NHS Forth Valley does not carry out bariatric surgery procedures locally and so cases are referred to other centres when surgery is indicated.
Funding for weight loss surgery in NHS Forth Valley is limited and we can only offer surgery to around 10-12 people every year, who meet the specified criteria.
Currently bariatric surgery in the West of Scotland is limited to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with a BMI over 40. Bariatric Surgery is suitable for adults aged 18 years or above, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more.
Priority will be given to patients who have:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Sleep Apnoea
- Have had or at high risk of having a heart attack, stroke or heart failure
Other conditions may be considered. These will be discussed with the Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery Team individually.
To be considered for Surgery you will need our specialist weight management support first. Your dietitian will speak to you about how you are doing and what treatment options are available. This may include Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery.
Your Dietitian will attend a meeting with the surgeons, specialist doctors (Diabetes, Liver, Psychology) and nurses. This meeting is set up to talk about patients who may need Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery.
A letter will be sent to you to let you know what was agreed at this meeting. You may be passed over to the Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery Team.
Already had Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery?
Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery includes:
- Gastric Sleeve / Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Band
- Intra-gastric Balloon
The Adult Weight Management Service is not funded to provide support to patients following surgery. This applies to surgery done through the NHS and any Private Clinics.
We are unable to accept referrals for patients who have already had surgery.
Thinking about having Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery though a Private Clinic?
You do not need a referral from your GP (Doctor) for private Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery. It is a good idea to speak to them for advice first.
Before choosing a clinic, you should research the different types of surgery available. Think about questions you want to ask. Look at what other patients have to say about the clinic and the experience they have had.
The cost of private weight loss (bariatric) surgery can vary. You need to check what is included in the cost. Ask about ‘packages of care’ they can offer.
A ‘Package of Care’ may include all or some of the following:
- Appointments with the team before surgery (Such as Dietitian, Psychologist, Nurse, Surgeon)
- Blood tests needed before surgery
- The cost of the surgery (Theatre, Staff, equipment required)
- Hospital stays
- Appointments with the team after surgery – check how long this will be for and who you will get support from
- Blood tests or medical investigations required after surgery
Many people think about having surgery abroad as the costs are cheaper. Often this cost will not include any tests or support you need after the surgery. Standards of care may not be as strict as clinics in the UK. Again, do your research into any clinics you are thinking about.
Any ongoing tests you require after surgery should be carried out by the private company. Your GP (Doctor) is not funded to do these tests. They may ask you to pay for any tests you need.
The Adult Weight Management Service is not funded to provide support to patients following surgery.
We are unable to accept referrals if you have paid for surgery through a Private Clinic.