Q. Is it possible in the UK to have a gastric band or a gastric bypass operation performed on the NHS ?
A. Yes it is, but the application procedure for gastro band weight loss operations on the NHS is quite lengthy and strict in terms of the criteria to be accepted which are very specific and of course with spending cutbacks there is becoming less money available for all forms of operations including weight loss surgery. If you are interested in weight loss surgery the best thing to do is to see your doctor and let him assess your eligibility for the gastro band or gastro bypass operation. He will also be able to determine which would be the best option for you and to give you details on non surgical alternatives and diet plans.
Q. In general terms how would I be accepted for a gastro band operation or a gastro bypass operation on the NHS ?
A. Initially you would have to be referred by your doctor, you would only be refered if you have a BMI of 35 or over (possibly even 40 if you have no other health problems). You must be over 18 years of age and also you must be able to demonstrate that you have tried other forms of weight control. Your doctor would probably want to emphasise this by initially sending you to see a dietitian.
Q. What is the average cost to have a gastric band operation or a gastric bypass operation privately in the UK ?
A. Obviously costs vary greatly from practice to practice but a general rule of thumb around £6000 for a gastro band and £9000 for the gastro bypass procedure (which is a bigger operation). It may be possible to have the operations performed in mainland Europe for around half the UK prices but please take care if opting for surgery abroad, check any references carefully and find out as much as you can about their after care services.
Q. Should the gastric band be regarded as a 'quick fix'
A. Not at all. A gastric band should be regarded as a helping hand towards weight loss and not as a solution in itself. After having a gastro band in UK hospitals or elsewhere it is still necessary to follow a sensible diet program, and it is still not easy, but the band does help and it restricts the ammount of food you can eat or that you feel comfortable eating. One of the major advantages of having a gastric band fitted on the NHS rather than privately is the availability of support and follow up help. Although many of the private providers, even the ones abroad are now making sure that they have extensive follow up help and advisors available.
Q. Is it worth travelling abroad for a gastric band or gastric bypass, is it advisable.
A. There are many excellent private practises in the UK and obviously there is always the possibility of receiving gastric weight loss surgery on the NHS. There are certain countries which are become increasingly popular for 'gastric band tourism' and many of these offer excellent facilities at very attractive prices. It goes without saying that you should be very selective and do your homework thoroughly if you decide to travel abroad for surgery. Take the pessimistic view and consider what would happen if something went wrong, what would the procedure be for sorting it out, what would the after care service be like after having the gastric band fitted. If possible talk to customers of the surgery in the country you are considering. Above all take your time, it is not a decision to be taken rashly.
Q. What is the difference between a gastric band operation and a gastric bypass operation. What other surgical alternatives are there.
A. The gastric bypass is a larger and more drastic operation than the gastric band but this may be more suitable for some people with other health problems, for instance some forms of diabetes for which it can be a treatment. Weight loss tends to be quicker with a gastric bypass than a gastric band. Another relatively recent option is the gastric balloon in which a balloon is placed in your stomach and inflated with a saline solution. It is a non surgical procedure as it goes in through your mouth, and the results can be quite impressive although it should not neccessarily be regarded as a long term solution as the balloon is removed after a period of 6 months.
Q. Where can I get further information about gastric banding , gastric bypass and the other weight loss procedures ?
A. Your first port of call should be your doctor, he will be able to refer you to a dietitian or a gastric band specialist and in addition he will be able to tell you if you may be eligible for gastric band or gastric bypass surgery on the NHS. There is also an excellent support organisation called BOSPA who are based in Somerset. You can also receive a lot of information on gastric weight loss surgery via the BUPA website or alternatively at gastric bandstand - www.gastricbandstand.co.uk
Q. What is the average waiting list for weight loss surgery on the NHS ?
A. Long. As with anything else it varies from region to region. The average wait seems to around a year, but in that time you will be required to attend a number of courses and see a never ending flow of dietitians and advice groups. After you have been through the procedure there is still no guarantee you will be granted funding on the NHS, that will come down to a final decision by both the powers that be and by yourself. You never know, after doing all the work and listening to all the advice and information about the gastric band, the gastric bypass and other surgical weight loss options you might just decide that it is not for you.
Q. Is it true that the gastric bypass operation is considered to be of benefit to people with diabetes ?
A. Yes, for certain types of diabetes the gastric bypass operation can be of great benefit. Ask your doctor for further details.
Q. Is the gastric band or gastric bypass or indeed any of the surgical weight loss operations risk free ?
A. Unfortunately no. They arerelatively simple and well practised procedures but as with any other surgery it does carry risks. Again talk to your doctor to discuss these.
Q. Is the gastric band operation always successful in every case ?
A. Not always, around 10 per cent of people do not lose sinificant weight after the operation. This can be for any number of reasons including their mental attitude, you have to want to lose weight and you have to do the right things to work with the gastric band.
Q. What about the hypnotic gastric band, any good ?
A. If it works, and the jury is still out on this one, then it sounds like an excellent alternative as no actual surgery is involved, it's also much cheaper.
Q Are all the surgical procedures reversible ?
A. The gastric band is reversible, the gastric bypass is not. The gastric band is the most flexible of the two from the point of view that it can be removed and also can be adjusted after it has been fitted to suit the individual needs of the patient. This takes the form of a periodic 'fill' where fluid can be injected or removed from the band to achieve the optimal tension.
Gastric Bariatric weight loss surgery may not be suitable or advisable for everyone, please see you doctor for an individual assessment, and good luck.
