Weight loss surgery in South Holland
33 places, 4 DATO centres

33 places in South Holland are covered by this guide, together home to about 3,438,367 inhabitants at municipal level. Their residents are treated at 4 of the twenty DATO-certified centres in the Netherlands. Most places in this province fall under NOK Den Haag in The Hague. With a valid indication and a GP referral, weight loss surgery is covered by Dutch basic insurance; you pay only the €385 deductible in 2026.

Which DATO centres serve South Holland?

NOK Den Haag

NOK Den Haag is located in The Hague and performed 1,131 primary procedures in 2024, number 2 of the twenty Dutch centres by volume. In this guide it is the centre for 16 places in South Holland: The Hague, Zoetermeer, Leiden, Naaldwijk and 12 more. Whether this centre is covered in full depends on your insurer's contracts; check before your referral.

Maasstad Ziekenhuis

Maasstad Ziekenhuis is located in Rotterdam and performed 404 primary procedures in 2024, number 13 of the twenty Dutch centres by volume. In this guide it is the centre for 8 places in South Holland: Rotterdam, Spijkenisse, Hellevoetsluis, Capelle aan den IJssel and 4 more. Whether this centre is covered in full depends on your insurer's contracts; check before your referral.

Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis

Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis is located in Dordrecht and performed 256 primary procedures in 2024, number 17 of the twenty Dutch centres by volume. In this guide it is the centre for 6 places in South Holland: Dordrecht, Oud-Beijerland, Middelharnis, Zwijndrecht and 2 more. Whether this centre is covered in full depends on your insurer's contracts; check before your referral.

Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland

Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland is located in Rotterdam and Schiedam and performed 419 primary procedures in 2024, number 12 of the twenty Dutch centres by volume. In this guide it is the centre for 3 places in South Holland: Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis. Whether this centre is covered in full depends on your insurer's contracts; check before your referral.

Places in South Holland and their centre

All places from South Holland in the guide appear in the table, together with municipal inhabitant numbers and the usual referral centre for residents. You will find a detailed page in Dutch for every place.

South Holland place by place

Rotterdam has about 673,804 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 105,100 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Rotterdam has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Rotterdam as well.

The Hague has about 569,468 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 88,800 people with obesity. The Dutch page for The Hague has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from The Hague as well.

Zoetermeer has about 130,836 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 20,400 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Zoetermeer has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Zoetermeer as well.

Leiden has about 130,328 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 20,300 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Leiden has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Leiden as well.

Dordrecht has about 122,991 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 19,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Dordrecht has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Dordrecht as well.

Naaldwijk has about 118,874 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 18,500 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Naaldwijk has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Naaldwijk as well.

Alphen aan den Rijn has about 117,284 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 18,300 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Alphen aan den Rijn has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Alphen aan den Rijn as well.

Delft has about 110,089 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 17,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Delft has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Delft as well.

Oud-Beijerland has about 91,445 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 14,300 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Oud-Beijerland has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Oud-Beijerland as well.

Spijkenisse has about 89,112 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 13,900 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Spijkenisse has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Spijkenisse as well.

Schiedam has about 81,931 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland in Rotterdam and Schiedam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 12,800 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Schiedam has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Schiedam as well.

Leidschendam has about 78,916 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 12,300 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Leidschendam has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Leidschendam as well.

Gouda has about 77,818 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 12,100 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Gouda has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Gouda as well.

Vlaardingen has about 77,480 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland in Rotterdam and Schiedam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 12,100 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Vlaardingen has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Vlaardingen as well.

Hellevoetsluis has about 75,012 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 11,700 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Hellevoetsluis has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Hellevoetsluis as well.

Capelle aan den IJssel has about 69,698 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 10,900 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Capelle aan den IJssel has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Capelle aan den IJssel as well.

Katwijk has about 67,149 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 10,500 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Katwijk has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Katwijk as well.

Berkel en Rodenrijs has about 66,633 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 10,400 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Berkel en Rodenrijs has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Berkel en Rodenrijs as well.

Rijswijk has about 61,857 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 9,600 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Rijswijk has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Rijswijk as well.

Pijnacker has about 58,741 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 9,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Pijnacker has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Pijnacker as well.

Krimpen aan den IJssel has about 57,898 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 9,000 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Krimpen aan den IJssel has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Krimpen aan den IJssel as well.

Middelharnis has about 52,798 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 8,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Middelharnis has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Middelharnis as well.

Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel has about 49,291 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 7,700 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel as well.

Barendrecht has about 48,701 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 7,600 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Barendrecht has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Barendrecht as well.

Ridderkerk has about 48,084 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Maasstad Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 7,500 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Ridderkerk has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Ridderkerk as well.

Noordwijk has about 46,453 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 7,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Noordwijk has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Noordwijk as well.

Zwijndrecht has about 44,819 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 7,000 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Zwijndrecht has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Zwijndrecht as well.

Gorinchem has about 39,060 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 6,100 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Gorinchem has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Gorinchem as well.

Sassenheim has about 38,739 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 6,000 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Sassenheim has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Sassenheim as well.

Bodegraven has about 37,291 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 5,800 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Bodegraven has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Bodegraven as well.

Maassluis has about 37,125 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland in Rotterdam and Schiedam; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 5,800 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Maassluis has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Maassluis as well.

Waddinxveen has about 35,542 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to NOK Den Haag in The Hague; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 5,500 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Waddinxveen has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Waddinxveen as well.

Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht has about 33,100 inhabitants at municipal level. Residents are usually referred to Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht; applying the national obesity rate gives an indicative upper limit of about 5,200 people with obesity. The Dutch page for Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht has local details, and there are Dutch pages for the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass from Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht as well.

Neighbouring provinces

If a centre in a neighbouring province is closer to your home or better suits your insurance, you can also look there. South Holland borders North Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, North Brabant, Zeeland. Each province page lists its centres and their 2024 volumes.

Aftercare from South Holland

You will keep coming back for check-ups for no less than five years after the operation. One example is Vitalys, with appointments at 6, 12 and 18 months and then every year up to five years, always with blood tests. Online contact and visits are combined at many centres. For people in South Holland weighing up centres: ask which follow-up can be remote and how the centre can be contacted outside working hours. WLS vitamins are for life, and yearly bloods continue too after the aftercare period, generally via the GP.

How many people in South Holland have obesity?

In 2024, obesity affected 15.6 percent of Dutch adults nationwide, the Health Monitor of RIVM, the GGDs and Statistics Netherlands reports; GGD regions ranged from 11.6 to 19.2 percent. If you apply this to the approximately 3,438,367 residents of the places listed above, it gives an indicative upper bound of around 536,000 people living with obesity. Why an upper bound? The percentage covers adults only, while the resident numbers include children as well. Figures per region are available on vzinfo.nl.

Only a share of this group can have weight loss surgery. You qualify with a BMI of 40, or with a BMI of 35 plus a weight-related health problem like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. Others might do better with a lifestyle programme, a gastric balloon or medication prescribed under supervision. Compare the options for treating obesity.

Getting weight loss surgery from South Holland: step by step

1. Find a GP and register in the municipality you live in. You need the GP to get to hospital care, as they act as gatekeeper.
2. Check your insurance: is NOK Den Haag contracted by your insurer, or another centre that suits you better?
3. Go to an information session. These are frequently held online, so check whether one is offered in English.
4. Screening by an internist, psychologist and dietitian.
5. Operation and aftercare: after a brief admission, check-ups continue for a minimum of five years. How long it takes to travel from South Holland to the centre therefore counts.

Choosing a centre as a resident of South Holland

Most people in your town may go to one centre, but you do not have to. Think about waiting times, the travel involved in five years of aftercare, the contracts your insurer has signed, and whether information exists in English. As 4 centres serve this province, there are several choices close by. Find out more about selecting a clinic for obesity treatment and costs and insurance.

Useful Dutch terms for residents of South Holland

Basispakket: the standard package of basic insurance, which pays for weight loss surgery. Huisarts: the family doctor (GP), who acts as gatekeeper to hospital care. Eigen risico: the compulsory deductible, amounting to 385 euros in 2026. Verwijzing: the referral letter you will need. Huisartsenpost: urgent questions in the evening or at the weekend go to this out-of-hours GP service.

More in English

• Types of weight loss surgery
• Eligibility criteria
• The treatment pathway
• All provinces

Sources

• Volumes by centre, sourced from DICA's DATO Annual Report 2024
• Residents (CBS, via citypopulation.de and AlleCijfers.nl)
• Obesity rates: Gezondheidsmonitor 2024 by RIVM, CBS and GGD

Frequently asked questions

Also available in Dutch. Author: Gijs Bodenstaff. Last reviewed: September 2026.