Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, is sometimes used as a treatment for people who want to lose weight. While it can lead to weight loss and help improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s still a major operation and should only be considered after taking medical advice.
If you do decide on surgery and you don’t qualify for NHS funding, there are several financing options that can make the payment process more affordable.
Weight loss surgery is available on the NHS for people who meet certain criteria which include:
You should always speak to your GP when considering elective surgery.
BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. For example, A BMI of 25 means 25kg/m2.
If you don’t qualify for weight loss surgery under the NHS criteria and you don’t have private health insurance, a personal loan may be an option if you are serious about getting the surgery. You should declare the purpose of a loan when you apply for it, and in some cases, lenders may not be willing to lend for weight loss surgery.
A good place to start your search for weight loss financing is with your surgeon and other medical professionals. Hospitals often have relationships with companies that can offer patients medical loans at low interest or a discount.
To understand what you’re getting into, speak with the company financing your payment plan, rather than just your hospital, so that you aren’t surprised by unexpected fees or interest rates.
Also turn to your local bank or building society to learn the types of personal loans they offer, and compare online.
If you need faster financing, consider borrowing from an online lender, many of which offer loans specifically for medical procedures.
How much your surgery costs varies depending on the type of surgery you’re interested in, whether the NHS covers it, or if you have private health insurance that covers part of it.
Most weight loss surgeries are a type of bariatric surgery — procedures that involve altering the digestive system. Cosmetic procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck can also help you lose weight initially, though they might not allow you to keep it off.
Speak with a medical professional before deciding on any surgical procedure.
Gastric bypass is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery that reduces or otherwise changes the size of your digestive system. In a gastric bypass, your stomach is divided into 2 pouches — one smaller than the other, with both connected to your intestines.
Ultimately, the surgery reduces the volume of food your stomach can hold and the calories (and nutrients) your body can absorb. It’s typically reserved for patients with a BMI that’s 40 or higher.
A gastric sleeve is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery that involves removing part of your stomach — sometimes as much as 80%. This surgery restricts the amount and types of food you can eat at once, and like a gastric bypass, you aren’t able to absorb as many nutrients as you would with a full-size stomach. It’s also typically reserved for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher.
Lap band surgery — also called gastric lap band surgery or gastric band surgery — is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery. Less invasive than other options, this procedure places an adjustable band around an area near the top of your stomach to create a smaller section where food can enter.
Doctors suggest using a lap band in addition to a weight loss plan, because it likely won’t reduce hunger and can be minimally effective if you don’t also change your diet.
In this restrictive bariatric procedure, a doctor inserts a balloon into your stomach through your mouth. Your surgeon then fills it with saline to reduce your food cravings. It’s a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery for patients with a lower BMI.
Duodenal switch generally combines a gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass. During this procedure, a surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach, leaving the smaller part of your stomach connected to the upper part of your intestines, called the duodenum.
Your surgeon will also alter your intestines to speed up the digestive process and reduce the number of calories your body absorbs. A duodenal switch is generally only recommended for people with a BMI of 50 or higher.
When researching bariatric surgery, you might come across the terms restrictive and malabsorptive to describe specific procedures.
In short, restrictive refers to procedures that decrease the stomach’s capacity to hold food, like gastric stapling or banding.
Malabsorptive surgery typically refers to rerouting the intestines to bypass a part of the small intestines, where fats, proteins and vitamins are absorbed. Fewer nutrients absorbed by your digestive system can mean faster weight loss. But it might also require lifetime supplements to keep your body healthy.
Speak to a medical professional before deciding on any medical procedure to make sure it fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery in which excess fat deposits are removed from your body. It can’t treat weight-related health problems, and experts recommend it for people within 9 to 14 kg of their healthy weight (or 24.9 BMI).
First, you must be absolutely sure of your intent to proceed with the surgery. All medical procedures come with inherent risks and potentially long and costly aftercare. Taking on a sizeable amount of debt at the same time is a serious decision especially when the procedure means that you might not be able to work for a long time. It’s always important to exhaust all other financing options that might come with fewer risks attached before taking out a personal loan.
Here are some alternative financing options for those who are not eligible through the NHS:
Any surgery is a major undertaking that needs advice from a medical professional. If the NHS doesn’t cover you, there are personal loans, hospital financing schemes and medical loans that can help if you’re not covered by private medical insurance.
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