Diabetics and bypass surgery...please advice.

[farzu]

Hi all,
Today i went to my GP to talk about my weight problem and bypass for the first time. 2 weeks age i had to do a blood test and i think i might be diabetic as the doc said. he asked for another test. When i told him about surgery and my problems he said surgery won't change anything and just ignored the topic. If i am diabetic, will i be able to get bypass surgery? I am very confused and upset. I said the doc that i read about the surgery online and meet NICE criteria coz i'm morbidly obese but he said what ever u read online is different. I didn't really understand what he ment. He didn't give me any chance to speak anymore. I felt so ignored. Should i change my GP? Please advice me what to do. I need help.

 

[shelbell]

Hi Farzu,

Bypass surgery has been proven to 'cure' diabetes in a large percentage of cases, so there is no reason for it to stop you, if anything it will go in your favour to get funding as it is a co-morbidity.

Is there another doctor you can see? The other option is to put your feelings in writing, explain to your GP in a letter that you would like to be put forward for surgery and would like him to take the necessary actions. Say that if he is not willing to do this you would like a full explanation as to why.

HTH,

Shel

 

[fairyringuk]

I think as shell says you should try and make an appt with another GP within the practice, on who may at least listen to you
So sorry you are feeling bad Farzu you must feel so let down but dont give up. I am type 2 diabetic as well as other probs. and I got the funding You just need a GP that will listen to and support you

Love Jay xx

 

[farzu]

Thanks Shel. I'm releaved now. I was so upset. Actually this is a new GP as i have just moved to a new house. My old GP was very kind.

 

[farzu]

Thanks Fairy, I will try to take another appointment on friday as i have to go for another blood sugar test on thursday. lets see hwat happens. i will let you all know.

 

[rambo]

hi farzu i have type 2 and morbidly obese, surgery is definatly the right way 2 go, i would change my doc if thats his attitude, surgery will if not cure your diabetes certainly improve it and help controll your blood sugars by losing weight so go for another doc or ask for a second opinon its your right and your health, i am due for surgery in sept diabetes help me get my surgery , hope this doc listens to you or change him fast
regard steve

 

[farzu]

Thanks Rambo, Nice username by the way. Before I met this doctor i planed for a big list of problems to discuss with him but he didn't listen to anything. I know i'm getting sick day by day coz my legs can't bare to carry the weight of my body and it hurts a lot. May be he never reffered anyone before. when i told him he looked like he never heard of this before. I'm not feeling well at all after returning from GP. By the way, do you all know of any funding or grants for surgery who can support you? please let me know.

 

[topsy]

Sorry to hear of your GP's negativity - i agree with all of the other posts. Try and see another GP or write him a letter and explain your feelings - someone has started a new thread about co-morbidities and it is very informative. Hope you get some better news soon - where about in the country are you? as there will probably be someone else from that area on this forum and they may be able to help you with the procedures for that area and health authority sending hugs with fairy dust to cheer you up

 

[farzu]

Hi Topsy, Thanks for the reply. I am in east of London. If i can find someone from London, it will help me a lot.

 

[tendersage]

Hi am welcome to mini's another route could be for you to see a diabetes specialist and get him to refer you if you have no joy with your surgery. But ideally try another GP in the practise first. If the guy was new then he most probably had not refered anyone before, try for one of the more longer practising GP's there or the main one.

 

[wannaloose18stone]

I agree with the above, Diabetes increases the chances of getting the op. It can also cure it, I know, it cured mine

 

[farzu]

Thanks guys, i will definately see another GP in the practice first. atleast who doesn't talk and walk like a women lol. I don't know where was he from but he was too rude for me. i still can't forget how he behaved.

 

[topsy]

If you feel that the GP was very rude to you because of your weight problem or for just being a member of the opposite sex - you could write a letter to the Practice Manager and put in a formal complaint. I did this when a GP spoke to my dad as if he was dirt and the reason he spoke to him in that way was because he was a smoker - you sound like you would improve your quality of life from having WLS and it is only good manners that you are treated correctly and given a chance to improve your health. On the flip side of the coin - if you didn't have WLS then the complications and health issues due to your weight will cost the NHS more money in the long run. Really hope you get what you deserve x

 

[farzu]

Thanks Topsy, Just before few mins i called my local PCT. when i asked about who should i speak to about funding they just couldn't answer. they said the don't deal with such matters and i have to go to my local authority. I am now confused about who is the local authority? Is it my GP or anyone else?

 

[shelbell]

How odd! The Local Authority is the Council, who have nothing to do with funding at all.

You need to ask for the people who handle commissioning for Low Clinical Priority Procedures.

 

[phatgirl]

I just wanted to let you know that I *had* type II diabetes for years before my gatsric bypass surgery. The first day after my surgery my 2000mg of metformin was reduced by half. Now I am no longer on the medication at all and my blood checks show normal. I think my diabetes was a factor in my favour for NHS funding because 1) most people have all diabetic symtoms resolved after GB and 2) diabetic medication and regular blood checks cost the NHS a fortune.

I had trouble getting my GP to put me forward as well, mostly due to her ignorance of the surgery and referral process. I wish that I had switched doctors after she fought me on my surgery but I didn't so my process was a long one. If you feel unsupported by your GP I would recommend changing doctors. There is no crime in asking the staff at your medical center if any GP has referred patients for weight loss surgery, then you can ask which one and switch to them!

I wish you the best of luck in your wls journey and keep us posted.

Nic

 

[farzu]

Hi Phatgirl, thanks for the info. You look great by the way.

 

[farzu]

Shel, Thanks again for your help. I was also confused about this. may be they didn't understand at all what i was trying to say. I did call my GP again to ask about if any Doc reffered anyone for WLS yet but they told me to talk to a nurse about it. They said something about weight loss clinic. Should i go and see a nurse?

 

[phatgirl]

Hi Phatgirl, thanks for the info. You look great by the way.

Thanks! I was told I had to do 6 months weight management before I could have the surgery, some PCTs require that. It can't hurt for you to see a nurse and talk over what you want. Sometimes nurses are more familar with the ins and outs of things. It can't hurt, the more people you talk to the more likely you will find someone willing/able to help.

Make sure you make a comprehensive list of all diets, pills & programmes (including level of success and pounds lost & regained) you have tried in the past as well as any health problems you have that are related to/made worse by your weight.

Good luck! And shout if you need help.
Nic

 

[farzu]

I got the details of the key contact person's address for the Tower hamlets operating plan. Is this the one i should write to?