Well Martingiles, I am a bypasser but had mine on the nhs up on Sunderland 17 months ago. You won't regret it I don't know about your provider inquestion but wish you all the best on your weight loss journey, it may not take long to have the op but please make sure you are mentally ready, I recently spoke to a forum colleague who went private not with that company of course but she now feels that she is not coping and really wasn't prepared to have the op. It took me almost 2 years from referral to op date which give syou a long time to think things over and get thing sin to perspective. It is not an easy journey for some which I am sure you have found with your research, however for some it can be a pleasing experience. I have been really well with only the odd blip. Good luck with it all and please if you have not done it already do lot more research you need to know everything possible. Like after care what happens do you have follow up appointments do you have access to a dietician these are the things you will need to have access to and to find out about. This friend of mine feels like there was no after care and feels now very isolated. She was treat very well while in their care but after the op thats it not a lot else really should anything occur n you need medical help. xx