Hi, this is my first post on this forum and I have been reading and hoping to find more information about gastric balloon on the nhs in the UK? From what I have seen so far NICE does not have any regulations set for gastric balloon insertion . . . I may be wrong please correct me if I am. I know my trust doesnt offer it anyway.
I am trying to find out what the minimum weight / BMI is for the Gastric Balloon. Most of the websites i have found say BMI of 25, some 27 , others 28, some 30, some 35 . . .
The information I have found from NICE says for bariatric surgery a BMI of 35 - 40 with other health problems or a BMI > 40. This is the same info I have found from the Harley st website . . .
But then they go on to say something about a BMI of 27 - 30.
I am confused because I thought Gastric balloons are classed as non surgical procedure.

I guess I'm just scared. I saw something on the BBC website about people going overseas for this then failing to have the aftercare as well as doctors accepting patients with a low BMI etc. I have a BMI of 29. And if this is too low for UK regulations then I wouldn't want to even consider doing it in any other country.

Can I have the opinions of those who have had this done if anyone, with a BMI less than 30. Is it even legal because so many UK clinics have this on their website.Is it safe?

I would also like to know how much people pay within the UK because at least I would have peace of mind knowing I can always see the doctor any time, no language barrier etc. However it is quite expensive in London what about in other cities? Where did others go and what was the aftercare like?

Thanks in advance