Advocates Urge Increased NHS Weight Loss Surgery to Reduce Overseas Travel for Procedures

Campaigners are advocating for an increase in the availability of weight loss surgery through the NHS, aiming to discourage individuals from seeking such treatments overseas. On Monday, an inquest held in Caernarfon was informed that a mother from Bangor, Gwynedd, died from hemorrhage following complications from gastric sleeve surgery performed in Turkey. Individuals who have privately funded comparable procedures are now urging NHS Wales to adopt a more proactive approach and to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying conditions contributing to obesity. Conversely, the Welsh Government stated that this type of surgery is only considered “for sever and complex obesity”. Bethan Antur, 59, of Llanuwchllyn in Gwynedd, opted in 2023 to privately fund weight loss surgery within the UK, having contended with weight loss challenges for many years. In an interview with Newyddion S4C, she disclosed that her general practitioner had recommended a gastric bypass, but emphasized that obtaining the procedure through the NHS would be exceptionally difficult because of stringent criteria. Bethan stated, “Since I was 15 years old, I feel like I’ve been on some kind of diet.” She further explained that her self-confidence “deteriorated” over several decades, remarking: “There were things I refused to do, like going to certain places because I didn’t feel comfortable in myself.” Following private payment, Bethan underwent gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure that reduces the stomach’s capacity. She commented, “Physically, I’m now not on any type of medication and mentally I’ve come back to who I really am.” She added, “Issues around food and eating… people don’t understand.” She is currently urging the Welsh government and the Welsh NHS to provide comparable surgical options to prevent individuals from seeking weight loss surgery overseas. Janet Lynne Savage, 54, of Bangor, sustained damage to a major artery during the procedure, leading to cardiac arrest. The mother of two children traveled to Turkey for her weight-loss operation. Iestyn Owen, originally from Llanrug, Gwynedd, currently resides in Ireland. Having lost 11 stone, he sought surgery to remove excess abdominal skin. Confronted with extended waiting periods, he chose to privately fund the surgery in Turkey for £5,000, in contrast to the £15,000 estimate provided in the UK. Iestyn remarked, “Obviously I would have liked to have the surgery closer to home.” He continued, “I just didn’t want to feel like a drain on the NHS but I would like if more surgery was available closer to home.” Bethan Antur suggested that the NHS should consider such surgery as a preventative measure, potentially leading to long-term cost savings for the health service. She stated, “We need a lot more understanding and empathy around obesity because it’s really not an easy subject.” The Welsh government reiterated that weight loss surgery is “normally only considered for people with severe and complex obesity”. A spokesperson added, “It is commissioned by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee to ensure fair and equitable access to surgery services.” They also “urged anyone considering private healthcare to carry out thorough research before undergoing treatment”. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.