Gastric band

Keyhole gastric band insertions range from £6000 to £9000 on average in the UK. This variation is reflective of the different prices of branded gastric bands with some being more established and more expensive than others. Pricing also takes into consideration what is included in the package from regular dietician appointments to unlimited band fills and the duration of the package. Therefore, it is difficult to compare the package price to overseas pricing which usually only includes the operation and no or limited follow-up. It would also be wise to ask an overseas provider what make of gastric band they use.

A gastric band procedure is surgery where a silicone ring is placed around the top section of the stomach and locked into place. This creates a smaller pouch at the top of your stomach. Tubing from the ring travels internally to a port which is placed underneath the skin which can be felt but not seen. This port allows saline to be injected into the tubing system which tightens the ring. The amount of saline that can be injected ranges from 8-11 mls, however each individual is unique and so is their ideal fill volume.

Gastric band surgery is usually done laparoscopically; a minimally-invasive keyhole procedure. As a result, you’ll benefit from faster recovery and less time spent in hospital.
You’ll still have the operation under a general anaesthetic, and your consultant will discuss the details of your procedure with you, answering any questions you might have ahead of the surgery.

If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise, a gastric band may help you lose weight. This procedure will help you control your portion sizes by making you feel much fuller after a small amount of food.

The benefit of gastric band surgery is that the band can be adjusted to let more or less food in depending on your weight loss needs.

Picking the right weight loss surgery for you depends on a few different factors that work in combination. The first thing to consider is your BMI. A gastric band is usually most appropriate for patients with a BMI of at least 30 with weight related conditions and who are fit enough for surgery.

The benefit of a gastric band is that it can be adjusted and even removed entirely in the future should you wish. Other, more permanent procedures might be a better option if you have a significant amount of weight to lose and you’re looking for a long-term solution.

The best way to come to a decision about the right procedure for you, is to have a detailed and open conversation with your consultant. It’s also important to choose a surgeon that offers the full range of procedures, so that you can end up with the option that is right for you, and not just the option the surgeon wants to do.

You may be able to go home the same day as your procedure. It will take about two weeks to recover and you will need to take this time off work.

As with any surgery, there are some risks. Whilst not common, complications such as bleeding, infection and blood clots are possible. Specifically to this procedure, there is a very small risk of infection or leakage of the band tubing. There is also a risk of slippage or erosion of the band ring. The port can sometimes move, however this risk is minimised by using non-absorbable sutures.

Further operations may be required to fix any problems that occur. These are normally covered within the surgery package for a period of time.
Your consultant will discuss all of the possible complications, side effects and other things to consider before you decide to have gastric band surgery.

Yes, we do. We offer a stand-alone band adjustment service specifically designed for people who are out of the package with their original providers or who have had their bands overseas. We also look after our own bands who are out of package in the long term for a fee. This can be offered as a single payment or an unlimited package lasting a year.

You can read more on the dedicated gastric band adjustment page.

Because the band sits internally surrounding the top of the stomach, there is no sensory mechanism in that area as we know it. Sensations arising from the gut are due to muscle movement or distension of the pouch. In other words, you won’t feel the band tighten, but you will feel the effects of it tightening, otherwise known as “restriction”.