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Bariatric surgery

Weight Loss Surgery in Cardiff

Discounted price

$3,600

$4,800 · First consultation — Free

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Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Real result
Bariatric surgery: a patient before surgery and after weight loss before after
Weight loss with guidance and support
all the way. Your surgery and recovery plan is discussed free of charge — before you decide.

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Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) in Cardiff: price and key facts

Bariatric surgery for patients from Cardiff at City Medical Centre starts at £2,750 (from $3,600). The first online consultation is free; the doctor names the final price and it is fixed in the contract.

Price
£2,750 (from $3,600)
Performed by
Andrey G. Ugay, lead bariatric surgeon
Stay
1–5 days under observation
Recovery
back to work after 2–4 weeks
Final result
18–24 months after surgery
How it works
Send photos on WhatsApp or Telegram, get a free doctor assessment and the price, then confirm the plan and dates before anything is booked.

How it works · Bariatric surgery prices

Information current as of 24 October 2026

Free online consultation on WhatsApp and Telegram

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Results

Before and after: weight loss in our patients

Every case shown is a real clinic patient.

Irina, 26 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Irina, 26

Bariatric surgery

Angelina, 22 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Angelina, 22

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 31 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 31

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 25 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 25

Bariatric surgery

Valentina, 23 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Valentina, 23

Bariatric surgery

Evgenia, 41 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Evgenia, 41

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 27 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 27

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 26 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 26

Bariatric surgery

Kristina, 23 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Kristina, 23

Bariatric surgery

Anna, 24 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Anna, 24

Bariatric surgery

Veronika, 34 — before and after bariatric surgerybeforeafter

Veronika, 34

Bariatric surgery

Comparison

Weight loss
methods

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are the two main operations we perform. Compare their mechanism, goals and indications to make a confident choice of method.

Sleeve gastrectomy

Less stomach volume

A surgeon explains sleeve gastrectomy to a patient on an anatomical model

Discounted price

$3,600 $4,800

Main goal
Weight loss, feeling full quickly
Indications
Obesity without marked reflux
Type of anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

Gastric bypass

Less stomach volume and a changed route for food

A surgeon shows a patient on a model how gastric bypass is done

Discounted price

$4,000 $5,200

Main goal
Weight loss, better metabolism
Indications
Obesity, diabetes or reflux
Type of anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, hospital stay of 1–3 to 4–5 days

The listed benefits and recovery times are guideline averages per method. How much surgery is needed and how recovery goes depend on your anatomy and individual features — the surgeon confirms this at the consultation.

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Inside the clinic

A calm clinic where you can relax

Modern technology, cosy rooms and personal attention for every patient

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

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Get a consultation

Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is not for everyone

Together with the surgeon, you decide on surgery after a consultation and check-up.

SuitableBariatric surgery is used for

A bariatric surgeon explains the indications for surgery to a patient
  • Excess weight
  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Varicose veins
  • Joint disease
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Reproductive health problems

Not suitableContraindications

A surgeon discusses contraindications to bariatric surgery with a patient
  • Age under 18
  • Malignant tumors
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Severe chronic and mental illness
  • Acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease
  • Less than six months since breastfeeding ended

Not sure which column you belong to?

Write to us on Telegram — a coordinator will let you know whether bariatric surgery is an option for you. The surgeon consultation costs nothing and carries no obligation to operate.

Find out if it suits me
A clinic coordinator talks to a patient in the waiting area

Prices

You know the price
before surgery

The contract fixes the cost, which is named at the consultation after your plan is drawn up.

Discounted price

Sleeve gastrectomy

Less stomach volume

Surgeons during a sleeve gastrectomy

$3,600$4,800

Lock in the price

Discounted price

Gastric bypass

Weight loss and a new route for food

A surgeon during a gastric bypass

$4,000$5,200

Lock in the price

Free

First consultation

Surgeon's examination and a treatment plan

First consultation

Free

the cost of the operation is named
and recorded in the contract

Book a consultation

Find out your method and the cost of surgery

Following a health assessment and a talk about your goals, the doctor chooses the right bariatric surgery method. The cost is named at the consultation and set in the contract.

