What you need to know
Gastric band surgery in Edinburgh
Gastric band surgery is a less invasive weight loss surgery that involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch above the band and a larger part below, limiting food intake and promoting a feeling of fullness sooner and with less food. Gastric band surgery in Edinburgh can effectively solve obesity. Still, considering all available options, including less invasive alternatives like weight loss injections and capsules, is important.
Achieve up to 26% weight loss with injections.
Gastric band cost in Edinburgh
The cost of gastric band surgery can vary based on several factors, including the choice between NHS services and private healthcare providers. Understanding these costs is essential for anyone considering getting a gastric band in Edinburgh.
NHS gastric band surgery
Gastric band surgery is available through the NHS for patients meeting specific criteria. This includes having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with associated health conditions. The advantage of the NHS is that there are no direct costs to the patient, although waiting times can be lengthy.
Private costs in Edinburgh
If you opt for private healthcare, the cost of a gastric band in Edinburgh typically ranges between £5,000 and £8,000. This price usually includes the initial consultation, the surgery, the cost of the gastric band itself, and essential follow-up adjustments and care. The following providers offer bariatric surgery in Edinburgh:
- Spire Murrayfield Hospital Edinburgh - 122 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6UD, 0131 334 0363
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - 51 Little France Cres, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, 0131 536 1000
- Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital - Glasgow Rd, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8UD, 0131 333 1324
Additional gastric band costs
You may want to consider additional costs of gastric band surgery in Edinburgh:
- Adjustments and maintenance. The gastric band may require adjustments, which can involve additional costs.
- Post-surgical care. Follow-up appointments and dietary counselling can incur additional costs and can be important for successful weight management with a gastric band.
- Potential complications. Although less invasive, gastric band surgery can still lead to complications such as band slippage or erosion, which might require further treatment.
- Insurance and financing options. Many private clinics offer financing plans to spread the cost of the procedure. It’s also advisable to check with your health insurance provider to determine what parts of gastric band surgery are covered.
By thoroughly understanding the costs and options for gastric band surgery in Edinburgh, patients can make well-informed decisions about their weight loss journey, considering both surgical and non-surgical alternatives to achieve their health goals.
Achieve up to 26% weight loss without surgery
If gastric band surgery isn’t the right option for you, consider our weight loss injections as an effective alternative.
Supporting your mental health
Obesity, being overweight mental health problems, such as depression and eating disorders, can negatively affect each other, making it harder to manage your weight. It’s important to recognise the link between your mental health and your weight so you can seek help if you need it.
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective for tackling the psychological challenges associated with eating disorders and obesity. It focuses on changing the way you think and behave, helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts and actions that can impact eating habits and body image.
To find a CBT therapist via the NHS, you can refer yourself or speak to your GP, who can refer you to talking therapies in Edinburgh.
Why it’s important
Keeping active
Exercise doesn’t just burn calories. By triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, exercise has been shown to help combat depression and anxiety.
There’s plenty of ways to stay active in Edinburgh, from local gyms and fitness classes to parks and recreational facilities.
Support in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, NHS Lothian provides comprehensive mental health support for gastric bypass surgery patients. They can help with eating disorders and weight-related mental health issues.
Discuss your mental health with your GP in Edinburgh who can refer you to a specialist. You may also be able to refer yourself directly without a referral, but you will need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS. You can find a GP in Edinburgh on the NHS website.
Medically reviewed
This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Adam Abbs on 4 June 2024.
Edinburgh Weight Loss Clinic is committed to providing you with the most objective, trustworthy and accurate health information.
Our content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and guidelines.
Dr Adam Abbs
MBBS FRCGP PGCCE FHEA
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare, and personalised medicine, including weight loss. He is a leader in creating new ways to provide safe and easy-to-access healthcare through remote care. Dr Abbs is also a skilled medical writer and wrote the RCGP-accredited Remote Consultation Handbook in 2020.
GMC Number: 7078829