Feel a bit of a fraud for being here now...

[Gerry]

Hi everyone

I entered 'Gastric Bypass' into Google and it led me to this site. Everyone seems so helpful and friendly, I thought I would join you.

I have been overweight virtually all my life. I have also been disabled virtually all my life. I was born with HMS (Hypermobility Syndrome) which means I have a lot of problems with my joints. This was made worse by lots of unnecessary operations when I was a child. Because of this, I find exercise very difficult. A problem which others (medical professoinals included) don't understand.

I have tried lots of different diets, but simply can't loose weight. Over the years, my weight has crept up and up and I now weigh 21 stone at nearly 46 years old.

A friend I used to go to school with, had a gastric bypass in January and has already lost four and a half stone . I'm now at the stage where I only walk about indoors, and that is becoming increasingly difficult. My joints are not coping with my weight. I really need to do something.

Just after Christmas we bought a treadmill, and I enjoyed using it. However, because over use of joints makes my condition worse, I have had to give it up because my knee is continually giving out on me, and having been through one broken leg a few years ago, and a dislocated knee joint a year before that, I really don't want to fall off the treadmill and have another similar injury. I'm crying with the pain even now and I know I have to do something :cry:

Having operations doesn't really bother me, as I have had so many as a child, plus the ops when I broke my leg and also two caesareans when I had my two youngest children, so I'm not that worried about that. However I do have some phobias - one about having things down my throat when I am awake. Some doctor years ago suggested 'sedating' me then putting a balloon in my stomach (no way!). Also with masks over my face - I just freak out .

Can anyone tell me what kind of procedures I would be likely to expect if I went for a gastric bypass please? I am now seriously thinking of going to see my GP about it. What would be my chances of getting it on the NHS, given my medical issues? I live in Surrey. Does anyone have any idea how long the waiting lists are? Is this done at a local hospital or do you have to travel to London or somewhere? How long are you in hospital for ?

Sorry for so many questions, but I feel I can get a better idea asking people who have had the experience.

Many thanks everyone and sorry to have waffled on.

Gerry

 

[Taz]

Welcome to the forum, there is indeed a lot of support here. I can't answer your questions as I haven't had the bypass.

I do, however, have HMS too! It was diagnosed just before christmas 2006 when I had an operation to repair a torn cartiledge in my knee. I was told it would always be a problem but there was no help available. I looked up loads of info online though and found there are only 3 hospitals in the UK that have specialists in HMS. They are in Leeds and I think 2 in Glasgow.

As for the exercise, once I had recovered from my knee op I started doing karate and have since also took up kickboxing. Invest in an Air Walker, it doesn't require you to bend your knees or bear weight through your legs so you may find that easier. I got one and it's excellent. x

 

[Gerry]

Hi Taz,

Thank you for your reply.

HMS is now being recognised by more and more doctors, although if you end up in A & E and tell them you have it, you are usually met with a response of 'what's that?' from the junior doctors.

Swimming is meant to be good for people with our condition, although I can't swim a stroke and sink like a stone. We do have our own hot tub though, and I find that a great help when my joints are playing up. However, when I really need it is usually when I am incapable of getting into it. I have to have help in any event, but it really does make a difference.

My consultant for my HMS is at St. Peters Hospital in Chertsey. He is very knowledgeable in his field. Other doctors have told me at various times that I should have knee replacements (my consultant suggests carrying on for as long as possible as they may make the situation worse). I was even told at six years of age that they wanted to amputate my right leg as it was useless . My mother told them to take a hike.

I know my weight isn't doing me any favours, and I really do need to loose weight. I have tried counting calories, eating sugar free and fat free foods, slimming tablets - you name it, I've tried it.

One doctor did mention putting a balloon in my stomach but that's not for me, and he agreed because of my phobia with things in my throat.

Anyway, I have now taken the very first step and phoned for an appointment to see my GP to ask for a referral for a Gastric Bypass.

