James’ Journey – From Diagnosis to Decision

In 2022, I (James) was diagnosed with stage 1 liver failure, the result of a long struggle with fatty liver disease. I’d already been hospitalised a decade earlier with acute pancreatitis that nearly cost me my life. After that, I spent years trapped in cycles of yo-yo dieting, watching my weight swing between 14 and 30 stone.

My GP had mentioned bariatric surgery years ago, but I didn’t seriously consider it until the liver failure diagnosis. By January 2024, I learned I was still at least a year away from even being referred to the NHS bariatric team. Given the waiting lists, being told I was now stage 2 liver failure and I could be looking at several years before having surgery.

With my health at risk and time against me, I decided to explore private surgery options in the UK.

Looking Beyond the NHS – Private Surgery in the UK

Private surgery seemed like the logical next step. I could afford it, and I liked the idea of staying in the UK where the medical system felt familiar. But once Kirsten decided she also wanted surgery, the numbers stopped adding up.

At around £14,000–£15,000 per person, we were suddenly looking at nearly £30,000 in total – an amount that simply wasn’t feasible for us. We began to realise that if we wanted to do this together, we’d have to explore safer, more affordable options beyond the UK.

Kirsten Joins the Journey

At first, I (Kirsten) planned to support James through his surgery. But as he began his research, I started reflecting on my own health. My weight had been fluctuating between 12 and 18 stone, and I was beginning to struggle with breathlessness, sore joints, and fatigue. Everyday activities were becoming harder, and I also knew that weight loss could improve fertility – something deeply important to me.

The more we talked, the clearer it became that going through surgery together made sense. Not just financially, but emotionally. It meant we could share the same meals, support one another through recovery, and adapt to our new lifestyles side by side.

Exploring Our Options

Now that both of us were considering surgery, cost became a major factor. Even though we were confident the gastric sleeve was the best fit, the price of private surgery in the UK made it unrealistic for two people.

That’s when we broadened our research – first comparing different types of bariatric surgery, then exploring international options where both of us could have the procedure safely and affordably.

Here’s what we considered:

1. Intragastric Balloon – A short-term fix that lasts around six months. We wanted a permanent solution.
2. Gastric Band (Lap-Band) – Once common, but now rarely offered due to long-term complications.
3. Gastric Bypass – Highly effective, but with more complex surgery and malabsorption issues.
4. Mini Gastric Bypass – A simpler variant, but similar nutritional risks.
5. Duodenal Switch – A more extreme option with significant long-term management needs.
6. Gastric Sleeve – Removes around 80% of the stomach, reducing hunger hormones while maintaining natural digestion.
7. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty – Non-surgical, but less effective for hormonal balance and long-term results.
8. Gastric Plication – Involves folding and stitching the stomach, but with limited data on outcomes.

After weighing everything up, we felt the gastric sleeve was the right balance between effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. It gave us the best chance at meaningful, long-term change without the more invasive risks of a bypass.

Looking Beyond the UK – Choosing Weight Loss Riga

Once we’d settled on the gastric sleeve, the next challenge was finding a clinic that met our standards for safety, quality, and transparency – but at a cost that allowed us both to proceed.

After extensive research, we discovered Weight Loss Riga in Latvia, and it quickly became clear that this was the right fit.

Here’s what won us over:

• Surgeon Expertise: Their team performs hundreds of bariatric surgeries each year, with some of the most experienced specialists in Europe.
• European Standards: Latvia follows strict EU medical and surgical regulations.
• Reputation: The NHS previously referred overflow patients there before Brexit, and our independent research found consistently positive reviews.
• Safety Record: No recorded deaths or major complications during the period we researched.
• Community Support: The clinic maintains a large, transparent Facebook group where patients share their experiences openly.
• Cost: Around £6,000 per person, including flights, surgery, accommodation, and insurance – effectively the cost of one UK procedure for both of us.

Choosing to have surgery abroad can feel daunting, but we spent months verifying credentials, checking surgeon backgrounds, and speaking to past patients. By the time we arrived in Riga, we felt informed, prepared, and confident.

Why the Gastric Sleeve Was Right for Us

Ultimately, we chose the gastric sleeve because it offered the best of both worlds – a powerful, life-changing result without the long-term nutritional complications of more invasive procedures.

For us, it meant:

• A simpler, single-stage surgery with strong safety outcomes.
• A natural digestive process maintained (no bypassing of the intestines).
• A significant reduction in hunger hormones, helping long-term success.
• The reassurance that, if ever needed, conversion to a bypass would still be possible.

It felt like the right combination of medical science and personal sustainability – a realistic, lifelong solution to regain our health.

What We Learned Along the Way

If there’s one thing this journey taught us, it’s that research and preparation are everything.

It’s easy to be influenced by marketing, social media success stories, or horror stories from others. But your journey is unique – what matters most is finding the path that fits your health, your circumstances, and your peace of mind.

By taking our time, asking questions, and verifying every step, we went into surgery confident and calm. If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery yourself, our best advice is:

• Speak to multiple professionals.
• Check verified patient reviews.
• Never rush your decision.
• And most importantly, make sure it’s a choice you’re making for you.

Our story isn’t medical advice – it’s lived experience. We hope that by sharing it openly, it helps others approach their own decisions with confidence and clarity.

Please note: We’re not medical professionals. Everything shared here reflects our personal experience. Always consult your GP or bariatric team for professional medical advice before making any decisions about surgery.