AlterEgo no, I plan to make a call tomorrow. I'm in NI, and the only provider I have managed to find is Healthier Weight. I have been playing with the idea for ages, and tbh your thread has been really useful for me. I have really suffered with my weight for the last 15 years, and I am able to lose some through diet, but it never lasts. Zoe Harcombe, Dr Gillian McKeith, Whole30, Low Carb, registered dietician, Reductil (before it was banned), hypnosis - they all work a bit, but I feel like I am constantly on a diet, and what I eat is becoming progressively more restricted (dairy, gluten, carbs are all a no no). Progress is glacially slow. Eventually I will end up sabotaging my extremely hard won lost stone and the weight will go on with indecent haste.
I have been suffering with weight related ill health for ages - sore joints - ankles, knees, SI joints, neck, and I spend a fortune on physio. No wonder really when I think I am carrying an extra 25kg every single day. That's the equivalent of a really heavy suitcase. It must be putting such a strain on my heart, and my libido is down the drain and has been for over a decade. I try to have a positive outlook on life, but sometimes I see myself in the mirror, or in photos, and it makes me so deeply unhappy because my external appearance doesn't match with how I think of me, if that makes sense?
I'm seeing my endocrinologist next week - although I have lowish thyroid levels, apparently they are just within range so my GP wouldn't treat. As a last ditch effort before going down the surgery route I plan to ask my endocrinologist for a therapeutic trial of thyroxin as he is known for being prepared to treat even if levels are within range. My GP is adamant that thyroid isn't my issue, and I just need to eat less and exercise more. 
However, now that I have made the decision in my head about a band, I think I will make an appointment as soon as possible to explore my options, even if I do get on to a therapeutic trial of thyroxin.
Thank you for the inspiration.