Gastric band surgery is a popular weight loss surgery that has seen, strangely, both a surge and a drop in popularity in recent years. Hence the question – is the cost of the surgery really worth it?
In this article, we will explore the cost of gastric band surgery and provide an overview of the benefits it may offer. We will also discuss the potential risks associated with the surgery and suggested alternatives. Finally, we will touch on some of the gastric band’s prices abroad
So whether you are considering gastric band surgery as a potential weight loss solution or just want to be informed about all the facts, read on to learn more.
Where to start?
- Contact your GP. If your BMI (body mass index) is over 40, or if it is over 35, and you have other medical conditions, you may be eligible for gastric band surgery if it is deemed a good treatment option for you.
- With the help of your GP, find out if you could be eligible for surgery on NHS. Look also into the cost of gastric band locally.
- Aside from local options, look into bariatric clinics abroad, especially in the European Union. You may find the waiting much shorter and prices a lot more affordable.
Gastric band – pros & cons
The cost of gastric band and the ease of surgery itself are a definite lure and cause of its high popularity. However, in recent years there have been a lot of reconsiderations about gastric band and several clinics have dropped it completely. Why?
But first, the bonuses:
- Gastric band makes an easy and less intrusive surgery.
- It works well to help lose weight before a more permanent bariatric surgery (sleeve or bypass).
- It is popular and widespread.
However –
- The aftercare of gastric band, with several adjustments needed does not make it cost-effective.
- Any necessary aftercare of gastric band done abroad mainly falls to local medics.
- As a single procedure, the permanent weight loss rates are much lower.
Availability and cost of the gastric band in Europe
While there are clinics that have turned to more efficient weight loss operations and chosen to drop gastric band entirely, there are still plenty of countries and clinics/hospitals offering this service.
Gastric band’s cost abroad, however, varies greatly. A few examples here:
Type/Prices | UK | Belgium | Poland | Latvia |
Gastric band | £4000-8000+ | £3200+ | £2100+ | £3500-4000 |
Gastric band in Latvia
While the gastric band is still available in some of the clinics in Latvia (EU), several most popular ones have dropped it completely and suggest their patients skip this semi-permanent procedure and aim for either gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, both of which offer a much higher overall weight loss success rate and very little extra post-surgery hassle.
So, is the cost of a gastric band worth the trouble? Well, yes and no. It really depends on what one aims for. If it is to aid you before a more permanent surgery, then definitely. On its own, though, you might find it lacking the spunk.
And remember – if ever in doubt, reach out to bariatric professionals!