A nurse and a patient in a clinic ward after bariatric surgery

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A bariatric surgeon discusses a treatment plan with a patient

price

What the $3,600 (≈ £2,750) price includes

All in one package, from the preparation stage to 12 months of support — and no extra fees.Starting with preparation for surgery
and ending with support for 12 months.

  • Surgery and the surgeon's work
  • General anaesthesia
  • Post-operative hospital stay
  • Meals at the clinic
  • Support while you keep the weight off
  • Your own coordinator from the first day
  • Remote progress check by photos

$3,600$4,800

Discounted price

Lock in the price

How it works

Treatment at the clinic —
from the first tests to discharge

A treatment plan we agree on, monitoring in the hospital and support for one year.

A bariatric surgeon shows a patient the surgery plan on a tablet1

Consultation and a treatment plan

To choose the right bariatric surgery method, the doctor assesses your health, discusses your goals and orders the necessary tests.

Booking the surgery date2

Booking your operation date

We set aside a surgery date for you — the deposit is paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer, and the terms are fixed in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before bariatric surgery3

Tests ahead of surgery

Before the operation you undergo blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy and see specialists — the doctor hands you the exact list at the consultation.

Surgeons performing a bariatric operation4

Surgery

The surgeon performs the bariatric procedure by the chosen method under general anaesthesia, and the medical team then monitors the patient after surgery.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

After surgery you stay in hospital under doctors' supervision. The stay lasts from 1–3 to 4–5 days, depending on the complexity of the operation and how you feel.

A doctor and a patient in the ward during recovery6

Recovery

After discharge, expect advice on diet and recovery and scheduled check-ups of your well-being, weight and test results. The clinic team supports you for a year.

At the consultation the doctor makes a plan and tells you how the surgery will go

A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

There is no fee for the consultation, is held before surgery and carries no obligation.

Book a consultation
A surgeon shows a patient the result forecast on a tablet

Doctors

Surgeons you can trust

Bariatric surgeon Andrey G. Ugay

Andrey G. Ugay

View profile

27 years of experience

Lead bariatric surgeon

  • Has performed the largest number of SASJ operations in the country
  • Expert council member of the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons
  • Speaks regularly at national and international congresses
Bariatric surgeon Ruslan S. Menzulin

Ruslan S. Menzulin

View profile

9 years of experience

Bariatric surgeon
Surgical oncologist

  • Trained at Mercy clinic (USA) under Vadim Gushchin
  • Spoke at the World Congress of bariatric surgery in Santiago (2025)
  • Co-author of an international study published in The Lancet

From the first consultation to the result, your surgeon operates and follows you.

First you meet our patient care manager: they calculate your BMI, go over the methods and arrange your surgeon appointment. Free of charge.

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Coordinators

Clinic coordinators

You have our support at every step

Your personal coordinator

Your first contact at the clinic — from your first message to the consultation

Svetlana

Patient support specialist

Answers your questions before the first consultation and helps select a date that works for you

  • Explains each step of preparation
  • Reminds you about tests and check-ups
Your personal coordinator

By your side from booking to discharge, before and during your stay

Olesya

Patient support specialist

Helps prepare you for surgery and remains in touch during your stay at the clinic

  • Supports you before and after surgery
  • Helps with documents and bookings
Your personal coordinator

Supports you through recovery — from discharge through to your last check-up

Alisa

Patient support specialist

Remains in touch during recovery and books your follow-up appointments with the surgeon

  • Answers questions during recovery
  • Books follow-up visits

Advantages

What makes patients choose City Medical Centre

A surgeon consults a patient in the clinic

An approach shaped around you at every stage

The method we choose is the best one for your health, lifestyle and goals — and our team stays with you throughout.

