Oh hun - that does seem like an awfully long time, and it can be so disheartening to be told that it is so far down the line.
Please never give up hope, sometimes in life hope is all we have, so please dont give up.
Are you sure this "other member" has their info right? Maybe they heard wrong or passing on the message wrong - like a game of chinese whispers? Maybe the wait is for 3 years for her, maybe she has extra tests, funding or more weight to lose??
Dont give up until you hear it from the surgeon's own mouth.
Stay positive. xxxxxxxxxx
Can you ask your GP to refer you to another hospital? They know your medical history and how you need this operation so they may be open to referring you elsewhere once they hear the timescale you have been quoted.
The other thing you have to remember Bonny (although you may not think it right now) is this: How long have you lived at the weight you are now? Personally i was fat for 26 years so in the big picture another 3 years wouldn't have made that much difference...
Keep your chin up girl, it might seem like ages but it does come round quick enough. Use the waiting time to learn all you need to know xx