Hi Everyone

I am seriously considering havinga lapband put in but I have a few issues to sort out, the first being the financial side of things. I have always assumed that it would be difficult to get this op done on the NHS as I have read a couple of stories in the local newspaper about people bigger than me being turned down.

Just recently a friend of mine told me about her friends sister being banded on the NHS and I am wondering now if it's worth a shot as I cannot really afford to pay for it myself.

Could someone could give me an idea of the process I would have to go through here in the UK and how long it would all take?

I really, really want this done this year and if it comes to it would be prepared to take out a loan rather than wait on a two year waiting list.

Would really appreciate any advice anyone has for me.:help:

Huge Thanks

Katie

Hiya Katie,

Try this UK website wlsinfoforums.org.uk. It has thousands of members, some NHS and some private.

Hope you find it helpful

Laura x on that website as laura2006

thanks laura,

I am having problems getting onto the forums, itkeeps telling me to up grade but I don't really want to pay out when I can come to this fantastic site for free!

I am from the UK and have just been booked in for the operation on February 13th. My GP told me that most Primary Care Trusts within the NHS will only fund the operation if all other avenues of losing weight have been tried. This includes medication/dieticians etc and your BMI is 40+ or 35+ if you have weight related health problems. I wasn't prepared to have diet pills so I am paying for everything myself. I have an all inclusive BMI Healthcare package which includes everything; consultations, surgery, hospitals fees, all fills etc. For 2 years it costs £7,950. The aftercare is all important to the bands success and the quality of the aftercare on the NHS may not be that good.

Hope that helps a little bit!

Hi,

You have to get a referral from your GP to start the ball rolling, then you'll get to meet the surgeon and be told exactly how long you'll expect to wait. I waited just over a year for my op. I've heard waiting lists can take 18 months or more, and some are being closed.

Hope this helps,

Yvonne

x

Katie there is a £15 a year subscription to the site. In my personal opinion I find it well worth it but appreciate what you are saying with regards to this site being free.

Laura x

Laura

Wow thats cheap I wouldnt mind paying that at all, will go back and have a look.

Yvonne

Thanks for the info it gives me a better idea of the situation with the NHS. I have tried all weight loss methods including pills from my GP and my GP has already mentioned the op so i am pretty sure she will refer me.

I'm gonna go for it!!!!