Bypass or band?

[lynsey2510]

Hi everyone. Could anyone shed some light on which one is best? Or does it depend on how much you have to lose? Which one does the NHS offer? Im getting some info together before I visit my GP about this. MY BMI is 49, ive tried and failed on other diets for 20 years, last one was Lighter Life, lost 4stone now put that back on. I have pains in my joints, esp knees but dont think my Blood Pressure is high or my cholesterol. I have been geting chest pains recentley which have scared me alot. Do you think I could be reffered for a poss bypass or band? Thanks for any help given! xx

 

[Sambucca]

Hi Lynsey. Welcome to Mini's.

Have a look here BOSPA - The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association to find information on the different types of surgery and the criteria for your area.

Good luck xx

 

[shelbell]

Hi Lynsey,

I'm just across the water from you, and Liverpool has the same criteria as Wirral so yes, you can get surgery on the NHS. You might have to go through lifestyle and weight management first, but your BMI meets the criteria locally. The first step is to approach your GP. They should have a referral flow chart, so you won't get a referral to a surgeon straight away. You may have to try drugs (like xenical) first if you haven't already (6 months each, nurse monitored was Wirral's requirements).

It isn't fast round here, so be prepared to ride it out. It took me 20 months from seeing my GP to getting surgery. Well worth the wait though!

As for which is best, neither. It depends on you, your eating habits, your willpower etc. Both are available on NHS, so it's just a case of reading and researching the different options and see how you feel. Near the end of the process, when you see the surgeon, he will advise on which he feels is best for you, but it's your decision. Read a few of the diaries on here, or blogs, for each type of surgery and see what they are really like.

Hope that helps, if I can be of any assistance just shout.

Ooh just remembered, there is a WLS support group that meets in Liverpool regularly, which is open to pre-op patients too, so if you want to meet people who have had the different surgeries and hear things first hand then let me know and I'll send you the details.

Shel