12-month behavior modification program and did not receive the device.
Patients with ORBERA lost an average of 21.8 pounds (10.2% of their body weight) after the device had been in place for six months. Three months after the device was removed (9 months after device placement), patients who received the device maintained an average of 19.4 pounds weight loss. The 130 patients who participated in the behavior modification program but did not receive the device lost an average of 7.0 pounds (3.3% of their body weight).
To ask a question about our treatment options for obesity or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9am – 1pm.
Our gastrointestinal specialists team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs. If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP. You can simply refer yourself and book an appointment.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP. If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use.Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 020 7078 3802 or email us at [email protected]
The GI Unit is supported by a multidisciplinary team of medical and surgical consultants. Our expert team treats and supports patients with any gastrointestinal conditions.
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7078 3802.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
