Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery is a Tier 4 service, treating severe, complex obesity. Services include surgery, post-surgical care and ongoing follow-up care treatment.

Eligibility for weight loss (bariatric) surgery requires patients to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, or a BMI of between 35 and 29,9 with significant co-existing health conditions that could imprive with weight loss, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Eligible patients should also have engaged with and completed a Tier 3 specialist weight management programme. Patients must be assessed as medically and psychologically fit for surgery. More information and useful resources are below:

• Weight loss surgery – NHS – for information about weight loss surgery, the different types of surgery available and what they involve, and what recovery from surgery is like
• Weight Loss Surgery Info – for information, support and patient experiences on weight loss surgery
• Obesity Empowerment Network UK is a non-profit, user led, advocacy organisation

Useful resources:

• The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia Alexander
• Living with Bariatric Surgery: Managing your Mind and Your Weight by Dr Denise Ratcliffe