“But I’ve Saved Them Money”:Why Bariatric Patients Still Feel They Have to Earn Their Right to Care

After almost every bariatric surgery I arrange, there’s a moment—often months later—when the patient reaches out. They’ve hit a wall with their GP. Their blood tests have been refused. Follow-up care is non-existent. And they’re confused, frustrated, and starting to doubt themselves.

Then they say it:

“But I’ve saved them loads of money.”

They say it like it’s their trump card. As if they have to explain, justify, or earn their request for basic support.

But what they’re really saying is:

“Surely I’ve done enough. Surely I deserve this now.”

And that always breaks my heart.

When You See Yourself as a Cost, Not a Person

For many patients, this idea of “saving the NHS money” becomes a way to plead their case. Not as someone deserving of care—but as someone who’s no longer a financial burden.

It’s a reflection of how they’ve been treated for years.

By doctors.

By systems.

By society.

When you’ve spent a lifetime being made to feel like a problem, it’s no surprise you start using economic arguments just to be heard.

The Emotional Toll of Weight Stigma Doesn’t End With Surgery

These patients have often done something extraordinary:

They’ve self-funded surgery abroad. Taken time off work. Made enormous lifestyle changes.

But even after all that, they don’t feel they’re worthy of care.

They say, “I don’t want to bother them.”

Or “It’s only a blood test.”

Then comes the guilt. “They probably think I brought this on myself anyway.”

That guilt is not logical—it’s emotional. It comes from years of being dismissed or judged in medical settings. And it doesn’t disappear when the weight does.

What They Really Want Isn’t Just a Test. It’s Validation.

The people who say “I’ve saved them money” aren’t just looking for iron levels or B12 checks.

They’re looking for someone to say:

“You matter. You’ve done something brave. Of course you deserve follow-up care.”

They want recognition for the effort they’ve made—and reassurance that they’re still allowed to ask for help.

We Need to Change the System. And the Story.

Follow-up care after bariatric surgery is not optional. It’s not an “extra” or a reward. It’s a medical necessity. But more than that—it’s an opportunity to undo some of the shame patients have carried for far too long.

Let’s stop measuring people in terms of cost.

Let’s start treating them as people.

Let’s remind them: You never had to earn the right to be cared for.

If you’re struggling to get the post-op support you deserve—or want your blood tests reviewed by a team that understands—you’re not alone.

Bariatric Health Check

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