What aftercare??

[Princess T]

HiI was sleeved 3 and a half weeks ago with no problems. I have been on liquids up until now and can start puréed food next week. The hospital gave me information of how to look after myself when I got home but all my aftercare is now with the hospital group. So I will have all my aftercare with them from now on. But there is no talk of ever seeing the surgeon again for check ups or anything?? All my dietician appointments are over the phone, which is fine, but I'm a bit worried that it looks like no one will ever be involved to check everything is like it should be? Is this normal?? I know on another forum people are in constant contact with their surgeon. But it looks like I am never going to see him again after leaving hospital. What aftercare does everyone else receive??

 

[ThinnerJemima]

I came across THG early on in my research and you have described exactly why I chose not to go with them.

I have 24 hours a day, 365 days a year access to text, email and if needed phone access to my surgeon. I can also see him at immediate notice when I need to.

I am a great believer in you get what you pay for.

And I'm also a great believer in persistence, contact them and demand what you need when you need it

 

[Princess T]

Im just not sure what appointments people are supposed to have with their surgeon post op??. I have got emergency numbers to ring with problems but I havnt been given any post op appointments with the surgeon to check me out. But I dont know when or if others do?? I only went with the hospital group as I researched all different surgeons with all different companies and the one I chose had a really good reputation. I couldn't find any decent info on the surgeon at my local Spire hospital. I didnt pay any less money than if id have gone with Spire. I actually had my surgery at Nuffield Leeds which were amazing and Ive had minimal pain, no sickness or trouble with liquid intake. But I dont know if its normal not to see the surgeon again? I have to have my bloods and things done with my gp regularly from now on but I dont know what everyone else gets aftercare wise in regards to surgeon check ups???

 

[Bedford2015]

I had my band done there. They were useless at aftercare even though I paid extra for aftercare. I had so many problems with them. They even charged me for a x ray when I could not even swallow tea. Had to have it removed by Nhs. People often said why did I not complain, I did along with others but they ignored my letters x

 

[brooksypjkn]

Hi,I've an appointment with the hospital group and had opted for the dearer package with 2 years medical care but just seen this thread, who do you recommend or is it geographical? X quite anxious as I've been thinking about the band for 2 years and only just plucked up the courage for a consultation xx

 

[Princess T]

I would never have had a band done with them because I have seen the trouble my friend had. But I thought with a sleeve i wouldnt have to see them again as it doesn't need fills ect, and I went with the surgeon I wanted and he happened to work for THG amongst other places. But hearing people saying they had their 3 month check ect it makes me worry that something might go un-noticed. I am happy with THG dietitians and nurses as they have rang me alot over the last 3 weeks. But it doesn't look like I will be seeing my surgeon again. I dont want to damand to see him as I am having no problems but if routinely your supposed to after paying privately I feel that I should also! I didnt pay any less than if id gone elsewhere so its not as if I paid half so I got half of what everyone else gets!

 

[sally1]

I had a lot of problems with the Hospital Group in the past I had a gastric Band which slipped after 2 years and they completely ignored all my attempts to contact them from me, my family and NHS docs! X

 

[Princess T]

Oh, and even though I booked through THG I had my surgery done at Nuffield in Leeds where everyone was amazing so I was wondering if I could even pay again for an aftercare with them and be seen by the surgeon for the checks Im supposed to have??

 

[Princess T]

Yes my friend had the same problem with her band with them. I would never rely on them for fills! But I just didn't realise I wouldnt be seen, at all, by the surgeon once I was discharged. I do have an emergency number but not for the surgeon, just for THG 24hr emergency helpline???

 

[kat.30]

Bedford

This sounds exactly like me ! At some points i felt like I had to almost beg to see a nurse after days with no liquids. A nurse even put a hole in my band (the tube) and they charged me for a new one !!!!!!! After 2 years of not being able to drink it was removed via A&E after being very ill

Looking into a sleeve but certainly not with the hospital group

Xx

 

[Bedford2015]

I would see if the NHS would pay this time. I am having a bypass next month hopefully. 7,000 down the drain (literally) x

 

[jacstar1973]

I opted for Spire Hospital, Washington UK.
I paid £8995, I'm due my 6 wk appt on 28 April, then I don't go back u til 1 year.
My surgeon has given me his mobile no & said to txt him with any Q'S & he will call me back. He has also said that after 1 year when my care ends he will still look after me if I need his help & just txt him. He said he had a duty of care to all of his patients. He also operates at Sunderland General where he works for NHS.
I am more than pleased with my whole experience so far

 

[Kar8858]

I went private with Mr Halstead direct, after my op I saw him at three months out, then six months after that and I am due to see him in another six months. Ive had no contact from the dietician but he has chased that up. I paid £8900 for my sleeve.

 

[siana58]

I think it depends on surgeon. I paid privately, most a follow up done by specialist bariatric nurse who would escalate for surgeons attention if need be. Not uncommon practise these days for follow up after any op to not necessarily be with the surgeon. With THG the way I understand it is that you pay extra and that means that you have "surgical cover",ie if you need further surgery the cost of surgery is covered, so it's more like an insurance than an actual sitting down with the surgeon.