Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a type of medical intervention that can help individuals to lose weight. It has become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, with more and more people turning to it as an effective way to tackle obesity and its associated health risks.
Sometimes, you just want to know a little of this and a little of that, which makes this kind of FAQ article a blessing. Today, we will be talking about weight loss surgery in the UK in general with a fast list of important facts. So, keep reading!
The most common bariatric surgery in the UK is gastric bypass
Weight loss surgery is a major decision for those who are struggling with their weight. The two main types of weight loss surgery available in the UK are gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Of these two types, gastric bypass is the most popular option because it offers several advantages over other surgical options.
The main reasons for this are that gastric bypass is easier to do than a gastric sleeve, has a reliably high success rate, and does not need procedural adjustments after the operation. This makes it much less invasive than a traditional stomach-shrinking procedure like a gastric sleeve or lap band surgery. Gastric bypass also typically leads to rapid weight loss within months of the procedure – something that cannot be promised with more conservative measures such as dieting and exercise alone.
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NHS pays a lot for each weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery in the UK is a much-needed, much-sought-after procedure.
The cost of weight loss surgery for NHS exceeded £4,5 billion in 2021, with a single cost for a bypass estimated at £6000 and £2588 for a gastric band. This number does not get even near the actual number of patients in need of bariatric surgery.
Prices of weight loss surgery in the UK are high
Private clinics are the second and only local option, however, even the cheapest weight loss surgery in the UK still costs between £4000-8000, and this for gastric band, which is often not suitable, needs costly aftercare and adjustments, or is simply preparation to another, more permanent bariatric solution.
No cheap weight loss surgery options
Weight loss surgery cost in the UK is high, both for NHS and anyone seeking a local private option. Although prices do vary by location, program, clinic, etc, it is honest to say there are no cheap weight loss surgery options out there, unless one looks across the border.
Qualification conditions vary locally
When seeking information about local weight loss surgery options and qualification terms, remember that these conditions and rules can vary locally, depending on the CCG commissioning guidelines.
The easiest way to avoid confusion is to discuss it with your GP.
Tier 3 and Tier 4
Weight loss surgeries are considered Tier 4 medical services. What does this mean?
For the main example, some practices will have to refer a patient to a medical weight loss service (Tier 3) before a referral to a Tier 4 bariatric surgery service can be accepted.
Many Brits choose weight loss surgery abroad
With Turkey still being the most popular, albeit riskier option, weight loss surgery in Latvia is gaining more laurels as we speak, what with small professional private clinics with an individual approach, high success rates, and much more affordable prices.
For example, the general price for the most popular gastric bypass in the UK is £9000-15 000, while in Weight Loss Riga clinic in Latvia, an all-inclusive package costs £4323.
What can we say in conclusion? Perhaps while weight loss surgery in the UK is not in a good position, there is still hope for improvements and more NHS slots, with the work NICE and NHS itself are putting into it. Meanwhile, it is good to have solid, affordable, and professional options across borders!
Conclusion:
Weight loss surgery is a life-changing procedure for many people in the UK. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides access to obesity treatments and procedures, including weight loss surgery. This article presented seven facts about weight loss surgery in the UK – from who is eligible, what types of surgeries are available, and how much it costs.
Overall, while there are several factors that need to be considered before deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you, this article has provided an informative overview of the facts and figures surrounding this procedure in the UK. From understanding your eligibility criteria to learning more about potential risks or benefits associated with weight loss surgery, readers should now have a better idea of what goes into making such decisions regarding their health.