Hi everyone, I'm looking into having lapband surgery and this forum seems like a really helpful and supportive place to do some investigation!

I'm 20 years old, I'm from the UK and my BMI is 31.

I've been overweight since late childhood. Like most people with a weight problem, I feel as if I've tried endless methods of weight loss, and all have failed. I'm at the stage where I can just see myself sliding deeper and deeper into this self-imposed destructive lifestyle with no hope of escape. I feel I'm missing out on the best years of my life. It is like being trapped in my own body, in a state of permanent discomfort and unhappiness. My weight and my relationship with food dictates everything I do in my life. But I'm sure that none of these feelings will be new to anyone who has struggled with their weight most of their life.

What I am wondering is, does anyone know if I would qualify to have the surgery on the NHS?

Many thanks

I think a BMI 31 might be to low for NHS unless you have health problems relating to your weight, but I am only guessing as i'm from Australia. I went to India for my lap band,so if the NHS doesn't cover it and you can't afford to get it done in the UK I can give you my surgeons email address.

Thank you, that would be really helpful. How much did your surgery cost? And what happened with the fills, were you able to get those done back at home?

Thank you, that would be really helpful. How much did your surgery cost? And what happened with the fills, were you able to get those done back at home?

I was on the waiting list for 2 years and was then told to come back and see the surgeon in 6 months.So i decided then do go private so im just back from belgium having surgery with dr chris de bruyne on sun 31 oct .The total cost for flights from uk hotel and all taxis for me and my partner to go over was £3600.The surgeon comes over once a month to the uk and does the fills for £100.Hope this helps.

Im just back from belgium having surgery with dr chris de bruyne on sun 31 oct .The total cost for flights from uk hotel and all taxis for me and my partner to go over was £3600.The surgeon comes over once a month to the uk and does the fills for £100.Hope this helps.

Thanks a lot for the info. I'm going to have to work out the money issue, £3600 is a lot, but of course I accept that this is an expensive procedure. The prospect of a 2 year wait isn't fun (supposing I'd be a candidate for the NHS)

It seems like there's quite a few places where the surgery can be done. I'm a bit at a loss as to how to investigate where would be best. Psychologically, I'd feel better getting the surgery done in the UK. Was the Belgium option better than anything in the UK?

Thanks a lot for the info. I'm going to have to work out the money issue, £3600 is a lot, but of course I accept that this is an expensive procedure. The prospect of a 2 year wait isn't fun (supposing I'd be a candidate for the NHS)

It seems like there's quite a few places where the surgery can be done. I'm a bit at a loss as to how to investigate where would be best. Psychologically, I'd feel better getting the surgery done in the UK. Was the Belgium option better than anything in the UK?

Psychologically i would prefered to have it done in my own town .But at £7500 -£8000 i soon got my mind round that one .Then it was just a case of finding a surgeon that a lot of people spoke highly of and had no problems with and i have not heared any body say anything bad about going to belgium and having surgery with dr chris de bruyne.