I was banded on 30/4/08 at Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle, part of the BMI group. Its a 12mth, fixed price package at £7950, including 2 follow-up appts with the consultant, 2 x-ray fills (others can be carried out in clinic) & 12 dieticians appointments. I was very impressed by their accessibility, email, phonecalls, consultants secretary's number, etc. They also have a monthly support group meeting. The link to the prices on their website is
Costs of obesity surgery from BMI Healthcare: weight loss surgery & aftercare treatment in UK hospitals. They have hospitals all over the UK & also do a "credit card" giving 6mths interest free credit, for those that can't quite get the full amount together & want to get the ball rolling.
I also looked into getting banded abroad, but after reading many negative reviews of other operations & more importantly aftercare, both here & abroad, I decided my health & peace of mind was well worth paying the extra for.
I got no support from my GP & had to self-fund, so I saved hard for 18mths, finally cashing in an endowment policy to fund the op. I'm gutted, cos I found an entry on a UK based WLS only yesterday, which stated that, as from Jan 08, my local PCT had agreed funding for the op & there was no waiting list & they even had the agreement with the Hospital I went to, to carry out the operation, so I've paid out £8k when I didn't need to (I fulfil all the NICE criteria!)
Good luck with whatever path you decide to take.
Suzi ;0)