A tablet with a meal plan and a patient's diary after bariatric surgery

Long-term
care after surgery

We help you adjust to new eating habits, follow your results and maintain them.

A patient at the clinic

Lasting, real results

Better well-being, a higher quality of life and steady weight loss.

A patient picks a convenient visit time in her planner and phone calendar

Your schedule matters most to us

We value your time: we are open 24/7, booking is easy and the approach is personal — we adapt to your pace.

A contract with a fixed price for surgery and no hidden fees

Fixed prices

You get a clear price after the consultation, when the surgeon chooses the method: no hidden fees and no surprises along the way to your result.

Prices

Bariatric surgery: price list

Apply before the end of the month and get a free consultation for any service

  • Bariatric surgeon consultation

    Free

    Book

  • Sleeve gastrectomy

    Price without discount: $4,800$3,600

    Book

  • Gastric bypass

    Price without discount: $5,200$4,000

    Book

FAQ

Answers to what people ask
before booking

Bariatric Surgery in Cardiff: price and what is included

Prices are in US dollars; the amount in brackets is an approximate conversion to GBP at the rate of 02.10.2026. The final price is fixed in your contract.

How much does bariatric surgery in Cardiff cost?

Prices start from $3,600 (≈ £2,750). The surgeon sets the final price at the free consultation, and it is fixed in the contract, with no hidden extras.

What is included in the price?

General anaesthesia, a personal coordinator from day one, monitoring in the hospital and support for one year.

How long do the procedure and recovery take?

The hospital stay is 1–5 days, depending on the method and how you feel. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. The first consultation is free and does not oblige you to anything. You can start online by sending a message to the coordinator.

How do I get my exact price?

Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram using the buttons below. A coordinator will answer your questions and book a free consultation where the doctor names the exact price.

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Questions from patients in Cardiff

What do I need to send for a bariatric surgery assessment?

Your height and weight (to calculate BMI), age, related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the medicines you take and previous operations. BMI is the main gauge; whether surgery is justified and which method suits you is decided by the surgeon.

Can I get a bariatric surgery consultation without leaving Cardiff?

Yes. The first consultation is free and starts online: send your details and photos on WhatsApp or Telegram, and the doctor reviews them and explains the options and the price.

What should a patient from Cardiff plan for after bariatric surgery?

Plan for a hospital stay of 1–5 days under the doctors' supervision, then the diet and recovery plan you get at discharge.

Can I choose the date of my bariatric surgery consultation from Cardiff?

Yes. Write to us with the dates that suit you. You can start the free first consultation online, so you can do it from home: after the doctor reviews your details, the clinic offers its nearest free dates.

Sleeve, bypass or SADI-S in Cardiff: a short guide

Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present, and sometimes at lower values if other approaches have failed. People in Cardiff who have carried 30 kg or more above normal for years, whose weight returns after every diet, or who live with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or joint pain are typical candidates.

The work-up is done in one building with its own lab, ultrasound and gastroscopy, so preparation is quick and without queues. After laparoscopic surgery, the patient stays under observation for 1 to 5 days depending on the extent of the operation. Within the first hours you may sit up, stand and drink. Most Cardiff patients are up and moving on day one.

There are no hidden fees: one package covers everything required for the result. It brings together experienced surgeons, round-the-clock care, meals, nursing, a coordinator and a legal result guarantee. Tick the situations that apply to you and request a free check of your case; a coordinator will contact patients from Cardiff to arrange the next steps.

Stories of well-known people

Well-known people who spoke openly about this operation, in their own words.

All stories about this operation →

Patient reviews

What patients write after this operation. Reviews are translated from the original language.

