It’s an important question.But the fact that you’re reading this proves you’ve already made the first step to start your process of losing weight. WLS Group is one of the leading providers of weight loss surgery and aftercare. Our team is made up of people who have been where you are and understand the journey you are about to embark on. And because we’ve been there, we have the knowledge and resources to make sure everything is right for you, every step of the way.

Is this right for me?

In the UK, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published criteria for those considering weight loss surgery. They recommend you must:

• Be over the age of 18

• Demonstrate that all appropriate and available non-surgical measures have been   adequately tried but have failed to maintain weight loss

• Have a genuine desire to overcome your obesity problems and demonstrate full   commitment to finally getting your weight under control

• Fully understand both the benefits and the risks of weight loss surgery

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with other obesity related health problems, or   have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above.

Risks and benefits – helping you make an informed choice

Undergoing surgery of any kind is a big step. There are risks as well as benefits.
We want to help you make an informed choice about whether or not weight loss
surgery is right for you. 

Benefits

• It may save your life. Your risk of death can be reduced if you lose weight through surgery
  compared to staying morbidly obese

• Reduction in food intake which leads to a reduction in calorie intake and consequent weight   loss

• Weight loss surgery does not only help you look and feel better, it can also ensure that you   lead a healthier life

• Weight loss will improve the physical and lifestyle conditions associated with being   overweight

• If you have failed at many diets and exercise programmes, weight loss surgery is probably   the most effective and ONLY method that results in significant long term weight loss – as   long as you have the right aftercare package in place to enable you to learn how to work   alongside the surgery you have chosen to have

• Energy levels improve enabling you to move around easier and improve your quality of life

• Successful weight loss surgery improves your self-esteem and self-worth. It can give you a   new found confidence, positive feelings and control over a life that has had issues with   being overweight for a long time

• It's sad but true, being overweight can prejudice and influence the perception and attraction   of others at work, at home and within relationships. Weight loss surgery can turn that around   as your self-esteem and confidence improves, so does others perception and reactions   around you

Risks

It is important you understand the risks associated with weight loss surgery. Your surgeon will make sure you are fully informed and committed to make changes before you sign WLS Group terms and conditions.

Obesity is a disease. Being seriously overweight is a great risk to your health. Whilst surgery does carry risks, these are far outweighed by you not doing anything. 

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery carries some risks and complications. But on the whole is regarded as a much safer procedure with a quicker recovery rate and reduced pain, infection risk and anesthetic time than that of open surgery.

See the weight loss procedures we offer for further information on the risks associated with each weight loss surgical procedure.