Weight Loss Surgery Growing in the UK as Well

We have frequently reported on the rising number of weight loss surgeries in the United States. Now it seems the same trend is occurring in the UK, albeit on a smaller scale.

The General Healthcare Group, one of the largest health care providers in the UK, has seen a 30-percent increase in weight loss surgery cases from October of last year to February 2009.

Mr. Duff Bruce, who is a bariatric doctor in the UK, attributes the rise in surgeries to a couple of things: “These factors include increased awareness of the health benefits of surgery as well as a change in the public’s — and to some extent the medical profession’s — perception [of weight loss surgery].”

Thankfully, Mr. Bruce also goes on to say something we have been emphasizing for years. He reminds us that bariatric surgery treats the symptom of a problem (overeating and sedentary lifestyle), but does not treat the root problem itself. True success with weight loss surgery only comes when the patient makes certain lifestyle changes, in conjunction with the surgery itself. Thanks to Mr. Bruce for reminding us of that.

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery in the UK

If you are considering a surgical procedure for weight loss in the UK, we recommend starting your research with the British Obesity Surgery Patient’s Association (BOSPA). Their website can help you find a bariatric surgeon in the UK, and it also provides a wealth of information on weight loss surgery in general.

You can visit the BOSPA website here: http://www.bospa.org

As always, we strongly encourage you to research this subject extensively being before making a decision. Bariatric surgery has helped many people over the years, but it also has certain complications and risks associated with it. You should conduct your own research into this matter, and you should also ask your UK weight loss surgery specialist to educate you on the pros and cons. After all, it’s your health. So you need to be your own advocate.

Leave a comment