If you are considering a gastric surgery as part of your weight loss journey, you may have looked into the NHS for treatment. While the NHS provides weight loss surgery for eligible patients, the reality is that many face long waiting lists, strict eligibility criteria, and uncertainty about when (or if) they will receive bariatric treatment.
At Phoenix Health, we understand how discouraging these delays can be. That is why we ensure your gastric surgery can be scheduled within weeks of your assessment. With affordable pricing and expert aftercare, we help patients achieve their weight loss goals without unnecessary delays. As an NHS-certified weight loss provider with over 20 years of expertise, we provide the highest standards of care while ensuring that you get the support you need before, during, and after surgery.
How Long is the NHS Waiting List for a Gastric Surgery?
Getting a gastric surgery through the NHS is not a straightforward process. The waiting time for weight loss surgery can vary significantly depending on where you live and how quickly your local NHS trust can process referrals.On average, patients can expect to wait 18 months or longer for weight loss surgery, with some areas experiencing significantly longer delays due to funding constraints.
The process involves several stages:
GP Referral: Your doctor must first assess whether you meet the NHS criteria for bariatric surgery.
Specialist Assessment: If referred, you will need to see a weight management specialist for further evaluation.
Tiered Weight Management Programme: Most NHS trusts require patients to complete a 6- to 12-month structured weight loss programme before even being considered for surgery.
Surgical Waiting List: If approved, you are placed on a waiting list, which depends on NHS capacity and funding.
For many, this process is too slow and leaves patients feeling stuck, unable to access the life-changing surgery they desperately need. Even once patients are on the waiting list, life-threatening conditions in other patients may be prioritised, further delaying their surgery.
Strict NHS Eligibility Criteria for Gastric Surgery
Another major hurdle for NHS patients is eligibility criteria. Not everyone qualifies for weight loss surgery, and the NHS has strict guidelines that must be met. These typically include:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more (or 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnoea).
- Proof that you have tried and failed to lose weight through diet, exercise, and weight management programmes.
- A commitment to lifestyle changes and attending weight loss support programmes.
Even if you meet these criteria, there is no guarantee that your local NHS trust will approve your case. Many areas have limited funding for weight loss surgeries, and patients are often rejected or told to try non-surgical options first.
Why Choose Private Weight Loss Surgery Instead?
Life-changing weight loss surgery should not be a waiting game. If you are struggling with your weight and qualify for a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, you deserve to receive treatment quickly, safely, and with full medical support. That is exactly what Phoenix Health provides to patients.
Unlike the NHS, where you could be waiting years for surgery, our patients typically have their gastric procedure scheduled within weeks. We offer:
- Fast-track assessments: No need for long GP referrals or weight management programmes.
- Shorter waiting times: Surgery can be booked within weeks, not years.
- Affordable private pricing: flexible payment options to make surgery accessible.
- Experienced bariatric surgeons: Our team has over 20 years of expertise in weight loss surgery.
- Full aftercare support: Unlike some private providers, we offer ongoing post-surgery care to ensure long-term success.
How Much Does a Private Gastric Surgery Cost?
One of the biggest concerns for patients considering private healthcare is the cost. While NHS treatment is free, the reality is that many patients simply cannot afford to wait years for surgery. Private weight loss surgery offers an alternative that is faster, safe, and effective, allowing you to take control of your weight loss journey sooner.
At Phoenix Health, we offer affordable pricing options to ensure that gastric surgery is accessible for more people. While exact costs can vary, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees and flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost.
For many patients, the benefits of immediate surgery, expert care, and lifelong support far outweigh the cost of waiting indefinitely for an NHS procedure. Some patients consider gastric surgery in Turkey due to lower costs, but this option comes with significant risks. Many overseas clinics may not adhere to the same stringent medical standards as UK hospitals, leading to potential complications. Additionally, post-operative care and follow-up support are often lacking, leaving patients vulnerable if complications arise. Choosing an overseas provider may result in hidden costs, inadequate care, and increased risks to long-term health.
Phoenix Health: A Trusted NHS-Certified Provider
Choosing a private healthcare provider for bariatric surgery is a big decision, and safety is a top priority. At Phoenix Health, we are proud to be an NHS-certified weight loss surgery provider, meaning we meet the same high medical standards as NHS hospitals. Our expert surgeons are some of the most experienced in the UK, and we offer the same quality of care with the added benefit of shorter waiting times and a personalised approach.
Our patients benefit from:
- A dedicated care team supporting them before, during, and after surgery.
- UK Expert-led procedures performed by leading bariatric surgeons.
- A focus on long-term success, with nutritional and psychological support included.
Unlike some private providers that focus only on the surgery itself, we ensure that you receive comprehensive aftercare to help you adapt to life after your gastric procedure.
Do Not Wait Years for Weight Loss Surgery – Take Control Today
If you are on the NHS waiting list for a gastric sleeve, gastric band or gastric bypass and feel frustrated by delays, you are not alone. Many patients are now choosing private bariatric surgery provider in the UK as a faster and more reliable option.
Why wait years when you can begin your transformation today? Contact us now to book a FREE consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.
