In the UK Gastric banding is only usually only available though the National Health Service (NHS) if you meet the requirements set out below:

  • You are aged 18 or over.
  • You have tried all conventional methods of weight loss, like exercise and diet, but have failed to lose any significant amount of weight.
  • You don’t have any medical or psychological reasons for not carrying out the procedure.
  • You understand the long-term commitment to having a gastric band fitted, for example you continue to reduce your food intake and maintain a regular exercise regime.

Funding for the cost of the operation for gastric banding will vary across the UK and will depend on your local PCT. PCTs can only set aside an amount of money for this type of gastric banding surgery. If you are recommended for surgery, as a treatment for obesity. Typically gastric banding usually costs around £7,000 if you do it privately.

If you feel you qualify for gastric banding in the UK and would like to have the operation on the NHS, as all your attempts you have used to lose weight have failed you will need to discuss all possible options with your GP or surgeon.

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