CTM UHB has developed our position statement based on views from medicine, pharmacy, primary care, weight management service and CTM Public Health teams.
In February 2024 the Welsh Government issued the Welsh Health Circular WHC/2024/005 regarding patients who have accessed private bariatric surgery and the role of the Welsh NHS. Welsh Government state:
Currently in Wales, the Welsh Institute of Metabolic and Obesity Surgery (WIMOS) are commissioned to deliver bariatric surgery including post-operative follow-up for a period of 2 years. CTM UHB’s weight management service do not provide this service.
Welsh Government are currently reviewing the implications on the level 4 WIMOS service and level 3 services across Wales as a consequence of the Welsh Circular.
Read and download a copy of our patient information leaflet ‘Thinking of having private bariatric surgery?’.
An accessible version of the leaflet is also available.
Increasing numbers of people living with being overweight or obesity are paying privately to have surgery in the UK and abroad. If you are thinking about this option, please do your research first to ensure that the service you buy will meet your needs and expectations.
What care and support should you access prior to the surgery?
It is advised that all patients seeking bariatric surgery should be adequately prepared for the procedure. This includes optimising your diet and eating habits prior to surgery, ensuring you are able to identify physical hunger and fullness, making sure that your expectations around the surgery are realistic, and making sure that you are psychologically ready for the procedure.
We recommend that anybody who is seeking private bariatric surgery engage with preparation for surgery, either with a private surgical provider, or through self-help material. One good self-help text that is recommended to NHS patients seeking bariatric surgery is ‘Living with Bariatric Surgery: Managing your Mind and your Weight’ by Denise Ratcliffe. This book includes information and activities on preparing for surgery, as well as guidance for continuing your progress post-surgery.
Travelling Abroad for Bariatric Surgery?
You’ll need to make the arrangements yourself, including finding a healthcare provider and making the travel arrangements. You will also need to ensure you have adequate insurance. Most travel insurance policies will not cover planned treatment abroad, so you may need specialist cover.
This means it’s important to do your research and gather enough information to make an informed choice. You should consider:
NHS UK have developed a checklist for treatment abroad and further information that can help you to get organised and provide information about some of the risk involved.
What care and support will you access after the surgery?
It is important that before you arrange to have surgery privately that you have a clear and agreed ‘aftercare’ (follow-up) plan. Having an aftercare plan in place prior to surgery can help prevent potential complications, such as malnutrition or gastrointestinal problems which can lead to severe ill health if ignored.
NICE guidance recommends that bariatric aftercare should be provided for 2 years following surgery.
Bariatric aftercare considers your general health, monitoring your nutritional intake after surgery, reviewing any medication or nutritional supplements you may need, as well as offering individually tailored dietary, psychological and physical assessment, advice and support.
Aftercare is usually provided by the company undertaking your private surgery. If you are considering accessing treatment abroad, you may need to identify a private provider in the UK who can provide this service in the UK for you.
How will you share your health records?
If you have bariatric surgery privately we recommend that you ask your treatment provider to provide a copy of your discharge summary, aftercare plan and any other relevant medical and nutritional information and documents that have been given to you. If you have surgery abroad, make sure that this information is available to you in English or Welsh.
Accessing NHS Wales care and support after surgery
If you require emergency or urgent care following your private bariatric surgery, NHS Wales will provide you with the care and support you need.
If you do not have an aftercare package in place and require ongoing health monitoring and support, please note that Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board does not provide routine aftercare services. If you require aftercare, your GP can make a referral to the all Wales service provided by Swansea Bay University Health Board. There is a significant waiting list to access this service.
Remember: It is your responsibility to undertake relevant research and seek sufficient advice to ensure an informed choice can be made on the credibility and safety of the provider delivering your treatment whether in the UK or abroad. There is useful information designed for patients about bariatric surgery on the British Obesity & metabolic Surgery Society website.