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I think this is my last resort

R

RainbowRose

New Member
:cry: I've posted a rather depressing message in another section. I'm so unhappy at failing at only my 2nd week..I've never given up so easily or quickly in the past.

My weight is now affecting my health and state of mind, can't shake off the depression I've fallen into.

For the first time, I am now considering a gastric band, I don't even know my docs thoughts on this, but I'm ready to ask if I can be considered. Are they carried out on the NHS? I always believed it was a private procedure? Sorry haven't read enough in this section to know all the answers to my questions!

I just can't get any motivation or self belief, which isn't really like me. I once lost over 5 stone with willpower, but put it all back on and then some! The lightbulb switched on back then, but it just isn't happening this time at all. :eek:

I'm sure it isn't an easy decision, but I am seriously thinking its my last resort and my last hope.

Could someone give me some feedback on their experience? Thankyou.
 
We are all here for the same reason - we couldnt diet on our own. Yes Gastric Bands are carried out on the NHS - funding is dependant on your BMI + co morbidities (blood pressure, PCOS, diabetes, sleep apnea etc). First step is to have a chat with your GP and he/she will refer you on to a hospital who performs these procedures. Good luck and keep posting
 
if your bmi is over 40 then you qualify for nhs funding, make an appointment with your gp and tell him how you feel and that you would like to be refered.

liz x
 
Hi, there are lots of us here in a similar position to you. Do some research and then I agree with Liz go and see your GP.

When I went to see mine I was so unhappy I actually cried at her and she didnt know what to do. I dont know what your height is but if you meet the BMI criteria your GP should refer you to someone you can at least discuss this with whether or not you go ahead.

Good Luck
xx
 
Thankyou so much ladies. I will make that appointment and see what his thoughts are. My BMI is 45.9, so hopefully i'll be an ideal candidate!

Sorry for all the questions but I expect there is a long waiting list?..and how long is the surgery? (bit scared!)
 
Hi Rose...welcome to the swl section of Minis.

I went private for my band only because once I decided for certain that I wanted to go ahead and have the banding done I didn't want to wait for months. I have to get on with things once I've made a decision (impatience I think it's commonly known as :rolleyes:)

it is the very last option for most of us, but have a read through the section...you'll get lots of information on different procedures, success stories and of course if you have any questions just shout...there's always someone around to help :D

good luck xx
 
again it depends entirely on which hospital you get referred to - I believe the surgery is about an hour. There are lots who do the op as a day case so you can go home after you have recovered from the anesthetic. Good luck and make that appt!
 
Hi, the timescale seems to vary greatly depending which PCT you're in and all sorts of other factors. I was advised 18 weeks from seeing the consultant.

X
 
Ooh I was told banding op would be approx 45mins-60 mins and that a bypass would normally be about 90mins as long as there's no complications and that would be keyhole not open.
 
I can understand what you are saying. I almost got to the point of being scared to diet as another failed diet usually mean't another stone gained! Another failure would have broken me and when I decided to have the bypass my family asked if I wanted to try a good diet one more time and I just replied I don't think in my heart I can fail again and they knew I was right (seeing as their all skinny and watched me struggle all my life!.) The operations available are by no means an easy option, I in myself at one point even believed these types of operations were "cheating" however I can safely say two and a half weeks in it's the best decision I have ever made, i finally don't feel hungry and my brain isn't thinking food yay! Each nhs availability depends on different pct's it's a post code lottery. I had mine done privately as the pct in hampshire is BMI of 60 or two co-morbidities which I have none. Take time to look at some of the websites regarding the operations, I found bospa to be a good one your pct will also be listed there. You will also see the different types on operations available and you need to be honest about which one will work best for you. A specialised bariatric doctor will ask you questions and advice which he thinks will work best for you and it's always worth taking note of that especially those that do revision surgery, they have seen it all before!

I hope this helps slightly your not alone!

Clare x
 
Hi RainbowRose, you sound exactly like I am. I've managed to lose weight in the past but never kept it off and its gone back on plus more. My surgeon said to me that we can all lose the weight we just can't keep it off without a little help. I am waiting for my surgery date and its the best decision i've ever made. I knew I couldn't do it anymore, my knees hurt and i'm only 25. I'm so young and I want to get married and have children etc etc and I got into that vicious circle and my GP pulled me out of it. I would never have suggested surgery, i'm too chicken and i always think no-one will give me the time of day but this whole experience has opened my eyes and I haven't even had the surgery yet!! Good Luck to you and keep you're head up high, you're moving in the right direction and it takes balls just to say you need help with your weight. Everyone here will be supporting you the whole way. Love Laura xxx
 
Definitely go and see your GP. Before I went I made a list of my health problems, family medical history and so forth. I knew I probably would need to refer to it and I did. My GP was fantastic and spoke at length with me and referred me to the hospital. I have to jump through numerous hoops to go via the NHS but it is worth it to me.
 
Hi RR

My PCT (Central Lancashire) funds people with a BMI of 50+ with no co-morbidities and over 40 with co-morbidities. In spite of the NICE guidelines, it does seem to be a postcode lottery.

Have a look at this thread (it may give you a start):

http://www.minimins.com/surgical-weight-loss/66792-nhs-funding-surgery-where-start.html

Approach your GP with all the info and if s/he doesn't seem willing to help - see another GP if your surgery has a few. Some GPs think the weight loss surgery is a 'new' thing and they are not all aware of the necessary criteria.

I think a common bit advice we would all give is - DO NOT GIVE UP! There are many hurdles but the journey is worth it! I am under three weeks post op, losing weight and feeling better than I have in years.

Lots of luck and keep us updated!

Lx
 
Good luck with whatever you decide :)
 
Oh wow!

what wonderful advice you have ALL given me.

I am feeling confused as in
I've done it before, I'll do it again mode
BUT
then my inner self says, you need help and a push in the right direction!

The more replies i read on here, the more convinced I am.
I am embarrased to mention it to the doctor, worried he'll say no..just get on with a healthy eating plan etc!!!!
BUT
I've thought, a red face is better than never having asked about the possibility, so..my appointment is made for next Tuesday morning :eek:

If it all goes well on tuesday, I don't mind waiting, as long as one day, I can feel and look better and be around for a long time to watch my young son grow up!

I'm going for a long soak in a bubble bath this evening, for a long think in peace and quiet and try to reach a decision as to what's my best plan of action...even if my doc doesn't think gastric band IS for me, he might be able to help me somehow..watch this space LOL
 
Last edited:
hi welcome. ivelived on a ladder for as long as i can remember you know one step down two steps up. i told my doc. i couldent take anymore and i never wanted to hear the word diet mentioned again. he was great and said hed refare me for a bypass right away. its been 10 months now (seems like 10 years) but ive been all through the procediar and now just wating for my date which cant come soon enough. was told a month ago im near top of list so cant be long now . good luck on watever you decide.......kath
 
Go for it!! See your gp and talk to him/her about how depressed you're feeling after each failed diet. Doing this is the 1st step on the swl ladder. You'll get all the help and advice you need here so don't feel alone in your journey. Talk to us and we'll all be there for you.
I'm a bander of almost 10 weeks and have got no regrets at all.The weight loss is slower than with the bypass but I'm happy with how its going for me.
 
Thanks again for all your replies.

Woke up today feeling loads better and will go along to the docs next week as planned, and take it from there.

Whether I leave with a referral or just some good advice and encouragement remains to be seen, but at least its an appointment to address my concerns and feelings. :)
 
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