Anyone in Worcestershire?

[uglyduck16]

Hi everyone,
I went to see my doc 3 weeks ago and asked to be referred for WLS. She agreed to refere me to Mr. Jenkins (?) at WRH, if he was in agreement I will then be referred to a surgeon in Birmingham. BUT ---------------- I'm getting stressed - how long does the whole process take? I'm desperate to have WLS and am thinking about it all the time - I have health probs and think it will really help. Thing is , I'm eating more than ever while I'm waiting and thinking about trying to find the money to go private cos I feel I want it NOW! I don't know how to go about going private either.:sigh:. I'm 21 and my Mum is worried that it is soooo drastic and I am young but I know it's right for me and will benefit my health and my life all round. Anyone any ideas how long the NHS might take or can anyone answer any of my other questions? This seems a very supportive website - I've been 'lurking' for a while and read loads of threads.
Lizzie x

 

[shelbell]

Hi Lizzie,

The NHS process can take anything from a few months to a few years. Every PCT is different, so I can't help with how yours works.

This is what BOSPA says about Worcs -

Worcestershire BMI over 40 and at least 12 months management in Specialist Weight Management Service with documented evidence demonstrating patients commitment to losing weight, changing lifestyle and improving overall health. Age over 18.

Now that would suggest that Worcs doesn't have the speediest of processes, with the 12 months weight management. But Worcs is a big place, and consists of more than one PCT, so that might be the county guidelines and your individual PCT might be different.

BOSPA site is a good place to start research, they have info on NHS and Private surgery procedures etc. Its BOSPA - The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association

HTH,

Shel