Irina, 26

For a long time I doubted whether to go ahead with surgery, but after the consultation I felt much calmer. Andrey Georgievich explained in detail how gastric bypass is done, what to expect after the operation and how recovery would go. I especially liked that they talked to me calmly and without pressure. I am now gradually getting used to my new way of life and I am very glad I took this step.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Angelina, 22

For me the hardest part was deciding to have the operation. At the consultation Ruslan Sergeyevich answered all my questions in detail and explained the specifics of sleeve gastrectomy and recovery. After the operation I always understood what I was doing and why. Thank you to the doctor and the whole team for their attentiveness.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

Anna, 31

For a very long time I tried to deal with my excess weight on my own, but I did not get the result I wanted. After the consultation with Andrey Georgievich I finally understood what to do next. I came through the operation well, and my recovery was supervised by the doctors. It was important for me to feel that I was not left alone after surgery.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Veronika, 25

Before the operation I had many fears, mostly of the unknown. Ruslan Sergeyevich explained every stage of treatment in detail and answered even the simplest questions. Thanks to that I felt much more confident. I keep following the recommendations and I am gradually seeing the changes I had the operation for.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

Valentina, 23

The decision to have bariatric surgery was not easy for me. I worried both about the operation itself and about how my life would change afterwards. At the consultation Andrey Georgievich explained everything in detail, so little by little my fear turned into confidence. What matters most to me now is the result and the chance to treat my health and lifestyle differently.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Andrey G. Ugay

Anna, 27

I am very grateful to Ruslan Sergeyevich for his attentiveness. Before the operation I had a huge number of questions, and I got a clear answer to every one of them. After the operation it was also clear which recommendations to follow and how to eat. It was important to me that the doctor stayed in touch and I felt supported at every stage.

Bariatric surgery

Doctor: Ruslan S. Menzulin

All patient reviews

Page medically reviewed by Andrey G. Ugay, lead bariatric surgeon. Review date: .

What the all-Wales rules say about weight loss surgery

Cardiff is the largest city in Wales. The 2025 population figure is 381,516, and the 2021 census counted 362,400 residents, up 4.7% from 346,100 in 2011. The wider Cardiff Capital Region has about 1.5 million people. A city of this size means many residents are trying to work out what the public health service will offer for severe obesity and what it will not. NHS 111 Wales publishes one set of access criteria for NHS bariatric surgery, and it applies to all seven Health Boards. Where a resident lives within Wales does not change the rules.

The criteria are specific. The patient must be 18 or older and have a BMI of 40 or greater. Severe obesity must have been present for at least five years. The patient must also have completed an intensive weight management programme lasting at least 24 months at level 2/3 of the All Wales Obesity Pathway. These conditions are demanding, and some people reach the end of that pathway only after years of effort. Others never meet every line, even though their health is already affected. It helps to read the criteria as a description of the public route, not as a medical verdict on whether surgery could help you.

Our online consultation looks at the question from the clinical side. According to the information we work from, surgery is usually justified at a BMI over 40, or over 35 when serious related conditions are present. It is sometimes considered at lower values when non-surgical methods have not worked. BMI is body weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. That threshold differs from the all-Wales NHS criteria, so a person can fall into a gap. Examples are a BMI between 35 and 40 with type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, or a history shorter than five years. In that case the doctor explains what the medical picture says, and you decide how to proceed.

We do not replace the NHS pathway, and we do not ask you to abandon it. Many patients keep seeing their GP, continue any weight management programme they are on, and use our consultation as a second, independent view. The consultation is free and does not commit you to surgery. You send photos and basic details on WhatsApp or Telegram. The doctor assesses your case and names the method that fits, and nothing is booked until you have agreed the plan and the dates.

Choosing between sleeve, bypass and the other methods

Four main types of bariatric surgery are carried out: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. Our online consultation concentrates on the two most common, the sleeve and the gastric bypass. They work in different ways. The sleeve reduces stomach volume, so you feel full quickly. It is generally considered for obesity without marked reflux. The gastric bypass reduces stomach volume and also changes the path the food takes. Its stated aims are weight loss and better metabolism, and it is generally considered for obesity with diabetes or reflux. Both are done under general anaesthesia, with a hospital stay of 1 to 5 days under observation.

