Gastric Banding

[Carol Anne]

Does anyone know for certain whether it can be made available on the NHS for a morbidly obese person, who has exhausted every other means of trying to lose weight. or is it only available privately? A friend was offered it about two years ago at her surgery, and turned it down. She has now had a change of heart, but her doctor told her today there was no way she would get it on the NHS. Is he right?

[curlyfilm]

not sure but i think you have to be at least 40% obese

[campbellking]

Probably depends on where she lives. Initially in our hospital these operations were done as private cases, but in more recent times, have been done on the NHS.
Having said that, we haven't done any recently, as the consultant who did them has now retired.
Unfortunately, this kind of operation is given an incredibly positive spin by the media, when it can have severe anf potentially life threatening complications. If there is any other way she could possibly lose weight, she's much better off pursuing alternative methods.

[Carol Anne]

yes,I would be inclined to follow that line myself.

[bigsister]

Have only just come across this question, so - It is definitely done on the NHS as I am waiting now. Of course it does have to go the Health Authority for approval, which luckily mine was, but it does depend on the Aurthority. I have a super GP too, which can only help. If anyone wants keep in touch, let me know on here and find out how to safely leave an email address.

[Carol Anne]

Hi Bigsister,
Belle, my friend has been told by one of the partners at her surgery that it's not available on the NHS, and sort of dismissed by being told that that there was someone up at the Nuffield still doing it. She cant afford �7500 +.

I am going to go with her to the GP next time and see another doctor. I cant even establish whether or not the authority in Glasgow has the discretion to pay for it or not, which obvously I would like to do before her appointment. Surely at 5ft 6 and 28 stone , and a now well considered desire for the treatment she should qualify for some help.