BarbaraG

Hello,

I'm at an early stage in my journey, only just got to the point of being willing to accept that surgery might be the only answer to my 40-year weight problem.

I've seen various websites offering WLS privately, invite you to ring them etc. If I go down that route:

1. Is GP still involved in referral?
2. How long does it typically take from first inquiry to op?
3. Do they still make you go through a weight management programme first like I'm reading many PCT's do, even though you have already been through them?

Also interested to know whether any providers offer psychological counselling alongside, as last time I had a noticeable weight loss I got really freaked out with people commenting.... I wished they would just keep their noses out, which is a bit unreasonable really, so I know I need to get my head straight.

TIA,
Barbara

Maphillips

If you can afford it private is good but each pct has different criteria which I think is stupid but they don't care about that what I would do is see your gp ask him to refer
You for surgery and see what happens if I had lived 4 miles down the road would have had funding now but because I don't have to wait upto 2 more years jumping through loops again but don't let it put you off discuss it with your gp they know you best and will help
Good luck
Mark

novamay

Hi Barbara

Mark's right - each PCT is different and will have their own criteria for determining whether people are eligible for surgery - eg some have higher BMI requirements, some will only treat if you have co-morbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea etc. Some make you do weight management, some don't. The arrangements for securing funding are also inconsistent! but first step is to see your GP - if your GP isn't sympathetic (as many don't agree with surgery or know much about it) see if you can see someone else at your surgery who might be more pro-surgery. Please don't be put off by the wait - its well worth it as many of the members of this site will testify.

I'm sure there's people on here from your part of the UK and they will probably be able to give more info than me - I'm in Sunderland and going through their process at the mo. Yes you can also ask GP to refer you to counselling or psychiatrist, or this could be offered by the Hospital doing the surgery - as they do this at Sunderland - but its not always needed.

Good luck with your journey!

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Sharonimo

If you choose to go privately:

(1) No, your own GP is not involved. (You may later on like to tell your GP you have had ...... op, but it is a private arrangement between you and the clinic, GP referral is not required.)

(2) Weeks (can even be days) -- depends on their operating schedule -- if you have the money they will schedule your op as soon as they can.

(3) No, they would not. (But you would still have to do a "pre-op" diet for a week or so.)

You are more likely to get counselling and group support / patient support meetings thru the NHS.

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My condition at referral: Type 2 Diabetes, osteo-arthritis (knees and hips), High BP, asthma, chronic rhinitis, mild sleep apnoea, para-umbilical hernia .................................................. .................... [referred by GP: January 2011]

Pre-op weight loss: 43 lbs (330 lbs --> 287 lbs)

Weight from op date onwards:
Op day ....... 17 Apr ....... 20 st 7 lbs ....... (287 lbs) ....... 130 Kgs
Week 1 ....... 24 Apr ....... 20 st 0 lbs ....... -7
Week 2 ....... 1 May ....... 19 st 10 lbs....... -4
Week 3 ....... 8 May ....... 19 st 7 lbs ......... -3
Week 4 ....... 15 May ..... 19 st 4 lbs ......... -3

Caren

yep, what she said lol xxx

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Dietician 10th November 2011
sleep apnoea test 8th December 2011
Sleep Apnoea results 9th December 2011 (inconclusive)
Embletta test 22nd December 2011 awaiting results
6th January 2012 its official, im a hosehead
Wednesday 25th January Referral sent
Tuesday 21st February 2012 funding refused
Op booked privately for 23rd May 2012

Mazza

Hi Barbara

I see on the BOSPA website that they dont have the funding criteria for Notts, have you managed to find out what it is ie do they follow the NICE guidlines?

Re your other questions:

1) My GP was involved, I discussed the fact I wanted to lose weight to get a gynea op I needed and said I was thinking about getting a band. The provider I went with wrote to my GP pre op for medical history comfirmation and to see if he had any concerns, then again post op to inform him how the op went, type of band etc.

2) It depends when you want the op and when they can fit you in really. Could be weeks or you can book for a better time for you.

3) There was no weight management aspect for me, although I did lose 1/2 stone prior to my pre op. Any weight you can lose prior to the op could help your recovery.

I had to fill out some lengthy forms and send them to my provider before my consultation which covered things like psychological history. Also as I said above all of this was confirmed with my GP. I think if there had of been any issues my GP would have followed this up with me.

Hope that helps!

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Maryann x

Start weight 19 stone - Pre op weight 18 stone 7lb
Goal weight 12 stone 7lb Done !!!!!!!!!!

I have set a personal new goal but I have reached my original goal of a healthy BMI

BarbaraG

Yep, I found it via the PCT website: BMI 50+, or 45+ with comorbidities. I have diabetes, so 45+ for me.

Thing is, I set out to lose weight at the start of the year, have last half a stone in 3 weeks, and have just started back on Xenical. I am serious - I want to get to a much healthier weight. I am tired of losing 2 stone, put it back on, losing 3 stone, put it back on, losing 1 stone, put it back on.

My BMI nownis just about 45, tho the GP has a record of it higher than that. I do want to involve my GP, even if I end up going private. And I'm not going to go for the surgery until and unless this attempt with diet/exercise/Xenical fails.... But if it does, thatbis my trigger, and I will definitely want to get on with it.

Thanks for all responses,

Barbara

Fashionably Late

My GP was not involved with the private operation. I had initially been referred via the NHS but due to the hospital I was referred to I chose to go privately.

I was offered the operation a week after my initial appointment. I chose to wait a month as I needed to make childcare arrangements.

No weight management clinic through my surgery provider prior to operation.

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Ticker includes 8 pounds lost pre-op


To lose 1 stone
To lose 2 stone
To lose 3 stone
To lose 4 stone
To lose 5 stone
To lose 6 stone
To lose 7 stone
To lose 8 stone
To lose 9 stone
Reach goal weight of 8 stone 13 pounds

sarah26

Who did you have your op through?

JO28172

My experience as private was
1) gp was advised but that's all, by letter from my clinic
2)from consultation appt I was in 10 days later
3)no weight loss management prior apart from usual pre op diet you do ready for surgery!!

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17's
21/9/11 Pre Op Milk Diet Commenced - 17st 1.5lb
16's
4/10/11 Surgery Day! - 16st 5lb (10.5lb lost)
15's
15/10/11 15st 9.5lb (1st6lb lost)
14's
19/11/11 14st 13.5lb (2st 2lb lost)
13's
17/12/11 13st 13.5lb (3st 2lb lost)
12'S
11/2/12 12st11lb (4st 4.5lb lost)
11's
17/3/12 11st 12.8lb (5st 3lb lost)

CURRENT WEIGHT 11ST 1.5LB 6 stone lost to date
"come on 10's...youre just around the corner now"