4healthy weight warts and all seminar

[Birdie01]

GR09, I was annoyed at first but it hasn't seem to have made a difference time wise, if anything it's a tad quicker because my appt was scheduled tomorrow which I guess then Dr Emmanuel would have also given me the list and then I'd have made my choice etc later in the week - but since it was cancelled I've already made the choice and it's been sent to the hospital. The MDT assessment is when you see the psychologist, dietitian and surgeon all in the same day and they decide on the day if you get to go for surgery and I think after that you get your date.

The person I spoke to was Danielle.

 

[gr09]

oh cool. well ill have to see what happens with my process. good luck in your journey to the new you.

 

[Lumpybumpy]

Well phoned today and was told as I was officially referred in December so that was when my journey started even tho my first appointment wasn't until January. Asked regarding seeing the bariatric physician and was told I would only be referred to see 'Julian Emmanuel' if I had foreseen medical complications? I was advised to ask my dietician when I would be put forward for the MDT assessment so now I'm worrying that the whole team might not agree that I'm a good candidate for surgery. I haven't really lost a lot a weight only one stone in the 8 months ? really want this as I know it's the perfect tool to help me get to where I want to be, my will power is diabolical and I have an awful sweet tooth! x

 

[Birdie01]

Hi Lumpy!

Ok sounds like we are on the same pathway..

So are you going to see Dr Emmanuel or have you bypassed (haha!) that part?

I just spoke to St Richards and the reception staff were so friendly! the lady told me that she had my referral in front of her and currently MDTs are about 1 month behind so I can expect a letter soonish with a date for the MDT possibly September / October time.

Which hospital are you going to Lumpy?

 

[Lumpybumpy]

Hi Lumpy! Ok sounds like we are on the same pathway.. So are you going to see Dr Emmanuel or have you bypassed (haha!) that part? I just spoke to St Richards and the reception staff were so friendly! the lady told me that she had my referral in front of her and currently MDTs are about 1 month behind so I can expect a letter soonish with a date for the MDT possibly September / October time. Which hospital are you going to Lumpy?

Hi ya Birdie

Yes I think we are, from what the lady said on the phone I don't think I have to see Dr Emmanuel but you never know lol
I was told on the phone that once I'd been put forward for surgery I will be sent a pack and I should ask my dietician when I will be put forward for an MDT assessment. Just feel like I'm not really getting anywhere! Lol

Do you mind me asking how much weight you've have lost during the 3 tier stage? X

I'm thinking about St Richards too hun, done some research and it seems like the best option for me but not really daring myself to think that far ahead in case of disappointment lol x

 

[Birdie01]

Hiya! It does feel like nothing's happening! Who is your dietician? I'm with Eimear and she's lovely! I don't know if the dietician sends you on for the MDT I thought that was the Bariatric physician? It's all so confusing! Lol!

Um I haven't lost huge amounts of weight so far only 1 stone - what about you? My BMI is 44 so I think I'm still in the qualifying category. What's your bmi if you don't mind me asking? Also where about do u stay? I'm in Crawley and St Richards was a good choice I think!

 

[Lumpybumpy]

My dietician is Laura, she's lovely.
At the start my bmi was 48.3 I've also lost around a stone which makes my bmi 45.8 I'm only 5ft 3 lol
When I spoke to the lady on the phone she said I'd only see the bariatric physician if I had any health problems? She told me to ask Laura when I would be put forward for the MDT assessment. It's so confusing lol I think she meant a MDT assessment within the 4healthy weight team so they can decide if I'm suitable before I am referred for surgery and finally get my pack!
I still have four months until I have officially finished my time so it could be that I have to wait until Nov/Dec for a decision. It so scary lol

I'm in Tunbridge Wells, although St Richards is quite far I think the 4 healthy weight team have a close working relationship with the hospital as this was mentioned during my warts and all seminar plus with the specialist bariatric unit there I would feel in far safer hands x

 

[Birdie01]

Lol! I'm also only 5'3!

I've just seen Nadine a senior counsellor who is part of the MDT team at St Richards and said it was good that I didn't need to see Dr Emmanuel. So I'm happy about that. She also gave me loads of stuff to read through to prep me for the MDT assessment! So much to go through but she said ST Richards want to see that you understand the life changes and understand the dietary requirements! Anyway - so lots to do before the next appointment! I've got till December as well although was referred in September!

 

[Lumpybumpy]

Oh wow we are both short arses! Lol Looks like I may have a fair wait after the decision then if I do get a yes?!

So nervous about it but as they say there is no use worrying about something that hasn't happened yet!
You'll have to keep me updated about your journey, fingers crossed I will be following you a couple of months after!
I shall be looking out for your posts lol x

 

[Birdie01]

Yeah so it seems that we are both short. I'll be waiting for your updates too! although I won't have an update till September I fear! :-(

 

[Birdie01]

Well after seeing the counsellor yesterday - she said something at the end of the meeting about more changes coming in to effect - so before panicking I emailed her this morning and asked what she meant.. Going forward all maintenance appointments will be by phone - not sure if that's dietician as well or just counsellor.. Anyway it's two less days I need to take off work! Yay!

 

[Lumpybumpy]

Hi Birdie,

Have you not completed all your counselling sessions then hun?

My last counselling session was in May! Seems like ages ago now!

I have already had a few telephone consultations with my dietician as she has been too busy to come here and the appointments would have been too spaced out.

It makes life easier for those working, not sure how most people with full time jobs are doing it to be honest x

 

[Birdie01]

Hi Lumpy!

The problem is when I was referred back in September last year, I was referred to another team doing the weight loss management called IPC and with them I only met the counsellor once but was seeing the dietician every 3 months then suddenly in April it all changed to 4healthy weight / why weight - so then I had to do intro appointments again and see the counsellor. But because I was already in the maintenance phase of my pathway I didn't have to do the intensive 12 week course to start with.

I still have to see the exercise specialist anyway so I normally do dietician and exercise consecutively on the same day!

It's been tough though having to take time off work each time I have appointments! Anyway it's all for a good cause!

 

[gr09]

HUGE UPDATE... just found out im attending the warts and all seminar on september the 5th and then ill be given the appointment to see Dr Emmanuel , then i have to choose my hospital and then it literall is a waiting game until they give me a surgery date ... trying to wish the time away but know it will happen in due time

 

[Birdie01]

Hi Gr09!

That's great! Where are u going for the seminar? I thought once you pick the hospital you have to also go for the MDT assessment then you get the yay or nay? I might be wrong, as all areas differ! But great that things are moving along!!

 

[gr09]

its in ramsgate so thankfully not to far from me thats what the lady on the phone at Tonbridge told me and also my councillor so we will just have to wait and see if its the same.

 

[Lumpybumpy]

So have an appointment with the dietician the end of September and she has told me she will put me forward for the MDT the week after, not sure what this means?

 

[Birdie01]

Which hospital are you going to Lumpy?

 

[Lumpybumpy]

I've not got that far yet hun but I'm hoping Chichester hun, my dietician is putting me forward for the 4healthy weight MDT meeting so my team can discuss if they feel I will be a good candidate for surgery I think then If they decide I should proceed I will get my pack, pick my hospital and then be put forward to the hospitals MDT for assessment x

 

[Birdie01]

Oh ok I'm with you! You may have to see the Bariatric Physician first (if the 4healthy weight MDT decide you're a good candidate) or the Nurse then I burbs you get your pack, choose the hospital etc. I'm going to Chichester as well and currently waiting on the MDT assessment appointment there. I'm not sure about the other hospitals but at Chichester you have to complete a questionnaire and a weeks food diary before they will see you!