The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has analysed the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery, and concludes that patients should have a BMI of 40 or above to qualify for the treatment

Until January, most of the Birmingham PCTs, in the area where Heartlands hospital is based, followed these guidelines, but suddenly the eligibility criteria was set at a higher level, a BMI of 45, so that with a perplexing twist of illogicality, patients now need to get fatter in order to qualify. It's as if people who are being treated to help them lose weight are being perversely incentivised to put on more weight.

http://www.guardian....ple-big-trouble

Is this true? Any experiences??

In Wales they do not follow the guidelines in my area the local health board, that's the equivalent to your pct only did ten a year

Yes it is true well from my experience in my area MANCHESTER over the last 5 years the bmi has gone from 35-40 to 50+ the weight management team cant help just to many people that want it!

Gave up waiting after 6years and 3 pct appeals -

have gone private - well worth it - wish i hadnt wasted the last 6years with Nhs

Gastric banding is not for the faint hearted and is no way an easy option - its a lifestyle and takes dedication to master the band and eating

Jay