If you’re in the UK, you might qualify for gastric sleeve surgery through the NHS. However, eligibility and wait times can make that route difficult, so many people – us included – look at private options. We decided to go private and have surgery abroad, and in this post we’ll break down our real costs, what was included, and what we learned along the way.
All figures are our actual costs from 2024. Prices vary by clinic and season, so always check current rates directly with providers.
NHS vs Private vs Abroad
- NHS – Free, but eligibility is strict and the waiting list can be long.
- Private (UK) – Usually between £12,000–£18,000 per person, but gives you control over surgeon and timing.
- Abroad – Often 50–70% cheaper, but quality varies widely. Research is absolutely essential.
Originally, James planned to have surgery in the UK, but once Kirsten decided to do it too, paying for two private operations at home became impossible. That’s what led us to start comparing international options.
Our Per-Person Costs
We chose Weight Loss Riga in Latvia because their pricing was transparent and easy to understand. Everything was listed clearly – no hidden fees, and optional extras like a nutritionist consultation were available but not pushed.
Per-person costs:
- Surgery – £4,980
- Light anaesthetic for endoscopy – £140
- Insurance – £170.55
- Private room – £0 (usually £100–£200, but included for us as we both had surgery on the same day)
- Flights – £166.80
Total per person: £5,457.35
Total for both of us: £10,914.70
We felt this offered outstanding value for the level of care, support, and professionalism we received.
What Was Included
Our package included:
- All hospital and surgeon fees
- Pre-op testing and endoscopy (anaesthetic billed separately)
- Post-op medication and in-hospital care
- Transfers between airport, hotel, and hospital
- Private hospital room (included for us)
We declined the optional nutritionist consultation but were impressed by how straightforward the pricing was – no upselling, no confusion.
Doing Due Diligence
Before committing, James wanted to go beyond the English-language marketing. Since his work has an office in Riga, he asked the Riga office manager there to dig into local reviews using Latvian search engines and medical directories.
We didn’t want to rely solely on UK-facing testimonials or Facebook groups; we wanted local sentiment.
That bit of extra research gave us real peace of mind. Our contacts in Riga confirmed that our surgeon was widely regarded as one of the top bariatric surgeons in Europe, with an excellent reputation among local healthcare professionals – not just international patients.
That validation sealed the deal. We knew we were in capable hands, not just a clinic chasing medical tourists.
Costs People Often Forget
Even with a fixed-price package, there are extras to factor in. Some are small, but they add up fast.
We recommend budgeting for:
- Accommodation before/after discharge
- Meals for you and any travel companion
- Prescription medications for home use
- Dressings and aftercare supplies
- Supplements for the first few months
- Follow-up blood work in the UK
- Airport transfers and parking at home
- Travel changes if your stay is extended
- Travel insurance that covers complications abroad
We suggest adding 10–20% on top of your quote for flexibility.
How to Vet a Clinic Safely
Here’s the checklist we built for ourselves – and it’s worth following no matter where you go:
- Surgeon credentials – Verify years of experience and bariatric case numbers.
- Transparency – Request a written list of what’s included and excluded.
- Complication policy – Confirm who covers costs if extra surgery is needed.
- Aftercare – Know who to contact once you’re home, and for how long they’ll follow up.
- Patient feedback – Read real experiences in both English and local-language sources.
- Insurance – Understand what the included insurance actually covers.
- Emergency plan – Know where you’ll go if something goes wrong post-discharge.
Why Abroad Worked for Us
In total, we paid around £11,000 for both of us – less than what it would cost James alone in the UK. But the savings were never the main goal. We wanted experienced surgeons, good aftercare, and honest communication. Latvia offered that, without the chaos or controversy that can come with some other destinations.
It wasn’t a decision we rushed. We spoke to past patients, checked the surgeon’s credentials, verified local feedback, and ensured that the clinic had robust aftercare protocols in place. That effort paid off – our experience was professional, safe, and smooth.
The Real Question
Rather than asking, “Where’s cheapest?”, ask:
“Where is safest, most reputable, and most appropriate for me?”
A lower price means nothing if corners are cut on safety or care. For us, Latvia struck the right balance – excellent standards, transparent pricing, and the reassurance of verified local reputation.
Gastric sleeve surgery is an investment in your health, not just a purchase. Whether you choose the NHS, private UK care, or go abroad, take time to research, compare, and verify. Your body and safety are worth the extra effort.
Disclaimer: This post shares our personal experience and financial breakdown, not medical advice. Always consult your GP or bariatric specialist before making a decision.