I feel rather alone with it, because I don't have many friends (I can't get out to meet any) and the one (male) friend I do have, has made it clear that he doesn't think I should have this kind of surgery. He says I'm not a huge eater, which is true, I don't sit scoffing fry ups, huge packs of crisps & biscuits etc etc (not saying that everyone does - but his point is that I eat a basic varied diet, so don't need surgery to help me loose weight). My problem is my inability to exercise.

I think I was trying to kid myself that I am this big because I don't exercise, which I know is true, but if that is the case, regardless of the fact that I don't over eat by normal standards, then I must still need to cut my food intake from what it is anyway.

I have six children and three grandchildren and I don't want to die and leave my kids on their own (although they see their father from time to time, he could not take them on - or at least the two youngest - the others are working or live away from home). I want to be there for them. I am sick of sitting indoors day after day with the blinds closed as I am too ashamed to go out, and pretending that I don't mind being a recluse. I want to get out there and make friends and enjoy what time I have left, and I personally think that this is the only way to do it.

I just hope they won't turn me away because I am disabled, and that they will see my reasoning for wanting it done. If my GP won't refer me, then I will see my HMS specialist, and see if he will do it.

I've not told anyone in my family yet that I want this done, as they will try and persuade me not to.

I'm so inspired by some of the stories on here, and hope I may find a few friends along the way so that we can share stories and encourage each other.

 

[Goingforgold]

Hi Gerry

I had a gastric bypass 3 1/2 weeks ago. I am sure i could have got it on the NHS if i had stuck around and fought for it but i couldn't be bothered with all the hassle so just went privately.

There is a website called BOSPA that will tell you alot more about RNY gastric bypass and tell you of the criteria you will have to meet in your area.

I don't regret having the bypass at all, but it is not as easy as i thought. I am still picking at bits of food, even though i should be on fluids only still and my head is screaming at me to eat but there are no signs of hunger!!

The procedure it self is ok and i was only in real pain once after the op. I have felt discomfort for a week or so after but thats it.

There are a few weightloss surgeries, i would suggest you research like mad and find the one that suits you. There is a surgery called the Duodenal switch, this seems to give the greater weightloss and the less likelihood of regain, but the regime after is very strict with diet, vitamins etc.

There are quite a few people on here who have had WLS who can give you more advise.
Just ask away if you have any questions.

Ruth x x

 

[Gerry]

Hi Ruth,

I really thought I had replied to your post, but it seems I must have hit the wrong button and it got lost in the depths of cyberspace somewhere.

Anyhow, thank you for your reply. I have been on the BOSPA site you mentioned and bookmarked it and been reading through. It seems that in my area they follow the 'General NICE guidelines', although I wasn't sure if the section I was reading to see what the 'NICE Guidelines' were, was the right section to give me the details of the guidelines (if that waffle makes sense). It seems that they will accept you (if I'm reading this right) if you have a BMI of over 40. Mine is 46.4 according to the BMI calculator on that site. I guess that means that I may stand a chance.

I have also been searching out as much information as I can find on the internet about Gastric bypass and reading through the posts on this site. It's great to hear from people who have actually been through it. I feel you can learn more than what the medical professionals tell you. The friend I was at school with told me that there were things they didn't tell her they would be doing, before the op that she found out afterwards or during her stay in hospital. Those are the things I want to know about. Things like Barium meals, enemas, tubes down the throat, a needle in the neck during the op . Those bits worry me, but no one seems to mention them.

Anyway, as I said previously, I have taken the first step and made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow at 10am. I just hope she will refer me and that I can get it done on the NHS. My friend did, and she doesn't have anywhere near the ammount of health problems I have, so I am hoping that I will stand a chance, but also that they won't refuse me because of my health problems.

I'll let you know what the GP says tomorrow.

Gerry

 

[Goingforgold]

Hi Gerry

If your area is the NICE guidelines then you fit them perfectly, but it can still be a struggle with many hoops to jump through, but seeing your Gp is a good start. Do you have a supportive gp? mine is terrible, she does not have a clue about wls, and she refused all treatment pre and post op as i was going private she washed her hands off me..i am now struggling to get my medication that i need as she is refusing to give me a prescription. I had to pay £500 for a private prescription!!

