Weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is surgery to help you lose weight. It works by reducing the size of your stomach and limiting the amount of food you can eat. Having a smaller stomach also reduces the production of the hormone ghrelin that controls your appetite, meaning you may feel less hungry. Some types of weight loss surgery also involve rerouting part of the small intestine to reduce the amount of calories and nutrients you absorb from the food you eat.

Weight loss surgery is a broad speciality covering several different procedures. The cost of your treatment will depend on the procedure you are having, as well as the hospital and consultant you choose. Many of our individual treatment pages include guide prices, and you can also call our team and request a tailored quote for a specific procedure.

You can access private weight loss surgery with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your treatment yourself. 

Weight loss surgery may be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your weight loss surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme, meaning there are no hidden costs down the line.

Deciding to have weight loss surgery is a major decision and one that only you can make. There are many benefits of weight loss surgery for your health, wellbeing and quality of life, and losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of many obesity-related diseases. However, weight loss surgery should not be considered a 'quick fix' for obesity. Having weight loss surgery requires a long-term commitment to your health, and you may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life. As with any type of surgery, there is also a risk of complications, some of which may be serious. 

Weight loss surgery may be an option for you if: 

• You have tried other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success
• You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher 
• You have a body mass index (BMI) of between 35 and 40 and a medical condition that may improve if you lose weight, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease
• You are committed to the long-term health implications of weight loss surgery, including lifestyle changes and attending regular check-ups

Weight loss surgery is used to treat obesity and some obesity-related conditions. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it increases your risk of several health problems, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. It can also increase your risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Losing weight can help manage or eliminate some health conditions associated with obesity. 

There are several types of weight loss surgery. Your consultant will recommend the most suitable procedure for you depending on factors such as your BMI, general health, lifestyle, expectations for treatment and preference. Weight loss surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. It is usually performed as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery through small incisions in your abdomen. In rare cases, your consultant may decide to perform your surgery through a large incision (open surgery), or it may be necessary to switch to open surgery during the procedure. 

Gastric bypass

Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), this type of weight loss surgery involves creating a smaller stomach pouch by stapling your stomach and dividing it into two parts. Your small intestine is then rerouted to bypass the rest of your stomach. You will have to spend three to six days in hospital after your gastric bypass surgery, and recovery takes around six weeks. 

Mini gastric bypass (single anastomosis gastric bypass)

A mini gastric bypass is performed by dividing the upper part of your stomach into a tube and then connecting it to a loop of your intestine. You can expect to spend three to four days in hospital after your surgery, and recovery takes around six weeks. 

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)

This is one of the most common types of weight loss surgery and involves removing around 75% of your stomach and reshaping it into a smaller, tube-like “sleeve.” The smaller stomach can hold less food, resulting in weight loss. You can expect to spend just under a week in hospital after your procedure. Recovery takes around six to eight weeks. 

Banded sleeve gastrectomy

This is a slightly different version of a sleeve gastrectomy where a band is placed around the upper part of the “sleeve” to further reduce your stomach's size and capacity. It may also reinforce the sleeve, making it less likely to stretch over time and become less effective. You will need to stay in hospital for around a week after your banded sleeve gastrectomy. Most people return to normal activities in around four to six weeks. 

Gastric band surgery 

This procedure involves dividing your stomach into two halves by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach, creating a “pouch” and reducing the upper part of your stomach in size. This smaller “pouch” means you eat less food and feel fuller for longer. The food you eat then slowly passes into the lower part of your stomach and continues through your digestive system as normal. Over the next few weeks, the gastric band can be adjusted by injecting fluid through a small tube under your skin until the right level of restriction is achieved. You should be able to go home one to two days after gastric band surgery. Most people recover in around two weeks. 

Duodenal switch 

Also known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD DS), duodenal switch surgery combines two procedures: a sleeve gastrectomy to remove part of your stomach, and an intestinal bypass, an operation to shorten your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), so that you absorb fewer calories. You can expect to spend between two and five nights in hospital after your duodenal switch surgery. Full recovery normally takes around three to four weeks. 

Gastric balloon surgery 

During gastric balloon surgery, a soft, silicone balloon filled with sterile saline is inserted into your stomach. The balloon works by filling part of your stomach, making you feel full and reducing hunger, which should result in you eating less. The balloon is removed after 6 months. You can normally go home the same day as your gastric balloon surgery and can expect to be fully recovered within a few days. 

Unless your GP or insurer has told you otherwise, the first step in booking your treatment is usually an initial consultation with a weight loss specialist who will assess your symptoms and general health, spend time getting to know you, and create a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Your consultant will ask about your reasons for wanting to lose weight, other methods you have tried and your expectations for treatment. They will explain the procedure to you, including the benefits and risks and help you to make an informed decision.

Booking a private consultation is easy with Circle Health Group. You can either call our dedicated team of friendly advisors or use our easy online booking system. 

Circle Health Group is a leader in providing the best in private healthcare and has the expertise and experience to put your mind at rest and ensure you get the most up-to-date treatment and care.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suits your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities with expert multidisciplinary care 
• Private ensuite rooms as standard, and a range of delicious, healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about private weight loss surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

1. Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery), NHS 
2. Types of Weight-loss Surgery, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 
3. Why weight loss surgery is done, NHS