Anyone finished the Weight Management course?

[MayraF]

I would like to hear from anyone that has gone through the weight management course via the NHS, also known as Tier 3.

My last appointment was 2 days ago and i was told the team will discuss if they'll write the letter recommending surgery to the CCG. Even though i didn't lose a lot, it still looks positive, but she said it takes 4 weeks for them to write this letter. The dietitian couldn't tell me any more specifics but she did say the CCG tends to just go with what the letter says.

Now, my questions are: How long after you finished the course did you receive the surgery recommendation letter, and how long after that was the funding approved?

I would love to hear your experience!

 

[xkirsty88]

Hello MayraF, I am in Sheffield and I completed 12 weeks of Weight Management Course early August 2013. at my last appointment with them I told them I wanted to be referred for WLS, I had to make another appointment with another dietician who could speak to me and refer me, that was late August. I then was told I would receive a letter after 4-6weeks maybe inviting me to a seminar. I received an invitation to a seminar at the beginning of October, and the seminar was on the 21st of November. I have met with the surgeons secretary and had my pre op assessment. I am just waiting for a date for my sleeve now, which should be before the middle of April!

I does vary a lot in different areas though, so my journey could be entirely different to yours. I wish you all the best in your journey!!

Kirsty

 

[xkirsty88]

Oh, and also, I only lost 15lb on the Weight Management Course..

Kirsty

 

[MayraF]

Thanks for the reply!

From all that i have read here, it does vary a lot! The dietitian didn't guarantee they'll refer me for surgery, she said she needs to read the notes and speak with both my therapist and the exercise specialist. I am just nervous as they can say so, and even if they say yes, the CCG can say no. I wish they could just give us more concrete info, the wait is what's worse

 

[xkirsty88]

I didn't mention anything about wanting WLS until my last appointment and I was told 'you should have mentioned it in an earlier appointment' I was also told I can be refused, there would be no guarantee I would get funding.
I was referred back in 2011 but I got refused as they said I'd 'not tried enough by myself' :/
I was also told when I did receive funding that I was very lucky to have received it, as they had changed the criteria (again) a few days after I was accepted.

Kirsty

 

[MayraF]

I did tell them this is what I wanted so they were aware the wait is killing me!

 

[xkirsty88]

I did tell them this is what I wanted so they were aware the wait is killing me!

It's been the waiting that has drove me mad lol I am now just waiting for my op date, and I am driving myself waiting for the post or a phone call!!

Kirsty

 

[lauralee]

It's been the waiting that has drove me mad lol I am now just waiting for my op date, and I am driving myself waiting for the post or a phone call!! Kirsty

kirsty I am completely the same! I'm so impatient. I wait every morning for the post to be delivered! Aaaaaargh I want my date haha x

 

[Flickalicious]

Hey, my Tier 3 experience wasnt good.
I was on it for 18 months. Lost no more than 2lb but didnt gain either. Did everything I needed to and worked my butt off! The team I was seeing declined a referral because, other than my high BMI (53!), I had no other health risks. PCOS wasnt considered priority.

I went back to the docs in tears after being refused surgery and fertility treatment and so my GP wrote a letter.

Im now 2.5 months out, over 3 stone down, loving my bypass and a step closer to trying for a baby

If tier 3 doesnt work out for you, there are ways around it Good luck xXx

 

[MayraF]

Laura, I'm so like that too! I've changed addresses and I am paranoid they'll deliver to the old one even though I have probably given them my new address 100 times hahah!

 

[lauralee]

Laura, I'm so like that too! I've changed addresses and I am paranoid they'll deliver to the old one even though I have probably given them my new address 100 times hahah!

Haha it's torture isn't it! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.

 

[xkirsty88]

I got my date in the post this morning! I'm booked in for the 3rd of Feb! Woop!

Kirsty

 

[MayraF]

Congrats on getting your date!! And a couple of months earlier than you thought! Awesome!

 

[xkirsty88]

Thank you! Yep, lots earlier and so close!! Pre op diet started this morning!!

Kirsty

 

[princess4d4]

you all should be in my house waiting then its manic im waiting for mine my son is waiting for his for his reconstruction surgery soon as postie hits it mad

 

[MayraF]

Hmmm it's been 2 weeks since i finished the weight management course, i wonder if i should chase up this letter...

 

[princess4d4]

maybe call and ask the gp if they have gotten it yet sometimes things go slow i dont think they heard of things like email really the quicker route

 

[kimmiekoo]

Keep chasing the weight management team I finished my programme in Jan-2013 and was assured yes your referral will be done it takes time chase them in a few weeks time 5 month later after calls backwards and forwards it turned out it hadn't been done & my file had been lost I was absolutely fuming!! keep on to them that's my advice after a small kick off session back in july the ball has been rolling fast ever since got my pre-op next week, as I understand the guidelines have now changed after 12 weeks on weight management you then need to complete a 12 month programme with a personal dietician (Barnsley area) I was extremely lucky Dr Ackroyd at Sheffield initially sent my referral from Barnsley hospital back "under the new guidelines" it took a strongly worded letter from the Dietician's and consultant at Barnsley hospital to explain that in fact I'd been under there service since Nov-2012 keep on to them so hopefully you don't get lost in the filing system just like I did! I've got total praise for Sheffield Hospital they're on the ball bigtime no messing about from them at all!!!!

kim
xx

 

[MayraF]

I called the Dorset CCG and they haven't received anything. I'll call the weight management people tomorrow. I will indeed be upset if they've lost my details, so I'll keep chasing as much as I can

 

[MayraF]

UPDATE!

So after chasing the weight management people I was told my surgery recommendation letter was typed and posted today ( I have a feeling it's because I chased after it!)

The lady said I'm a good candidate, and would benefit greatly from it. Now it's up to the Dorset CCG to say yes. They'll receive the letter tomorrow also, and I should hear back in a few days. God, I hope they say yes too, I really do!! I'm happy but now it's another waiting game, and I keep thinking what am I gonna do if they say no. *panic*