Cardiff residents often arrive with a diagnosis that shapes this choice. NHS information describes osteoarthritis as the most common type of arthritis in the UK, with a risk that is higher in people with obesity or joint injury. Arthritis UK says more than 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis. Joint disease is on the list of conditions that weight loss surgery can help with, alongside hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, varicose veins, fatty liver disease and reproductive health problems. If your knees or hips hurt every day, mention it at the consultation. The doctor takes it into account when choosing the method and planning your activity afterwards.

The NHS notes that hip replacement may be considered when pain and stiffness have a big effect on daily life and other treatments have not worked. Osteoarthritis is named as the most common cause. We bring this up because some people in this situation are told that joint treatment is complicated by their weight. Whether that applies to you is a decision for your own orthopaedic team. We do not make promises about joint outcomes. We can explain how significant weight loss over 18 to 24 months, the period given for the final result, might fit into the wider plan you are discussing with those doctors.

The operation uses modern laparoscopic technique, through 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. Cosmetic sutures are placed, so once healed the marks become almost invisible. This is also the main difference from plastic surgery. Bariatric surgery treats obesity and related illness by changing how the digestive tract works. Plastic surgery reshapes the outer contours of the body. The NHS states that cosmetic surgery is not routinely provided and that most people who want it need to pay privately. It might fund some procedures for psychological or other health reasons. Bariatric surgery should not be confused with these procedures. It is a medical treatment, and it has its own separate criteria on the Welsh pathway.

Who should not have the operation, and what happens before it

A consultation and check-up always come first. Then you and the doctor decide together whether to go ahead. Some people should not have weight loss surgery, and we say so plainly. The contraindications are age under 18, malignant tumors, pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, severe chronic and mental illness, and acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease. Surgery is also not advised until six months after breastfeeding has ended. If you are unsure which group you belong to, the coordinator can give an initial view and the doctor confirms it.

For Cardiff patients the preparation is organised so that most of it can be handled at a distance. After the free consultation and an agreed plan, you reserve a date. The medical examination before surgery includes blood and urine tests, an ECG, an ultrasound and a gastroscopy, plus visits to specialists. The doctor gives you the exact list at the consultation, because it depends on your health. A coordinator reminds you about each test and check-up, so you are not trying to keep track of the list alone.

The all-inclusive package covers the operation and the operating doctor's work, general anaesthesia, the inpatient stay, meals at the clinic, one coordinator from day one, and support for 12 months with remote progress checks by photos. The exact amount for your case is given at the consultation and fixed in the contract, so we do not quote figures in this text. What matters for planning is the timeline. Once the operation is over, the medical team monitors you. Depending on complexity and how you feel, the stay lasts from 1–3 to 4–5 days.

Think too about the calendar. In 2026, England and Wales have 8 bank holidays, including Christmas Day on 25 December and the substitute Boxing Day on 28 December. A date around these days may be convenient if you want time at home during recovery. It may also mean that your GP surgery or local services are closed when you want a routine question answered. Our coordinators answer round the clock, 24/7, on WhatsApp and Telegram, including on bank holidays, which is useful when ordinary offices are shut.

Eating after surgery in a city that likes to move

Diet changes in stages, from liquid to soft to solid food. The main focus is protein, with high-calorie and fatty food restricted. Avoiding high-calorie drinks matters too, and proper eating and regular follow-up are the key factors in avoiding weight regain. Weight regain is possible, but it is very unlikely if you follow the doctor's advice. Vitamins and minerals are essential, because as the digestive anatomy changes, the body absorbs some nutrients less well. Regular supplements become a lasting part of life.

We have no reliable data on what Cardiff residents typically eat, and we will not invent any. What we can describe is the surroundings, because they affect how a new routine takes shape. The city centre is relatively flat, with hills to the north, east and west. The River Taff runs through the centre, and the Ely joins it before flowing into freshwater Cardiff Bay. The Taff Trail walking and cycle path runs 55 miles (90 km) from Cardiff Bay to Brecon. A flat centre and a long river path make it easy to start with short, regular walks, and the distance you cover can grow as your energy returns.

