Where to start (in the UK)?

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

Does anyone have any pointers for where to get started?

(I've been overweight most of my life. Very active but unable to control diet well. Ozempic didn't work. BMI of 34 so NHS won't help)

I'm keen to look into surgical options in Europe but really don't know where to start and don't want to end up somewhere dodgy

Thanks!

[Bypass2Freedom 847]

Heya! I am also in the UK and I had a gastric bypass almost 4 weeks ago, privately with Simon Monkhouse.

I'd advise making booking a consultation with Simon (it is free!) and just getting some advice there!

https://www.simonmonkhouse.com/

I honestly cannot recommend him enough

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

Thanks ... but I fear a UK option might be too expensive. May I ask what you paid roughly?

[Bypass2Freedom 847]

That is completely fine! So my bypass was around £12,100 and I pay it in monthly instalments for the next 60 months. So I paid a 5k deposit (you only need 10% minimum I believe for their finance), and my monthly payments are £150.

I thought I couldn't afford it privately in the UK until I realised finance was an option, and it was affordable for me so I just went for it. I spent a while on the NHS waiting list and it was awful!

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

Thanks that's really interesting. I was looking at abroad (which is considerably cheaper) but would obviously prefer a UK option. Will check it out. Thanks!

[Bypass2Freedom 847]

I hope you find the answers you are looking for

[FifiLux 498]

I didn't have to pay for my surgery (financially anyway, just with lost months in hospital, lost bonuses from work, lost time with friends and family!) but look at it this way... think that what you will save on food post-op can go towards monthly payments

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

months in hospital??

[FifiLux 498]

6 minutes ago, simonbRTRCPL said:

months in hospital??

Yes, I was one of the few 0.01% unlucky ones who suffered post-op complications. 4 months spent in hospital and even though I am 11 months post-op it really only feels like a few months as I didn't start to feel well until Feb/March so about 9 months post-op.

I couldn't fly home to see family until December (6 months post op) and work couldn't pay me most of my annual bonus as I was out sick for 6 months, instead of my expected two weeks!

Edited June 10, 2024 by FifiLux

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

Glad you're through it now. Clearly working well for you.

[summerseeker 2,236]

I went with the Spire group in the UK. My package lasted 2 years so I had all the help I needed. I paid about £12,000 as well. I had excellent care. I know of people who have gone to Turkey for the surgery and have no after care. I have heard on here that others have had aftercare. If you are going that route its a question you may need to ask. As this surgery affects us all differently its impossible to help others when specifics are needed. Only a bariatric dietician can help.

Turkey is advertising the surgery for £2000, I don't know if I would risk it though.

[simonbRTRCPL 5]

Thanks. I don't think I can afford £12k I've found a place in Lithuania adverting for around £6k with excellent reviews which is much more manageable for me. Just need to work out logistics.

[BlueParis 117]

I went to turkey. Paid around 3.5k all in. Aftercare is through whatsapp and calls. It was okay for me and they are pretty reactive (get back to me with in a day) on any questions I ask. They send lists of blood tests to do every once in a while. I'm 4 months out.