paying for surgery

[cando]

HI Guys, you are all amazing. I need this band done. I Cannot get a loan, any ideas anyone?

Thnak you

 

[elffie01]

hiya

Have you approached your GP ? that might be the first step, if they offer you a referral then you wont need a loan. Your GP will know if you fit the criteria too

 

[cando]

Hi there, yes I have tried my gp. He says the PCT wont fund me.

I need some creative ideas about getting the money together.

Thnak you anyway

 

[Fashionably Late]

Have you contacted the PCT to find out if this is true? Many times, GP's don't have a clue. Otherwise, you would need to find a second job or something to start saving the pounds for the surgery as it isn't just the surgery that costs but the fills for the life of the band.

 

[elffie01]

Did he give a reason as to why they wont fund you ?
im sorry Im not up on all the criteria etc, as Im just starting along the journey. Did you check what it was in your area ? as each area is different. Not sure your circumstances but he should have given you a reason as to why he thinks they wont fund you. Check out BOSPA website for your PCT area criteria. Some GPs get a bit protective over the funding Im sure and think they know better ( maybe some cases they do) sometimes you have to be prepared to fight. some of the ladies on here have put boxing gloves on for a good few rounds in the ring with their GP and the PCT so they might be along to help

Someone will come along that may be able to offer ideas but im useless lol.

 

[zetacatty]

It might be a good idea if you look up your PCT criteria - doctors don't always know! If you know what PCT you are under go to the BOSPA site - they list all the PCTs and their criteria (whether it is to NICE guidelines or stricter). NICE guidelines say that you should have a BMI of 40+ or 35+ with comorbidities. See if your doctor is right. if he/she is right the only way around it is to move to an area where you fit the criteria or pay privately to go somewhere like Belgium. The last time I looked, a band fitted in Belgium would be about £4,500. I'm NHS so I don't know anything about this route or what insurance or aftercare you need. Good luck cando, I hope it all works out for you. Mxx

 

[SarahSez]

HTH with PCT guidelines

BOSPA - The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association

 

[cando]

Wow, thank you all so much. I will look at what the PCT say. I have a BMI of 42, no comorbidities.

Thanks

 

[thinkbethin]

Hi Cando, have you been checked for the co morbidities? Sleep apnea? diebetes? high blood pressure?These are just a few that are classed as co morbidities. Can I ask what weight you are? which pct you are under? sorry lots of questions but if we can help we will.

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

Wow, thank you all so much. I will look at what the PCT say. I have a BMI of 42, no comorbidities.

Thanks

my bmi was 43, a bmi over 40 with no co morbilties qualifies, but some areas up the bmi as theres only so much money in the pot for so many ppl xxx