The only nasty thing i remember about after the surgery was the gastragraffin, you have to swallow this foul liquid under xray so they can make sure there are no leaks. I never had tubes down my throat, or lines in my neck. I know if you have DS surgery then they can put a tube down your throat to take the contents from your stomach (i think). When you get to see your surgeon you can ask him all this and they will tell you everything.

Have you had a look at any other forums? There are a couple that are all about weightloss surgery and you will get a lot more replys about any of your concerns.

Look forward to hearing how you got on with your Gp.

Take care

Ruth x x

 

[Gerry]

Hi Ruth,

That's awful of your GP to do that to you. Could you not change your GP or see another GP in the same practice?

Are you allowed to say on here what these other forums are? I don't want to break any rules or get anyone else to do so by mentioning them if it's not allowed. Is there a private message function on this site? I can't see one.

I really don't know how I'd cope having to swallow some gruesome liquid. Just thinking about it after reading your message makes my throat constrict. I have a phobia about vomiting (not good when you consider I am hoping to have surgery that may well cause just that, although hopefully it will make me much more conscious of what I try to eat in order to prevent it).

Gerry

 

[Taz]

I do know that if you are a certain size they have to put in the airway BEFORE putting you under if they believe there to be a problem in doing it after. This is definately something you will need to discuss with the surgeons if you have a phobia of things in your throat.

My friend is trying to get a gastric band fitted and was previously turned down by our local PCT as she 'didn't meet the criteria as she doesn't yet have diabetes.' !!?? I was shocked by this statement! They have since written to her saying they have changed their criteria and now the patient only has to have a BMI of over 50 so it looks like she may get it afterall. Hopefully it will be this straightforward for you too

 

[Gerry]

... the patient only has to have a BMI of over 50 so it looks like she may get it afterall....

I take it she is not in one of the areas covered by the 'General NICE Guidelines' then? If she is, she should argue the point. My BMI is 46.4 and according to the BOSPA site, I should be eligible just because of my BMI. I just hope my disabilities don't cause problems though.

I told one of my daughter's today, the reason why I am going to the doctors tomorrow. She was ok about it and understands why I want to do it.

I know I wouldn't be able to have the airway put in before I was off to sleep. It was having something similar done to me as a child (being put to sleep for an operation by having a mask forcibly held over my face at the age of six) that has left me with a life long fear of masks over my face. I can just about cope with a clear plastic oxygen mask, but the big black rubber ones - forget it Other (similar but not the same) reasons why I have such a strong gagging reflex and why I would never be able to go through with something like that, so all questions to ask at the initial consultation I guess (assuming my GP will refer me and I get as far as an 'initial consultation'.

I'm already feeling very positive towards it, and hope I am able to keep that positive outlook.

Strangely enough, just a few months ago, I was seriously considering ending my life, because I didn't feel I could go on living like this any longer (not trying to sound dramatic, I honestly didn't feel that my quality of life was worth it). Now I feel like I have chosen to live because I feel I have an avenue of light available and I really want to go ahead with this. I feel like it is the only way I can live - by doing something drastic. I feel that if I can do this, then I can do anything and this will be the start of my life instead of the end of it. I feel so positive about it, and although in the past I have not really been keen on the idea, I am now more positive about it than ever, especially after reading up on it so much and knowing someone who has had the operation. I realise now that I have my children and grandchildren, and that there is more out there for me that I can enjoy and explore if I could only get about more, and loosing the weight is the way to do that. I don't think I have ever been so positive about anything before in my life.

Lets hope the first step - the visit to the GP to request the referral - goes ok tomorrow morning.

Watch this space.

Gerry

 

[DQ]

Just wanted to say hi Gerry and wish you well for your appointment tomorrow morning :vibes:

 

[Taz]

I'm afraid I don't know what NICE is or whether it covers the Bristol area but I thought the original letter turning her down for the band was disgusting. Now that they have changed their criteria it means she doesn't have to develop a lifelong condition first! Good luck for tomorrow, keep us updated x

 

[Gerry]

DQ - Thank you for your reply and for the good wishes for my appointment. Only thing I am worried about is that I will get in the surgery and forget everything I want to say to the GP. I usually go in with a list as I have such a bad memory. Think I will have to get scribbling before I go.

