Bariatric surgery is a term that refers to surgical techniques that alter people's digestive tracts in order to help them lose weight. The term "bariatric surgery" can refer to a variety of procedures, such as gastric bypass and various weight-loss surgeries. While the outcomes of various types of bariatric surgery vary. Bariatric surgery works in a variety of ways, including restricting the amount of food that can be stored in the stomach, diminishing the body's ability to absorb nutrients, or a combination of the two.
Bariatric surgery is used to help very overweight individuals lose weight and reduce their risk of serious, life-threatening health issues, such as:
Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity surgery (bariatric surgery) improves weight loss and minimizes the risk of medical consequences. Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight in two ways:
Restriction. Surgery can physically limit the food quantity that can be held in the stomach, hence limiting the number of calories that may be consumed.
Malabsorption. Shortening or bypassing part of the small intestine decreases the number of calories and nutrients absorbed by the body.
Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch are examples of weight loss surgery, commonly known as bariatric surgery, that function by altering the anatomy (or position) of the small intestines and stomach. Appetite changes, satiety, and metabolism are a result of these surgeries.
Several hormonal signals that encourage weight increase or inability to reduce weight are influenced by these operations, making it easier to lose weight. However, maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising on a regular basis are still necessary. These procedures are simply tools for treating chronic diseases and should not be utilized on their own.
Approximately 90% of people who undergo bariatric surgery lose 50% of their excess weight and keep it off for the long term.
Patients who lose weight after surgery say they feel more invigorated, have less pain and have a stronger desire to do things they haven't done in years. Significant and rapid weight loss during surgery may result in hormonal imbalances, which might lead to even more weight loss. Maintaining a consistent workout routine will assist you in losing weight and keeping it off after surgery.
Reasons to choose the United Kingdom for Weight-loss surgery
The healthcare system in the UK is one of the most popular and well-known systems
Despite the fact that the majority of medical tourism in the UK has been focused on outbound tourism - British patients seeking healthcare outside of the UK due to long waiting lists – the UK continues to be one of the world's most popular medical tourism destinations.
Besides the National Healthcare System that serves the citizens of the UK, a burgeoning private sector caters to those dissatisfied with the NHS or foreign paying patients.
The cost of healthcare in the United Kingdom is higher than in any other prominent medical tourism destination. However, this does not diminish the importance of medical facilities that potential medical tourists can only obtain in the United Kingdom.
Considering the fact that healthcare in the UK is world-renowned in terms of physicians, technology, facilities, and resources
Despite the high cost or less long waiting times, both the public and private sectors offer all the patients with the highest quality healthcare in the world.
The UK definitely ranks higher than other countries providing medical tourism facilities.
Since the United Kingdom has been delivering high-quality healthcare for so long, they have developed their own standards and benchmarks that are now used in medical facilities all around the world.
Among other countries, the United Kingdom is one of the main providers of bariatric surgery or weight-loss surgery. The General Medical Council-registered surgeons operate in healthcare facilities.
Hospitals throughout the United Kingdom are happy to collaborate with some of the country's most trained and experienced weight loss surgeons. These consultant surgeons have completed extensive training in their field of expertise. Appointments are available at convenient hours with minimal wait periods.
Every hospital has a multidisciplinary team that works together to develop the optimal treatment strategy for you. They include a dietician who will meet with you and create a personalized eating plan, as well as specially trained nurses who will be by your side throughout your journey to provide support and assistance in order to help you reach your objectives.
Health Concierge service is a relatively new concept in the UK, but for "health tourists". It's a crucial addition for navigating the variety of medical options available and getting the best possible care. By delivering transparency, complete independence, trust, and high-quality care, Health Concierge enables a patient's best result approach.
This makes the case for you to go ahead and get your weight loss surgery done in the United Kingdom.
Every patient who travels to another country for medical treatment is concerned about the cost of the procedure. It is the primary concern of nearly all patients. In any industry, money is quite important. The United Kingdom is one of the most costly countries in the world, but people still visit because it offers healthy tourists great and rejuvenating vacations.
Here is the cost comparison of weight loss surgeries of other countries-
Country | Cost of Gastric Bypass (in USD) | Cost of Gastric Sleeve (in USD) |
United Kingdom | $16,550 | $21,000 |
Thailand | $13,500 | $12,500 |
India | $7,550 | $6,250 |
United Arab Emirates | $12,251 | $9,200 |
Malaysia | $8,450 | $10,000 |
US | $15,250 | $12,250 |
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Parkside Private Hospital located in London, United Kingdom has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
PROCEDURE
DOCTORS IN 12 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
The Alexandra Hospital has access to modern equipment and private facilities for patients in Manchester, Stockport, and Cheshire. The hospital offers Outpatient Services to children from 0-18 years and day-case inpatient procedures for 3-18 years.
