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[gemmas85]

hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone had their op's done abroard? i was supposed to getting mine done on the nhs but was told even though i was entitled to the op i'm not gonnna get it as my bmi isnt high enough, so im thinking of having it done privately in cyprus as that is where i currently live. Has anyone got any advice

 

[dreamofbeingslim]

hi and welcome i can't help i am afraid having mine on nhs hopefully someone will be along to help soon

 

[gemmas85]

thanks sharron. I hope so. I'm really nervous about all of this. I was gutted when i was told i needed to put on weight if i wanted the nhs to do it

 

[dreamofbeingslim]

that is terrible when people are told that

 

[phatmomma]

Hi Gemma and welcome to the group.

I know a lot of people don't recommend going abroad purely because of after care etc.....

Can you just clarify what you mean by 'i'm entitled to it on the nhs but my bmi isn't high enough'?

Do you mean you're a British Passport holder but you aren't heavy enough? Sorry to ask but you haven't got much statistics on your profile...

Just wondering what your bmi is now, do you have comorbidities and where you normally live (which primary care trust) when you are in the UK?

 

[BIG KIM]

Hello and welcome xx

 

[gemmas85]

my situation is complicated. i live in cyprus but under the nhs as we live in a british forces base. the docs have said even though my BMI is over 40 i am entitled to the op but they wont do it coz its not over 50. or thats the excuse they're giving me

 

[galm37]

Hi Gemma
I know the guidelines are for people with a BMI of 40+ but my PCT has just changed this in November. My mum was going through the process and had completed her 6 months with the dietician and should have been referred to the surgeon in Sep 09. Because the dietician did this too late and with the policy changes to now only being eligable with a BMI of 50+ she has had to go to appeal.
It really does depend on your PCT, the post code lottery strikes again.

 

[rybens]

Welcome, hope you get some good advice on having the op out of the uk x

 

[gemmas85]

thanks everyone. i have had cheap enough quotes from here in cyprus its about 2-3000 cheaper over here n it is easire me having it done here because of travelling. I'll just have to see what happens

 

[bobo]

welcome , sorry to here that hopefully you will get sorted , my bmi is 49.4 i would be devasted if i was turned away , before my appointment with the dietician my gp was really keen on me not loosing any weight. which was really easy for me to do lol , good luck with it all xx

 

[gemmas85]

been to a surgoen over here today and he can fit me in next week for 11000 euro's. i dont know wot to do

 

[galm37]

Hi Gemma

Have you done any research into this surgeon? Successes etc.

It's not a long time to get your head around what having this operation actually will mean for the rest of your life.

I know that via the NHS you see a psychologist to discuss your weight and the op.

Personally, I'd want to do some research on the surgeon first as WLS isn't just about the operation.

 

[gemmas85]

i've been seen by an NHS surgeon and after him getting my hopes up saying i was eligible for the op i was then told my bmi wasn't hight enough for them to perform the op. i cant raise the cash by next week anyway

 

[cindy1]

Hi and welcome.

Find out as much as you can about the surgeon before you decide anything.

I would think after care would be ok though as I was on hols in Cyprus once and was very unwell with the worst cold I have ever had and went to see the pharmasist and they were brill and the stuff they gave did wonders and I felt as right as rain the next day.

All the best in getting what you want.

 

[Sturgeonke]

Welcome. I have found this forum to be really helpful although I haven't posted much. Reading other peoples experience and advice has been fantastic.

 

[gemmas85]

thanks. this surgeon is USA trained been doing this for 10 yrs. over 1000 ops, he usually operates on cypriots because the exchange rate is so poor at the min. i just dont know how to find out anything else

 

[dottychic]

Hi,
Im new here but just wanted to say be very careful. I know how desperate you can feel with a life long weight problem, I have been overweight all my life, but just make sure you don't rush into anything. Please do some research first. Take care and Good Luck x

 

[gemmas85]

Thanks evryone, coming on here has helped me lots and given me some good advice