Newbie !

[Billie.x]

Hi everyone,
Im totally new to this I will tell you a little about me !
I've battled with weight for as long as i can remember, tried every diet known to man, currently weigh 22.8lbs at 5'11 bmi around 43.
Been thinking about a gastric band for a while now, went to the doc a few days ago and asked, he said he needed to find out some more info and would call me.
So he rang and said I met all requirements apart from that i needed to have diabetes or a sleep condition, which i don't have
So I have done some research and found a policy, Clinical Commissioning Policy:
Complex and Specialised
Obesity Surgery
and it does not say about the diabetes or sleep problem.. So don't really know what to do :s
Really want this done but cant afford it private I':cry:m at my last straw..Suffering with depression and this is really affecting me mentally, not leaving the house etc.. :cry:
Going to have a read through this forum and see if there is anyone else with a similar problem..
Thanks
Billie
xx

 

[los in it]

hello and welcome Billie
I wish I could help but im sure others on here can answer your question better
all I can add is that I understand each pct does it different so far mine (Barts and the London)have been ok did all the tests they asked for all gone ok
I wish you the best in everything

 

[sarahrob]

Hello Billie, and welcome!

My doctor all but laughed when I discussed wls on the NHS, told me that unless I had co-morbs like diabetes I had no chance, so I went private.
My BMI was over 50 at the time, and I'm pretty sure that, had I pushed for it, funding would have been available (though potentially for a bypass rather than band, so I'm sorta glad it went the way it did!).

Get your GP to apply - the worst that can happen is a refusal and there's a chance you might get a yes. If your GP flat refuses then find another GP who is willing to apply. The NHS route is a long and tough one, be prepared to fight your corner.

Good luck! x

 

[Billie.x]

Hi
Thanks for your replys
I'm going to go back to the GP and get him to apply.
I know it's going to be a long process but it's my last resort so hope I can get some where.
I'm desperate for it I'm looking into private clinics what do finance for the procedure so I could pay it monthly ! It's just getting the cash in one go that's the problem.
Thanks guys
Xxxx

 

[Big Dave D]

Hi Billie, welcome. Whereabouts in the country are you? I'm saddened by the fact that your GP seems non-supportive. They've got nothing to lose though - it doesn't come out of their funding. All they need to do is complete the paperwork and send it off. End of.

Try and convince him to at least try - I think you deserve that. Remember, the GP works for you; not the other way around, so make him earn his money.

I didn't have any co-morbidities, or at least, not the 'official' ones. I do have hypertension, but that's all. My BMI when I saw my GP was 43.0 and I was approved, so it is possible.

Remember also that you can actually be referred anywhere now - you don't necessarily have to stick to your local PCT. For example, someone who lives very close to me in West London is seeing a consultant dermatologist in East London, purely because he specialises in her condition so she asked for a referral to a hospital about 35 miles away. It wasn't an issue.

Billie, all the best for whatever you choose. We're here to support you.

David..x

 

[Billie.x]

Thank you for your kind reply.
I'm in essex !
I'm going to make a appointment and try and get him to refer me !
Fingers crossed. I will keep you updated
Xx

 

[PokeyKoala]

Hi Billie,

Just saying welcome - can't comment on the NHS process as I went private - I don't have any co-morbidities so I wouldn't have qualified - healthy as a flea, albeit a fat flea.

Anyway, I do know that some private places offer payment plans to help out patients and by-pass costs vary from provider to provider - the lowest I've seen on here is about £5k and highest £11k It's definitely worth doing some Googling or ringing around should you not get the funding.

Good Luck!!

 

[Crystalrainbow]

Hi Hunni I had my gastric band fitted on the NHS in feb it took 3 years to get there but was well worth the wait ....... the only way you will know is if your GP applies for you.......... I know everything's changed now, the money comes from one pot now (i believe) so it can make it a little more difficult. I didn't have diabetes or sleep apnea although i did have ME chronic fatigue. Like you i didn't leave home, a mixture of weight, illness, depression, anxiety, panic blah blah ....... Is there another doctor (more understanding one) who u could see?
I happened to go for appointment one day, saw someone different and he offered to send me LOL where as all the others had either given me pills or sent me off to WW LOL

If you do manage to get refereed its a long old process, and funding is agreed someway down the line.............. i think my funding was approved September last year despite being in the system for over 2 years lol But all areas work differently some are much quicker Just keep your fingers crossed.............. x x x in the meantime hunni keep posting here, the forum is full of supportive folks all willing to help x x x

 

[Ginnywinny]

Hi Billie,

Just wanted to say hi. Its sounds like we are quite similar, I am 5ft 10 and 22 stone and I know how hard it is being this weight. I wish all the best with your journey to get surgery.

Ginny x