Established in 1981, the hospital is a 128-bedded facility offering treatments in more than 20+ specialties. The hospital has a friendly and caring staff. Equipped with world-class technology, the hospital is known for safe and effective outcomes across a wide range of treatments-from complex cases to minor surgery.
The Alexandra Hospital has dedicated radio imaging and biochemistry departments offering a wide range of tests being performed like X-ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, DEXA Scan, etc.
The hospital ensures patient safety and provides an ideal environment with trained and experienced staff and a resident team available for 24 hours.
The hospital has efficient patient care that works hard to make each patient's time as pleasant as possible.
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SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Shirley Oaks Hospital is a multispeciality hospital established in 1986 and is part of Circle Health Group. The hospital is located on the outskirts of Croydon in Shirley Oaks Village. The hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services to patients allowing them to choose the services that they wish to avail in a hassle-free manner.
The hospital is a multispecialty facility that offers all types of treatments from 15+ specialties, including general medicine, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. Shirley Oaks Hospital is associated with 80+ consultants from within the UK.
The hospital offers services and treatments to patients under the age of 18 years and above.
Shirley Oaks Hospital offers a very warm and comfortable environment to the patients, from the moment they enter the building, whether for consultation or inpatient stay.
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St Edmund Hospital has 26 beds with all rooms offering the privacy and comfort of en-suite facilities, views of the gardens, TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The hospital has three functional Operation Theatre for minor or major surgeries
The hospital has an imaging department and physiotherapy team based at the hospital to ensure the best care before and after treatment. The Hospital has a dedicated day case recovery area where patients can relax after day case procedure until discharged from the hospital.
Room service is provided to all inpatients by our catering team. All dietary needs can be catered for at the hospital.
The hospital has car parking spaces around the grounds, with a drop-off bay and disabled spaces directly opposite the entrance to the main hospital entrance.
The hospital has all the needed facilities, the latest in technology, and on-site support services; The hospital offers a wide range of procedures from routine investigations to complex surgery.
St Edmunds Hospital has more than 50 consultants who are experts and are s supported by caring and professional staff, dedicated nursing teams, and Resident Medical Officers on duty 24 hours a day, providing care within a friendly and comfortable environment.
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SPECIALITIES
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Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Medanta - The Medicity located in Gurugram, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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DOCTORS IN 14 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
PROCEDURE
SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Apollo Hospitals located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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DOCTORS IN 14 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Venkateshwar Hospital located in New Delhi, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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DOCTORS IN 13 SPECIALITIES
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Gleneagles Hospital located in Napier Road, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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SPECIALITIES
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Star Hospitals located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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DOCTORS IN 12 SPECIALITIES
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The Hospital has world-class infrastructure with a capacity of over 1000 beds and much more-
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DOCTORS IN 14 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Primus Super Speciality Hospital located in New Delhi, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
PROCEDURE
DOCTORS IN 13 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Artemis Hospital is a 400 plus bed multi-speciality hospital, which aims at providing a depth of expertise in the spectrum of advanced medical and surgical interventions. Some of the features of the infrastructure include:
PROCEDURE
DOCTORS IN 15 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Sterling Wockhardt Hospital located in Mumbai, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
PROCEDURE
DOCTORS IN 14 SPECIALITIES
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Ask your healthcare adviser for the best multiple options and choose the one that meets your expectations
In the United Kingdom, surgeons most often perform three types of operations-
Gastric Sleeve- A surgeon eliminates most of your stomach during gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, leaving only a banana-shaped piece that is stapled closed. Since the procedure limits the amount of food that can fit in your stomach, you will feel full sooner. In addition, removing a portion of your stomach may change hormones or bacteria in your gastrointestinal system, which affect appetite and metabolism. Because a portion of the stomach is permanently removed, this procedure cannot be reversed.
Gastric bypass- Three stages are involved in gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The surgeon begins by stapling your stomach, forming a small pouch in the upper part. Because the staples shrink your stomach, you eat less because you feel full sooner. The surgeon next separates your small intestine into two sections and connects the lower half to the small stomach pouch directly. The upper half of the small intestine is then connected to a new site on the lower part of the small intestine by the surgeon. Hormones, bacteria, and other substances in the gastrointestinal tract are altered by the bypass, which may impact appetite and metabolism. Although a surgeon may do so if medically necessary, reversing a gastric bypass is tough.
The estimated cost for bariatric or weight-loss surgery in the United Kingdom is between 13000-15000 USD. The cost of surgery also depends on several factors, such as
Availability of skilled and specialized surgeons & facilities
The medical condition of the patient
Recuperation time
Usage of medications and additional examinations
Other than the cost, keep a check on if the hospital is enrolled with the majority of Third-party Administrator (TPA) and insurers. If you have an insurance policy, seek help from the TPA desk at the hospital to determine whether your policy covers the surgery or not.
