Hi Mary.
I have found this site hugely helpful.  I am 3 days post op, and I was also told I am not fat enough to qualifiy for NHS, hence I went private too.  It's ridiculous really that you have to wait untill you are in a higher risk bracket before being considered.  I have borrowed the cash, and I know its alot, however if I had a million in the bank I would have used it to fund this.  I wish you well, if it's anything like me, as soon as I made the decision and committment I was in within 3 weeks.  I am excited for you, let us know how it goes.