Pre opper totally confused

[paddyp]

Hi, I'm new here. Have loved reading all the success stories and hope one day to post mine ...... but...

I am totally confused. Was referred by my GP well over a year ago to Exeter. Had to do a course on nutritien which was very interested and then had to lose 5% in 6 months - failed that but did lose over this just after the 6 month period so apparently met the criteria. Last follow up was December - just need to lose 5kg by end of Feb - already achieved.

However have had letter from consultatant - copy of letter to my GP saying that if I acheive the 5kg loss they will "look into surgery for me"

I am absolutely confused by this. I thought all this was in preparation for surgery and didn't realise it had to be looked into. I have an appt at end of Feb so will check then, but I thought that would be the date I would be referred to Taunton and then get my pre op. It's so confusing and distressing I'm worried sick now that I won't get the surgery - anyone been through this and what was the outcome?

Thanks

 

[rickysmrs]

Dont worry sounds like you have just had to meet some criteria ie dietiatian appt etc and you have managed this. From the sound of what your saying sounds likethey are willing to accept you for surgery but will need to discuss which one is best suited to you. Good Luck

 

[Samsara]

I think Exeter falls under Devon PCT? And according to the BOSPA website Devon PCT use the NICE guidelines - I have copied and pasted them for you below:

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that weight loss surgery should only be offered on the NHS if all the following conditions apply:

• You have a BMI of 40 or more, or you have a BMI of 35-40 and a serious health condition that could be improved if you lose weight, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You have tried all the appropriate non-surgical methods, such as diet and exercise, but have failed to achieve or maintain a beneficial level of weight loss for at least six months.
• You agree to commit to long-term follow-up treatment after surgery at a specialised obesity service.
• You are fit and healthy enough to withstand the anaesthetic (painkilling medication) and surgery.

Even if you have met all of the criteria, you will more than likely still need to be assessed for your fitness for bariatric surgery (unless you have already done this bit?). This normally includes an appointment with the surgeon, dietician, psychologist and bariatric nurse. I also had bloods taken, blood pressure, ECG etc. Have you had that appointment yet? x

 

[paddyp]

Thanks Samsara. My consultant said I was being considered for gastric bypass. My final appt in Exeter is the end of Feb so how long do you think it takes from that point to actually seeing the surgeon and getting the op?

 

[Samsara]

Thanks Samsara. My consultant said I was being considered for gastric bypass. My final appt in Exeter is the end of Feb so how long do you think it takes from that point to actually seeing the surgeon and getting the op?

When you say consultant are you talking about the bariatric surgeon? And when you say final appointment do you mean the assessment for surgery appointment that I mentioned above? There are no set times really - each PCT is different. When I got to the point of being assessed I asked how long could I expect to wait for surgery. I was told a minimum of 18 weeks and maximum of two years as it depends on a number of factors.

You need someone from Devon PCT to answer this as it will be more relevant for you. Or you could ring or email the bariatric nurse and ask him/her? Once a date for surgery has been set you will also go for a pre-operative assessment (you will get given the pre-op diet to follow at this point). If I was you, I would get on the phone to the bariatric nurse as you will get more accurate answers relevant to your PCT area!

 

[paddyp]

Ah ok. I haven't seen anyone from any surgical team. The consultant I see is in charge of Exeter medical obesity service - Dr Katrina Kos and she has been very supportive and informative. I was just assuming that having got this far funding was arranged etc but it looks like I am still early in my journey as I haven't seen anyone from Taunton so I expect at the end of Feb the funding application and referral "may" take place. I was banking on having this op before the summer as I am off work for the summer holidays and my employer (Govt) is very strict about time off sick so would prefer to take my leave. Looks like thats not likely now :-(

 

[Samsara]

Ah ok. I haven't seen anyone from any surgical team. The consultant I see is in charge of Exeter medical obesity service - Dr Katrina Kos and she has been very supportive and informative. I was just assuming that having got this far funding was arranged etc but it looks like I am still early in my journey as I haven't seen anyone from Taunton so I expect at the end of Feb the funding application and referral "may" take place. I was banking on having this op before the summer as I am off work for the summer holidays and my employer (Govt) is very strict about time off sick so would prefer to take my leave. Looks like thats not likely now :-(

Every PCT does things slightly differently so that is why it is not a set answer. I would definitely have a conversation with Katrina Kos. As you say she is supportive and informative and she will give you all the answers you need, tell you what stage in the process you are at and what other stages you need to go through in order to get to surgery. They may well be different to Oxfordshire PCT. There's no harm in asking

 

[paddyp]

Yes samsara I will certainly ask. I have my final appointment in Exeter on 26th February so will be asking then as I don't think I can speak to my team by phone and it's not that far off now.

 

[angiemason]

good luck paddy I sometimes think they word letters like that in case you're not suitable for surgery and then they can't be sued etc if they decline someone and they don't agree ( the world is a funny place and people would do this ) it'll be with it when you do know for sure x

 

[Butterfly38]

Hi paddy, I had my last appointment on 14 dec, when I had my pre op, ie saw dietician anaesthetist and surgeon, I then got a phone call end of jan from surgeon telling me I had been out in for op on 5 march so roughly 11 weeks wait, plus 18 months previous to that jumping through hoops lol my advice is don't expect to hear anything in a certain amount of time as you just get angry and frustrated!! Good luck !!