Can anyone give me advice on WGA gastric band??

[donzi84]

Hi all, well last i posted that i was waiting to see if i got funding from the nhs, well answer to that question is very doubtfull, basically i have a BMI of 49.24 and the dietician's assessment stated that because i binge eat i would have no control with the band!! i can slightly see her point, but, i binge eat because i cannot realise when i am full and why would i be going for surgery if i COULD MAINTAIN A WEIGHT LOSS MYSELF?? anyway... i have decided to ditch the nhs, because its going to be a long emotional ride (again) for them to tell me no, and i want to private, i have been looking into the WGA cheeper package but only covered aftercare for 28 days, has anyone any feelings on this, only thing i am concerned with is what help and where i could get it after, i.e what to eat, what if im loosing to much? not enough? any advise would be appreciated
xxxx:wave_cry:

 

[Alice]

hi Donzi,

I had my band with WGA. The lack of aftercare is a big problem. All the research shows that aftercare is a key factor in success. As you will see from my "total defill" thread, I've had a hard time. 6 weeks ago I signed up with the WLS group for a year (£700 for 1 year's unlimited fills, 24/7 access to nurse & dietician, monthly support group...) Money so well spent!

I personally think it's irresponsible to offer bariatric surgery without comprehensive aftercare...

I have to say as well, the band isn't easy. It's good if you eat large quantities but if your problem is more grazing and crisps/sweet stuff, the bypass might be a better option.

Just trying to be honest... Hope I've not upset you!

Good luck xx

 

[little_miss_sunshine]

Hi Alice

What is the WLS group? I had my band done on the 9th of this month on the WGA plan and I am concerned as I did not do enough research into the lack of after care and now I am a bit worried.

C x

 

[shelbell]

Welcome to the Weight Loss Surgery Group web site there you go LMS

 

[honey-dd]

My after care has been great all apt when they should be, and as long as you remember that there is no support after!, you wont feel cheated after all the package states clearly no after care no fills .

Im able to get my dietitian threw my gp and fills privately, so as long as you do enough research are fully aware of the package and what it entails and you speek to your gp about what they can help you with .You will be fine ,

If on the other hand you think 2.500 is a fair price for fills that cost 80 each and a dietitian plus counselor then pay the extra.XXX

 

[donzi84]

no you have not upset me i asked for advice and got it, think i nedd to do some soul searching, thank-you all for the quick responce and advice xxx

 

[Deebol]

Hi

I have paid £5k for just the band and no aftercare this is the THG. I was swayed more towards this as the consultant that I saw was saying that I am not likely to have any probs as I'm 33 with no health problems. She said even if I did have an emergancy what is stopping me walking into an NHS hospital they have got to treat you.

Regarding the fills etc... I was reffered on the NHS and still kept my apppointment, I went last week and basically they are happy to provide me with my aftercare. I get to see a dietician every 2 weeks I can call her if I have any queries and they are going to let me know if they will provide me with my fills also.

My advise is to pay private and then go and see your drs etc and ask them for this, surely its the least they can do. Alternatively I would go with the WLS group package as that seems really good and I would have definately gone with that. I also think that this forum is the best aftercare that you are going to get also as these people have been there and have got the t shirt so who best to advise us....

Hope you make the right decision for YOU.

Dee x

 

[shelbell]

I know atleast one lady on here has asked their GP for aftercare on NHS and been refused, so thats worth checking out before you decide anything. Different areas, different rules!

 

[Alice]

Yep shel, I asked my GP for a bariatric dietician on the NHS and was refused because I had the op privately (even though I met the local criteria for the whole shebang on the NHS had I wanted to wait a year for the op!). Every area is different. We all need different levels of support and different levels of care. I'm so pleased I am not paying for fills individually as I need to have tiny fills every fortnight for the next few months... So the £700 I paid for a year's aftercare is already well worth it!

 

[charliegirl]

My PCT said once I went private that was it I would be on my own unless taken to hospital by ambulance....not a risk I would want to take...xx

 

[shelbell]

In my opinion, aftercare is hugely important. I understand that people find they can get support and advice on here, but it's important to remember that we're not trained specialists. If you had a problem post op, and needed advice, in all honesty would you rather get it from us lot or from a bariatric nurse/dietician? None of us can give medical advice, it would be dangerous for any of us to do so.

That aside, there is a failure rate with any of these procedures, and I think that having a good quality aftercare in place is bound to lower the chances of failure for any individual. If I were paying thousands for the op, I'd see an extra £700 for one years full aftercare as an investment I couldn't pass over. Looking at the WLS Group site, its not just fills and access to a dietician, its behaviour modification, exercise advice, support groups and the option of a one to one buddy.

HOWEVER, this is all just my opinion, and is not a judgement on anyone's choices!

 

[donzi84]

thank you all again for your ersponce i think in heart if hearts i want the aftercare i know it might be more money but hey, whats another couple of hundred for peace of mind??and knowing me and my usual luck i would need it.... well i have looked into the wls package as a whole and i am quite interested in that so i'll keep looking and keep you informed, thanks all
xxxxxxx

 

[serenitylove]

i sympathise with the reason why they said no i was told bypass would be a much better option but i still went with the band , i started by making sure i ate ate 3 meals a day regular as clockwork as dietician said it was important and i still eat extra at night its just changing the foods you eat i thought id struggle not to binge but i havnt so it can be done i think determination is a key factor i dont know about private ops as im nhs but i wish you well