First appointment at St Richard's Hospital

[shar0n]

Hi everyone,

I received my first appointment in the post yesterday, for the 21st September. I have to go to the Loxwood Centre at St Richards Hospital in Chichester, for a morning of comprehensive assessment with several members of their team and in the afternoon to agree on a treatment plan for me. I am so happy to finally have contact with the hospital. Anyone know if by treatment plan they mean which surgery will suit me? I wonder how long after this appointment things will take, so excited. Anyone had this appointment lately got any advice or information for me I would be grateful. Thanks.

 

[shelleymarie]

I'm not sure if they discuss which surgery until you've seen your surgeon too? Are you meeting him today? they will certainly take the information today into consideration for your surgery, and I imagine they will talk to you about which surgery you want. I'm at Chichester today for my post op check but I not sure if I will go to the Loxwood Centre, I might see you if I do. Good luck for today! Hopefully it won't be long now before you get a date x

 

[sallyp43]

Yes, everything is decided including your type of surgery on that date, i had my op 4 weeks after that appointment

 

[shar0n]

That sounds amazing Sally, thank you!!!.

Shelly my appointment is only on the 21st of September, but thanks hun. How are you feeling now?

 

[Slimmingnix]

Hi Sharon,
I believe PCT's & hospitals have different procedures and stages.
After my group intro meeting, I had a letter saying I had a meeting with the "bariatric team" at the hospital, and it was actually just a meeting with a surgeon, asking various questions.
The usual really, about your history of weight loss/gain, your medical history, family history, lifestyle etc.
A very brief medical check. (pulse rate, stomach etc)
It is also the opportunity to ask any medical questions you may have about surgery.
Generally the surgeon told me what procedure he thought was right for me.
I am meeting the dieticians in a few weeks time, so will discuss diet related questions then.
The whole meeting took about 50minutes.
I hope this helps.
SNx

 

[Fading Grace]

Hi Shar0n,
Great news about your date! I met the lovely sallyp43 on my pre op date and we spent the whole day meeting the team, getting weighed and measured etc..
At the end of the day a bunch of us were called into a room like on X Factory and told that we'd all be having gastric bypasses :8855:
They will discuss with you on the day the best option for you, and Sally and I had our ops within a month of our meeting. Good luck with everything :happy036:

 

[shar0n]

Thanks for the feedback. I am so excited now and cant wait.

 

[Taryntula]

hi Sharon,
I'm at St. Richards on the 21st September too, can't wait it's taken over 2 years to get to this stage
Regards Rachel

 

[funky24]

i was there for first appointment 31st august, they are lovely down there! iv been told i can have a bypass within 3 months and just have to wait for THE call with dates....hope its not gonna be much longer???lol good luck xxx

 

[Pip1]

Dont worry - you will be ok!!!

Hi Shar0n,

Hope this helps....

I had my pre-op assessment on 12th July 2013 at St Richard's. My 1st time there... and I got there a bit early (0820) parking was very easy and close to the Loxwood Centre, and the reception was open. Receptionist was very welcoming and friendly - and after a few minutes I was asked to fill in a form to confirm my contact details etc and they asked for an email address (they set you up on an online contact site). I was then weighed cry and had my height checked by the receptionist.

Then a few more "customers" arrived... all like me - looking "scared?" and uncertain... but within about 10mins, I was called into see the specialist nurse and so the "fun" started. Basically after that, we all took it in turns to see the nurse, dietician, psychologist, doctor, and then the anaesthetist. Basically they go through what surgery YOU think you want, and what THEY suggest (usually the same!) and ask lots of friendly questions to ensure you really are aware of what surgery entails (both pre and post-op). They don't try and trip you up or are trying to "fail" you etc. Its not an interview or a grilling... so don't panic!

Then by about 12-1ish (depending on where you on the list!)... they send you off for lunch and ask you to come back at 2pm. On the day I was there I went upstairs to the lovely cafeteria (I resisted the temptation to have chips !!!) and then watched the Red Arrows performing (for the nearby Goodwood Festival of Speed)... it passed the time and kept my mind off everything.

MEANWHILE - they all have a conference and discuss you in a group and confirm if they think you are fit both mentally and physically for the operation.

Went back at 2... got called in and I saw the dietician who gave me the GOOD news that I WAS a good candidate for the surgery of my choice (Bypass) and then I went and saw a Dr from the Consultant's team to discuss the surgery and get the final tick!!!

I left St Richard's just after 3pm.

I have to say that ALL the staff were very friendly and non-threatening or judgemental. I was a little nervous but they all put me at ease and found them helpful, professional and friendly. Made it SO much easier. Also - I got chatting with the ladies who were also going through the same... so it was good to chat, pass the time and have a laugh at all our issues etc... was good fun chatting to like minded people who are going through the same!!

Anyhow - they gave me no operation date ... and said they would be in touch etc... so its now a "waiting game". While I was in the car park I saw a guy who was 2days post-op. Had a great chat... he said he got his op 6wks after the 1st appointment. I am now today (9th Aug) 4wks on. I cant wait... Hoping mine will be the same, as I hate being in limbo (esp. after waiting nearly 2yrs!!!!) Every time the phone rings, every letter delivered - Im on tender hooks!!!

PS - I go to a regular fitness session and one guy there got his referral letter, questionnaire and food diary etc from St Richards 2 weeks ago, and was told that if he hurries up and sends them in asap, he will get his 1st appointment at the start of Sept and an op in December??? So Im hoping as Im "in front of him" I will at least be able to start 2014 a lot slimmer. New Year - new start!!!

I do hope this helps and will offer you some comfort. Its not as scary as you may think. If you are like me, you've been through enough rollercoasters of disappointments etc and promises from Doctors etc... and have already jumped through many hoops... so it wasn't as worrying as I feared.

GOOD LUCK...
Pip x

Hi everyone,

I received my first appointment in the post yesterday, for the 21st September. I have to go to the Loxwood Centre at St Richards Hospital in Chichester, for a morning of comprehensive assessment with several members of their team and in the afternoon to agree on a treatment plan for me. I am so happy to finally have contact with the hospital. Anyone know if by treatment plan they mean which surgery will suit me? I wonder how long after this appointment things will take, so excited. Anyone had this appointment lately got any advice or information for me I would be grateful. Thanks.

 

[Taryntula]

Hi Pip,

Remember that day like it was yesterday great and informative response.
Shar0n and I had the bypass op last December as it was a year ago we attended that first MDT appointment. Wanted to wish you luck on your journey, they are all fabulous down at St Richards including the nursing staff on the big day. We waited just over 2 months from that first appt. to surgery, although since January everyone else I'd spoken to waited 3 months as they were a consultant down, where Guy had started a new centre.