A bariatrician, or weight loss specialist, is a physician who specializes in the management and treatment of patients who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. Bariatric surgeons have specialized training in how to treat overweight or obese patients and how to help them improve their health by making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Bariatric surgeons are bariatric specialists who specialize in surgery. It's crucial to remember that seeing a bariatrician doesn't mean you'll have to have surgery.
Most bariatric doctors design a comprehensive weight-loss strategy for their patients that includes diet, nutrition, exercise, behavioral therapy, and the right medication in order to attain the desired results without invasive surgery. To view the best weight-loss specialists in the UK, scroll down.
Dr. Marcus Reddy-
Weight-loss specialist (Bariatric surgeon & General Laparoscopic surgeon) at Parkside Private Hospital, London, UK
Experience- 20 years
Qualification-
Professor Reddy attained a BSc(Pharm) in 1989
Received his MBBS from St George’s Hospital Medical School in 1992
He became an FRCS(Eng) in 1997 and FRCS(Gen) in 2004
He trained in London and Australia where he gained an in-depth knowledge of GI surgery, liver transplantation, hepatobiliary surgery, and laparoscopic surgery.
Career profile-
In addition to the above hospital, Prof & Dr. Marcus Reddy works with a reputed network of clinics & hospitals such as St. Anthony’s Hospital and New Victoria Hospital
Fully accredited on the UK General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for general surgery with a nominated special interest in upper gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery
Member of the committee overseeing the National Bariatric Surgery Database
Membership of British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society
He is a senior lecturer in surgery at St George’s, University of London, and an active member of many prestigious associations
Professor Reddy is the clinical lead for General Surgery in St George’s and the Bariatric Surgeon in the department
His clinical interests are Bariatric (weight loss), Gastric banding, Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, Revisional bariatric surgery.
Dr. Jamal Hayat-
Weight-Loss Specialist (Gastroenterologist, Surgical Oncologist)at Parkside Private Hospital, London, UK
Experience- 10 years
Qualification-
BSc
MBBS
MRCP
MD
Career profile-
Dr. Hayat qualified from Imperial College and completed his specialist training in London
He sees outpatients at St George’s Hospital, Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton, and the Nelson Hospital
He is an active member of the General Medical Council, British Medical Association, and British Society of Gastroenterology
He runs the GI physiology lab at St George’s performing high-resolution oesophageal manometry and ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring.
His clinical interests are Indigestion/ reflux disease, Swallowing disorders, Irritable bowel syndrome, Bowel cancer, Inflammatory bowel disease, Coeliac disease, and Upper and lower GI endoscopies
Dr. Omar Khan
Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon at Parkside Private Hospital
Experience- 20 years
Qualification-
MA
MB BChir
PhD
FRCS (General Surgery)
PGCE
PGDip (Law)
Career profile-
One of the popular bariatric surgeons in the United Kingdom
Membership of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, and International Federation of Obesity Surgery
Dr. Khan is on the National Bariatric Registry Committee (the body responsible for publishing consultant outcomes in bariatric surgery)
Published over 160 articles and his weight-loss research has been published in The Lancet and was featured in the national and international press
He has an active interest in research and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at St Georges Medical School
His clinical interests include Whipples Procedure, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Hemicolectomy, Gastric Bypass, Lap Gastric Banding, Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal, and Appendectomy
He has expertise in minimally invasive (or keyhole surgery) including “scarless” surgery and has performed over 1,000 keyhole procedures
The United Kingdom is considered one of the leading destinations in the world for seeking treatment due to its modern infrastructure and major medical advancements. The country’s more focus on investment in technology and communication and transport and has successfully contributed to significant growth in the medical tourism sector. The healthcare system in the United Kingdom is on par with all other developed countries and has some unique features like appointments and same-day diagnosis, rapid response multi-disciplinary review teams, and emerging treatments. Populated with state-of-art hospitals like London Bridge Hospital, BUPA Cromwell, and Great Ormond Street, the country boasts of world-class treatment through highly trained doctors and advanced technology.
Depending on the country you are from, you may be able to visit the United Kingdom without a visa or by applying for a visa waiver. People coming from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates can apply for a visa waiver. The documents required for applying for a medical visa include:
You are allowed to extend your visa by 6 months in case you need further treatment.
The United Kingdom has received worldwide recognition for its excellence in procedures like:
According to a report by BAAPS, breast reduction and breast augmentation are the most popular procedures in the country. With recent developments in cancer care technology, the United Kingdom has been recognized as a leading country for effective cancer treatment. Hip replacement surgery is also becoming popular in the United Kingdom. According to a report, about 50,000 people seek a hip replacement in the country every year.
Yes, vaccines are recommended or required for the United Kingdom. The CDC and WHO recommend the below vaccines for the country:
It takes some time to develop immunity after vaccination, so it is important to get vaccinated at least 8 weeks prior to the travel date. You are allowed to travel without getting vaccinated if you are suffering from some illness that restricts vaccination. You must check travel advisory issued by the government or contact your hospital in the United Kingdom for complete information on vaccination.