Activity after surgery is introduced step by step. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks, and physical work after about 1.5 months. Swimming is fine after 30 days, and other exercise gets added gradually as weight drops. Cardiff Bay hosts Cardiff International Pool, which opened on 12 January 2008, so swimming is one option once your doctor has cleared you. Cardiff has a sporting reputation. In 2008/09, 61% of residents regularly took part in sport, the highest of Wales's 22 local authorities, and the city was named European City of Sport for 2009 and 2014. That history does not change your own medical plan. It does mean that the city has facilities and habits you can build on at your own pace.

If you would like a goal to work toward, the Cardiff Half Marathon takes place each October and attracts over 20,000 participants. Treat it only as a distant landmark, not as a target for the first months. The final result of the surgery appears 18–24 months afterwards, and the doctor sets the pace of exercise for your body. Your task in the first weeks is simpler. Follow the staged diet, drink in the way you were taught, take your supplements and keep in touch with your coordinator.

Weather, seasons and planning your recovery

Cardiff's weather is mild but wet, and it can influence when you choose to have the operation and how you spend recovery. According to the Met Office 1991–2020 normals for Bute Park, the warmest months are July (mean maximum 21.8 °C) and August (21.4 °C). The coldest month is January, with a mean maximum of 8.6 °C and a mean minimum of 2.5 °C. Annual means are 15.0 °C maximum and 7.3 °C minimum. Because the climate is moderate, short outdoor walks are realistic in most months, provided you dress for the damp.

Rainfall is the bigger factor. Annual precipitation is 1,203.5 mm, spread over 153.4 days with 1 mm or more. The wettest months are December (139.6 mm), November (130.7 mm) and October (129.1 mm). The driest month is April, with 72.1 mm. If you plan to start walking early in recovery, you may find April easier than November, though your own condition matters far more than the weather. On wet days, indoor walking and gentle exercise at home are an option, to be agreed with the doctor.

Daylight also matters for mood and routine. Cardiff gets 1,572.9 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest months are July (199.6 hours), May (198.4) and June (195.2). The dullest are December (50.4 hours) and January (53.5). A recovery in winter means shorter days and less light. If you are prone to low mood in these months, tell your coordinator, because regular contact helps, and our team can keep your check-ins frequent. A recovery in late spring or summer gives you more light for daily walks.

There is no single best month, and we do not suggest one. A practical approach is to consider your work calendar first. Office work usually resumes after 2–4 weeks, and physical work after about 1.5 months. Then consider family commitments, and last the weather. The doctor confirms the surgery dates at the consultation, and the coordinator helps you arrange the remaining steps so that nothing is booked before you have agreed to it.

Follow-up online and long-term support

The operation is only the start. Support runs for 12 months in the package, and the final result takes 18–24 months to settle. For a Cardiff patient, follow-up is organised online. You send photos to your coordinator, and scheduled check-ups look at your well-being, weight and test results. One coordinator stays with you from day one, which means you are not repeating your history to a new person at every contact.

In practice, the contact looks like this. After discharge, you receive advice on diet and recovery. Your coordinator answers questions during recovery, books follow-up visits with the doctor and reminds you about tests. If something seems wrong, such as a symptom you did not expect, you write on WhatsApp or Telegram. A coordinator replies within 15 minutes on the consultation line, and the service is open round the clock. For anything that needs in-person examination, the doctor will tell you during the consultation how to arrange it where you live.

Many Cardiff residents keep their GP involved throughout, and we encourage that. The NHS describes long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis as having no cure, with long-term medicine to relieve symptoms and slow progress, plus physiotherapy and occupational therapy. If you have a condition like that, or type 2 diabetes or hypertension, your medicines may need review as weight changes. Share our recommendations and test results with your GP so both sides see the same picture. We do not tell you to change medicines on your own. That decision belongs to the doctors who prescribe them.

