How much is gastric band surgery in the UK?

What is a gastric band?

A gastric band, sometimes known as a lap-band, is a silicone ring that is placed close to the top of your stomach to help you lose weight gradually. The band stimulates nerve endings and helps  make you feel more satisfied  when having smaller portions of food.

Once the gastric band has been fitted, you will need to follow a specific post-op diet for the first 6 weeks in order to get the best results. The band will also need to be tightened a few times once it has been fitted, which is done by injection and does not require any anesthetic.

What does gastric band surgery involve?

The procedure will take around 30 to 60 minutes to complete. You’ll be given general anaesthetic, meaning that you’ll be asleep for the duration of the surgery.

To begin with, your surgeon will make between 1 to 5 keyhole incisions in your abdomen to access your stomach. A laparoscope (a long, narrow tube with a camera attached) is then placed inside so that your surgeon can see your stomach. The gastric band is placed around the upper part of your stomach, creating a small pouch. The band is kept in place by stitching a fold of the lower stomach to the upper pouch.

Can I get gastric band surgery on the NHS?

Weight loss surgery is available on the NHS for those who meet certain criteria. To qualify for bariatric surgery on the NHS, you must:

• Have a body mass index (BMI)of 40 or more, or a BMI between 35 and 40 and a serious condition that might improve if you lost weight (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Have tried all other weight loss methods, such as dieting and exercise, but have struggled to lose weight or keep it off
• Agree to long-term follow-up after surgery – such as making healthy lifestyle changes and attending regular check-ups
• Be fit and healthy enough to have surgery under general anaesthetic(where you're asleep)
• Have been receiving or will receive treatment from a specialist obesity team.

Not everyone who has a BMI over 40 qualifies for weight loss surgery on the NHS, and those who do may be placed on a long waiting list.

How much does gastric band surgery cost in the UK?

The total cost of your lap-band procedure will depend on a number of factors. These include your own BMI, the level of aftercare that you’ll receive, and whether you receive dietary support before and/or after your procedure.

*Prices accurate as of July 2022

What does the price typically include?

Your gastric band procedure package will depend on the surgical provider that you choose to go with. At The Hospital Group, we offer all patients a free, no-obligation consultation so that they can weigh up their options and make an informed choice on having lap-band surgery.

Typically, though, the price of gastric band surgery includes:

• Surgeon's fees
• Anaesthesia
• Meals after surgery
• Pain relief and other associated medication
• Inclusive aftercare, with the offer of an extended warranty.

Patient results

The Hospital Group’s aftercare

Having bariatric surgery can result in a big lifestyle change, so good, well-rounded aftercare can make all the difference. Our weight loss surgery aftercare package has everything you might need to make progress on your gastric band journey. To learn more about what’s included in your gastric band aftercare package, click here.

Why choose The Hospital Group for gastric band surgery?

As the UK’s leading provider of weight management services, we always put our patients first. Our team of weight management experts, from advisors to surgeons and dietitians, could help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Our comprehensive weight loss aftercare package will ensure that you have all the tools, advice and support that you need to adapt to your new lifestyle after your gastric band surgery.

What our patients say

“The changes I’ve experienced have been fantastic. I feel much happier and more confident in myself. To help stay focused, I like to set myself mini goals to work towards. I’ve got an exciting ball coming up, so at the moment I’m working towards looking and feeling fantastic in a new dress for the event!

My relationship with food has completely changed, and my diet now couldn’t be further from before. I’m enjoying more balanced, and healthy balanced meals, and I don’t feel the need to overindulge. So much so that, once the festive period was over, my husband pointed out that we had leftover chocolates – something that would never have happened before my surgery!”

- Lucy

Lucy's transformation

Trustpilot review

“It’s been almost a year since I underwent gastric band surgery at Burcot Hall Hospital with The Hospital Group. Since then, my life has completely changed, and I just want to express my gratitude to the entire team for taking care of me!

I have just one more stone to lose until I reach my goal weight, but at 10st 3lbs, I’m at a healthy, happy weight and my confidence has massively improved.

I can’t thank The Hospital Group enough for the difference they’ve made to my life.”

- Rosanna

Read more of our patient stories here.

Meet some of our gastric band surgeons

Mr Super

Mr Super has been a consultant surgeon for over 20 years, and performs over 200 laparoscopic gastric band procedures each year.

Mr Sharples

Mr Sharples is a highly experienced bariatric surgeon who undertakes ongoing professional development to further enhance his specialist skills.

Mr Richardson

Mr Richardson has performed over 5,000 weight loss procedures, with a particular expertise in gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric banding and revisional surgery.

Learn more about all of our experienced bariatric surgeons here.

How do I start my gastric band journey with The Hospital Group?

Your gastric band journey starts with a telephone consultation with one of our weight management experts. They’ll answer any questions you might have about your proposed surgery, and can also provide you with more detail on the price of your gastric band procedure. You can book your free telephone consultation here to discuss lap-band surgery at a time that suits you.