Taz - NICE is the National Institute for Clical Excellence, and they published the guidelines in 2006 that many PCT's (although sadly not all) usually follow in allowing surgery to be made available to patients who need it. If you Google BOSPA and go to the Information section, you will be able to read more about it. I've looked up Bristol and it says: NICE Guidelines criteria with priority given to patients with BMI over 35 with type 2 diabetes in age range 18-45.

I'm of to write my 'notes' and will report back later - fingers crossed

Gerry

 

[Goingforgold]

Hi Gerry

For some reason i can not send you a PM with the websites and i am sure i am not allowed to write websites up here. I will try and email you.

Good luck for today and look forward to hearing what your Gp says.

Ruth x x

 

[Gerry]

Hi Ruth - I think you are unable to PM me the links because I'm a new member. I can't see anything on my screen that shows I can even get PM's. I tried to PM you with my email addy, but I can't do that either I'd rather not put my email addy on the site for all the scammers to nab either, so will set up a mail box and post it here. Once you have replied, I'll ditch it (after giving you a way to contact me - what a performance!). Thanks for helping - much appreciated.

Gerry

 

[Gerry]

Back from the Doctors

Well, I'm just back from seeing the GP and she was very positive. I told her that at the moment I have a flare up with my HMS and that I'm constantly falling over because my knee gives out. I also told her that virtually every doctor I've ever seen has said to me "have you ever though about loosing weight" :cry:and that although I had been referred years ago to see someone about having a balloon put in my stomach, that at that time I really wasn't keen on it, but that since then I have put on yet more weight, and now I want to seriously do something about it.

She totally understood, and said that she would have to apply for the funding, but that I had come at just the right time, as tomorrow is when they get their new budget, so I couldn't have come at a better time . She warned that there it will take a few months, but she agreed that it would be a good idea and that she was not against me having it done as she could see that I needed it for my health.

I have to phone her on 21st April as she is away for the next couple of weeks, but is going to send off about the funding and write to my HMS consultant (who has recommended on numerous occasions that I need to loose weight) and by the time I phone she hopes she may have heard something back, so all looking pretty positive.

Two of my elder daughters and my husband know now, and they all seem ok with it. I'm just not mentioning anything to anyone I know personally whom I think might try and persuade me not to have it done. Unfortunately that means my eldest daughter. Whilst I'm not worried about her knowing, I know she will mention it to her husband, who will then tell his mother. I've never met the woman, but she has said some really unkind things about me in the past, such as "She's not disabled, she's just a fat lazy scrounger" etc. :cry::cry: If I heard that she'd said something like that then I really would phone her up and tear her off a strip. She knows nothing about me or everything I have had to go through in my life, including years spent in hospital as a child, and relentless bullying at school and in the workplace because of my condition.

Anyway the GP said she thought it was a good idea in my situation and was pleased that I was so positive about it.

So, I just have to see how my knee goes, and give the GP a call in a couple of weeks.

Will let you know what happens next.

Gerry

 

[Goingforgold]

Hi Gerry

That is fantastic news. It is so reassuring to have such a kind GP like that, one who actually cares about you.
Well all looks positive for you and hopefully, within the next 6 months, maybe you will be on the losing side.

If you do a google search for "wls forums" you come up with a few hits. they are very good and informative, especially about gastric bypass.

Take care
Ruth

 

[Gerry]

Many thanks for the hint Ruth, have found what you meant. Shame it's a pay site. I think that puts people off.

Thanks for your kind words and support too - very much appreciated.

Have you had a GBP yourself or banding or something else?

Hope I'm not being too nosey.

Gerry

 

[Taz]

I'm so pleased that your docs visit was so possitive, hope you get approved for the funding.

 

[Gerry]

Thank you Taz. I hope so too.

Gerry

 

[Goingforgold]

I think i just deleted a post...if not, sorry if this is duplicated...

There is a website you can use without paying, its called wlsfriends. You can get loads of info here.