Anyone with bmi over 50

[Gladys Friday]

Went to see surgeon at Spire in Cambridge on Monday hoping to come out of there with a date for surgery but no. He said that I should talk to my GP because he feels I would probably qualify NHS treatment. He also feels that I would be better having a bypass rather than a sleeve and he doesn't do them as he feels he doesn't do enough of them to be proficient in the procedure. He was a lovely man and was very positive and talked sense.

I read the nice guidelines and it says on them that people with a bmi over 50 should have the surgery without having to have tried other things to lose their weight. I have a bmi of 57

So, the question is, has anybody else with a bmi over 50 had this happen?

Thanks

Debbie

 

[Crystalrainbow]

What a lovely surgeon i love it when they have your best interest at heart rather than just the £ signs ...of course he is right.... get to see your Gp and get yourself referred, yes its a long old process but in my opinion worth the wait.... my bmi was lower and had to do all the usual things to get surgery but i think its different over bmi 50 and of course its different in different areas too so get yourself a docs appointment and start the ball rolling...... wish you all the best x x x x

 

[Toddshar35]

Hi Gladys I've a BMI over 50 and I've just been excepted for surgery on the NHS I went to a seminar on Monday and now waiting for an appointment to see the surgeon. I was fast tracked through level 3 instead of doing 12 months I only did 6 months because of my BMI.

 

[Gladys Friday]

Thanks for replying Crystal and Toddshar. I have an appointment on Friday.

Debbie

 

[top_kat]

my BMI was 55 and couldn't even get anywhere near NHS funding so it's not a given....good luck to you tho

 

[Blondie43]

My BMI was over 50. I didn't have to do any weight management programme, but still hoops to jump through until I get my op! I've been told that if I regain any of my target weight that I've already lost then my op will be cancelled!

Good luck with your journey! Xx

 

[nicola1723]

My BMI was 53, no comorbidities. Told to do 18 month weight management. I didn't have time - I wanted to lose the weight for IVF so I went private. I know it's not an option for everyone though

 

[Gladys Friday]

The specialist I saw was private. The problem is that I am due to go to Australia in September for my sister's 60th birthday and I cannot do that long plane journey at this weight so I am happy to pay but the specialist said to go to my GP. I have an appointment tomorrow so we shall see what happens then.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Debbie

 

[thistlegirl]

Good luck with your appt. My BMI was over 50 and my surgeon (private) wanted me to bring it down to 50 pre-op. I had to lose 2 stone which I thought would be impossible but I did it.
I understand your time pressure too - I'd been messed about by the NHS for 18m so when I finally washed my hands of them I thought I'd book private and be operated on the next week.....However my surgeon put the brakes on and helped get my head sorted. I ended up getting the op 6m after my initial consultation and am happy with that.
Good luck. x

 

[Gladys Friday]

I think I will still have to go private in the end. I hope it won't take that long. I really have to think about this as I know I can't go to Australia straight after an op but I can't go without the surgery.

Debbie

 

[kelly Burndred]

My BMI was 52 when I was referred, I had to loose 2 stone for surgery ( I lost 3 ) and then lost another 1 stone 7lbs on LRD. It took me 10 months but I had my bypass on Tuesday x

 

[purplemel75]

Went to see surgeon at Spire in Cambridge on Monday hoping to come out of there with a date for surgery but no. He said that I should talk to my GP because he feels I would probably qualify NHS treatment. He also feels that I would be better having a bypass rather than a sleeve and he doesn't do them as he feels he doesn't do enough of them to be proficient in the procedure. He was a lovely man and was very positive and talked sense.

I read the nice guidelines and it says on them that people with a bmi over 50 should have the surgery without having to have tried other things to lose their weight. I have a bmi of 57

So, the question is, has anybody else with a bmi over 50 had this happen?

Thanks
Debbie

Hi Debbie

It's good to see that the surgeon was honest and not just after your money.

He was right about qualifying on the NHS. although all areas have different criteria to meet, down in Wales ours is ridiculous.

My BMI at the start was 53 I think, maybe slightly higher and I have sleep apnoea which is one of the co morbidities they class as a criteria for WLS on the NHS.

I was referred for surgery by my GP and supported by the dietician at the hospital.

I am now waiting for my first appointment on the 13th of April which will be an educational session with the Clinical Nurse Specialist. I will then see the surgeon about 4-6 weeks later.

Best of luck in your journey hun xx

 

[Butterfly_lady]

My BMI was over 50 I had no morbidities I too went private as once I decided I wanted it have the op asap! Good luck

 

[purplemel75]

Hi butterfly, you've done really well haven't you which gives me a boost xx

 

[Butterfly_lady]

Hi butterfly, you've done really well haven't you which gives me a boost xx

Thank you, I was 21st 7lbs (5ft 4 tall) I'm now half that gone from a size 26 to a size 12, worth every penny I paid plus I have had a very smooth ride from the moment I opened my eyes after surgery, no pain relief needed at all

If you have any questions please feel free to ask x

 

[purplemel75]

Bloody hell that's amazing! I bet you feel like a different woman now! Xx

 

[Tina.W12]

My BMI was 60 went I started my journey, I discussed the NHS route with the surgeon but I choose to go private so I could choose when where who etc. I think you need to research the surgeons and look at their stats. Mine had done over 3,000 wls with 1,800 of them being bypass and had successfully operated on BMI's as high as 87 and never had to convert from keyhole to open.

 

[Gladys Friday]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I made enquiries at the Nuffield in Plymouth but they don't do bypasses. The surgeon I saw in Cambridge recommended another surgeon in Taunton so will make enquiries there as well. My husband wants me to see a psych beforehand to make sure I am mentally ready for the op.

Debbie