Pregnancy is a common question among younger patients. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery can happen, though doctors advise holding off at least 12–18 months. In that period the body stabilises, weight reaches target values and nutritional status normalises. Talk about your plans early. If you have been breastfeeding, remember that surgery is not advised until six months after breastfeeding has ended.

Finally, there is the question of motivation. Cardiff has a large student population, about 43,900 across Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. The city is lively and busy, and that may suit some patients and not others. Recovery is personal. Whether you are a student, a shift worker or a parent, the plan is adapted to your pace, and you are free to ask the coordinator to move a check-up to a more convenient time.

Do the all-Wales NHS criteria differ from what the doctor will say at an online consultation?

They can differ. NHS 111 Wales sets criteria that apply across all seven Health Boards: age 18 or over, BMI of 40 or greater, severe obesity present for at least five years, and completion of an intensive weight management programme of at least 24 months at level 2/3 of the All Wales Obesity Pathway. At the consultation, the doctor looks at your BMI and health and explains whether surgery is generally justified. That is usually a BMI over 40, or over 35 with serious related conditions. These are two different frameworks, so ask the doctor to explain how your case fits each.

Can I keep my NHS pathway going while I take a consultation here?

Yes. The consultation is free and does not commit you to surgery, so it does not interfere with any weight management programme you are on. Many people use it as a second opinion. Keep your GP informed and share what the doctor recommends, so everyone involved in your care has the same information.

Does the NHS cover bariatric surgery in the same way it covers cosmetic procedures?

No, they are different categories. The NHS states that cosmetic surgery is not routinely provided and that most people who want it need to pay privately, although some procedures may be funded for psychological or other health reasons. Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and related illness, with its own access criteria in Wales. Procedures that reshape the body after weight loss belong to plastic surgery, which has a different purpose.

Is Cardiff's rainy climate a reason to delay the operation?

Weather is a minor factor next to your health and work calendar. The city receives 1,203.5 mm of precipitation a year, with November, December and October the wettest months and April the driest. Early recovery does not depend on outdoor activity. Short walks are introduced gradually, and on wet days you can move indoors. Choose the date with the doctor according to your medical readiness, then consider the season.

How do I fit the preparation tests and recovery around Cardiff bank holidays?

In 2026, England and Wales have 8 bank holidays, including Christmas Day on 25 December and the substitute Boxing Day on 28 December. Offices that handle routine matters may be closed on those days. Our coordinators answer round the clock, 24/7, on WhatsApp and Telegram, so questions during a holiday are not left waiting. Tell the coordinator your preferred timing, and the plan and dates are agreed before anything is booked.

What exercise can I realistically start with once I am home?

Start with what the doctor advises. Office work is possible after 2–4 weeks and physical work after about 1.5 months. Swimming is fine after 30 days, and other exercise gets added gradually as weight drops. Cardiff has flat ground in the centre and the Taff Trail, which runs 90 km from Cardiff Bay to Brecon. Short walks along it are an option, kept well within what the doctor has cleared.

I have osteoarthritis or other joint pain. Should I mention it?

Yes. NHS information says osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK and that risk is higher in people with obesity. Joint disease is one of the conditions that weight loss surgery can help with. Tell the doctor about pain, stiffness and any joint treatment you have had, because it affects the choice of method and the pace of activity afterwards. Decisions about joint treatment, including replacement, stay with your orthopaedic team.

How is long-term follow-up arranged if I live in Cardiff and the consultation is online?

One coordinator stays with you from day one. Support lasts 12 months and includes remote progress checks by photos, reminders about tests and scheduled follow-ups with the doctor. The final result appears 18–24 months after surgery. You write on WhatsApp or Telegram whenever you have a question, and the doctor explains at the consultation what needs to be done in person and how it is arranged.