New milestone reached for bariatric surgery | News

Bariatric surgeons at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust have treated over 500 patients as the service reached a new milestone last month.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is specialist weight loss surgery for people who are severely obese.

It changes the way food and nutrients enter the body and how they are absorbed. This affects how quickly someone feels full, or how much of the smaller amount of food eaten is absorbed.

This results in weight loss by using the body’s stored adipose (fatty) tissues.

A reduction in weight can increase life expectancy by 8 to 10 years and may prevent or improve conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, infertility and joint problems.

The Bariatrics team includes four consultants trained in robot-assisted surgery, supported by a clinical nurse specialist, dietitians, psychologists and administrative staff, alongside theatre teams, consultant anaesthetists and endocrinologists. 

The Trust’s bariatric weight loss surgery service launched at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in November 2022, and patients from Kent, Medway and parts of Sussex are referred after completing a Tier 3 weight management programme.

Patients who have bariatric surgery have post-operative follow up by the team for two years, supporting their physical, psychological and nutritional health.

In July 2025, Tunbridge Wells Hospital became one of only a few centres in the country offering three advanced treatment options for weight loss surgery, as the team completed their first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.

The development of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, alongside gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy added to the range of specialist weight management treatments provided by the trust, allowing care to be personalised to each patient’s needs and preferences.

The team are working to provide further treatments for those with the most severe obesity and associated conditions, allowing the most targeted intervention at the right time.

Consultant Bariatric and General Surgeon, Mr Yasser Abdul Aal said: “Reaching the milestone of 500 patients treated through our Bariatric service is a significant achievement and reflects the life-changing impact this specialist support can have. 

“Obesity is a complex, long-term condition affecting almost every aspect of a person's health. Working as part of a multiprofessional team, we are helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life.

“Seeing 500 patients benefit from this specialist surgery is something we incredibly proud of, and it demonstrates the vital role of specialist bariatric care in the NHS."