Im at the very beginning.

[purplefluffything]

Llike the heading says I am at the beginning of searching out WLS and I'm hoping to get lots of info from all of those that are way ahead of me and even had their surgery.

So far I have only been to my GP he is currently enquiring for me to have gastric banding on the NHS, he has told me what a strict critera it is and the waiting list long, he said I may have a slim chance due to my dissabilitys and health problems.

One thing is niggling me though, I have got an Intrathecal pump for chronic pain, this is a pump which is implanted into a pocket in my tummy and conected to this is a cathter the other end of the cathter is connected to my spine to give me 24/7 pain relief, I also have to take quite a few oral medications.
Taking oral medication with a gastric band would this hinder me having a one?
I would love to hear about all the pro's and con's the do's and don't of having this surgery.

If I fail to get on on the NHS My husband and I are seriously thinking of going private somehow, although this would be tight for us as I had to give up work 7 yrs ago and now recieve dissability benifits.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Well done to all of you x

Diana x

 

[quetiapina]

Hi Diana, I have my op in a couple of days at Dolan Park near Bromsgrove. I have had to go private as where I live do only 12 ops a year. I did a lot of research and the Hospital Group seems to be the cheapest on their "Why go abroad" package, which at your BMI is £4,950. I have to take a lot of oral meds as I have severe Bipolar disorder. The surgeon, Mr Sigurdson, said there would be no probs with this and the band - although obviously I haven't tried this out yet.

Hope this is of some use. There are a lot of people on this forum with a whole wealth of knowledge so you have come to the right place.x

 

[Sambucca]

hi Diana and welcome to Minimins.

The first place I would refer anyone to who is considering WLS is www.bospa.org

Here you will find your local area criteria, and be able to understand a bit more abotu the different procedures.

I do not know if your pain relief medication will help or hinder your chances, sorry. Someone a bit more knowledgable will no doubt come and offer advice soon.

xx

 

[serenitylove]

hi and welcome you wont have a problem with your oral meds as to your pump thingy i dont know depends what part of your stomach its on id think as banding doesnt surgically change your stomach just bands near the top id think it was easily possible id say make sure elect for the right surgical team if you go nhs ones that specialise in harder cases which yours may be

 

[cazbandy]

Hello and Welcome...

Hope all goes well on your journey. I don't think I am qualified to advise weather this surgery is right for you or not.

I am sure someone might have a better idea....

 

[Mrs_CakeyBun]

Just wanted to say hello and welcome

 

[tendersage]

Hi and welcome to mini's i can't say whether your painkiller pump will affect your chances, but if losing weight would help ease the pain then it could benefit you.

 

[teen]

Just like to say WELCOME

 

[Silversurfer]

Hi Fluffy

I'd have to agree with Serenity, if you have a particular need and are going to pay privately, then find the right surgeon that specialises in difficult cases, dont just go for the price, remember this is a big deal and spending a bit more to get it right may save you more longer term !

Sorry cant offer any advice about your med pump, but given the complications it could be a case that the NHS might not want to touch you ! then your only choice is private !

 

[Craftyfox]

Hiya! Diane and welcome.:welcome2:
Someone here is bound to be able to help you I'm sure, I'm not a bander so I can't.
But hang on in there.

 

[thinkbethin]

Hi there, I dont know about your pump but as for the oral meds you should have no problems. Your GP will change your pills for liquids so you can still get the meds you need but as I said, in liquid form.
Good luck xx Gaynor xx

 

[purplefluffything]

Hello to all here that replyed to me. Thank you, I will get back to you but right now I hurt to much to sit here due to me posting another thread just like this one because I did not think this one was posted so now there is another just like this one:sign0007:
Thank you again x