GP says band is too drastic!

[KellyB]

Hi all. I went to my GP on Thursday to tell him I want a band fitted. He said he's almost certain that I won't get NHS funding as my BMI is under 50! He also said that if I had the cash, he still wouldn't advise it.

My BMI is 40.2. This makes me just about morbidly obese.

He said it's very drastic and he doesn't think I need to resort to that, but he will look into the requirements more. In the mean time, I am going for blood tests next Thursday to check for obesity related health probs, ie thyroid, diabetes etc.

He suggested I try a new pill called Accomplia, combined with diet and exercise.

So, depending on the blood results, I think I will try this first. If it fails, then I will push for the band.

He is referring me for a lifestyle plan or something too...maybe I will get help from an obesity specialist.

I am still wanting the band but I respect his opinion and I will take his advice. Afterall, he didn't say a definite no.

Has anyone else had a similar response from their GP?

Kelly xxx

 

[e.green69]

hi my gp said the same thing my bmi was 39 but i have been battling my weight for ages and high bloodpressure so i went and had a band fitted 9day ago private.. also been told im diabetic so glad i did now.
just go with your instinct.
hope this helps you

 

[tammy]

Hi, My BMI was 42 and my GP was very supportive and encouraged my decision for weight loss surgery. If you do want to be considered for surgery see another GP. You know whats right for you and don't let them talk you out of it! Good luck x

 

[shelbell]

Hi,

Have you checked our your PCT's requirements on the BOSPA website? Some PCTs do unfortunately say BMI 50+ but most follow NICE guidelines which you'd fit in to.

Good luck with the pills and the lifestyle plan, hope it works for you

 

[Floella]

Hey Kelly - I hope you get what you want. Try being a bit more positive though with regard to your GP suggesting Accomplia. You say "if it fails, then I'll push for the band." Why should it fail? Bands fail too you know!

 

[KellyB]

Thanks for the replies

Unfortunately I can't afford to go private as I'm a single parent and I already have some debt

I suppose I could see another GP but he is our family GP and I trust him completely. I think he just wants to make sure that I have tried every other way first.

I will keep you all posted. Part of me hopes my blood test results will come back showing I have a problem which contributes to my weight gain, so that I'm not just a lazy, greedy pig But then again, I would rather be healthy!

Anyway...thanks again x x x

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

try another gp as they all have different opinions about banding my bmi was 45 when i had my 1st band, yesterday i had a second band fitted, id recommend asking a different gp for a nhs referal

 

[KellyB]

Hey Kelly - I hope you get what you want. Try being a bit more positive though with regard to your GP suggesting Accomplia. You say "if it fails, then I'll push for the band." Why should it fail? Bands fail too you know!

Good point! :ashamed0005:

lol x

 

[Frosty]

Every area does seem to have a scale for its bmi.

But the the united kindom does have a common rate. so i would say if you fall into a certain area i would fight for the right to have a band etc

The BMI weight ranges, as set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are outlined below.

• If your BMI is less than 18.4, you're underweight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you're an ideal weight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you're over the ideal weight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 30 and 39.9, you're obese.
• If your BMI is over 40, you're very obese

My BMI was below 50 in fact when i started asking about a bypass mine was about 42-43


I hope this helps

 

[KellyB]

Thanks

I told him that the criteria is 40+ and he said...'I know but they just won't do it'

I also said that the PCT set aside a certain amount of money for this each year, April, and he said...'Yes but it's all gone within a couple of months'

Anyway, I'm going to try the pills and give it my best shot.

Wish me luck x x x

 

[Floella]

Kelly - sounds to me like your GP and you have a good relationship and he really does have your best interests at heart.

Let us know how you get on with the Accomplia.

 

[charliegirl]

Hi Kelly welcome to the boards, keep us all posted in how you get on with the tablets and remember we are all here for you....Linda x

 

[KellyB]

Thank you, I will

 

[hyacinth]

bmi probs

hiya kelly i totally understand where u r coming from as this happened to me, i had a bmi of 49.8 and was told by luton hospital that i needed to be over 50 as i am well and have no medical problems. So i with great difficulty ate some chocolate and got my bmi up. I understand that all districts are different as only last year my mate had a bypass and her bmi was 47 so it depends on the pct. I would go back and ask to see another gp or tell him that u r havin back ache and get out of breath running up stairs and this may help u. Dnt give up as there is a way around most things good luck x

 

[hyacinth]

pills

I have had all the pills and potions that the gp gives out and they work for a short time but the weight goes back on, I lost over 5 stone in 6 months on reductil and stopped tabs then put weight on, also xenical is a nightmare as you leak from ur bum and cannot have a social life, hope this helps

 

[KellyB]

Thank you Hyacinth, that's really helpful.

I do get out of breath and have aches and pains. I will mention it for sure. I will see him for my blood test results soon. He said he would look into the exact criteria for me too so fingers crossed x

 

[hyacinth]

good luck babe and DONT give up, u are meant to be healthy and happy so the nhs has to sort this for you, let me know what he tells you and again good luck, i was 20 stone 10 on sat and yesterday was 20 stone thanks milk diet lol and love x

 

[KellyB]

Well I've been for my blood test...the results should be with my GP in 3-5 days x

 

[Wytchy]

Good luck Kel - let us know how you get on xx

 

[KellyB]

OK...I saw the doc again today. My blood results came back fine, apart from my cholesterol being a bit high. I'm being referred to WW (free) by him and I'm going to start the tablets.

He had some paperwork from the PCT (Dudley) and it says you need a BMI of 50, with health probs, or 60 without, for them to consider funding!

I think if I was 100% positive about the band, then I would be fighting his decision. I'm not one to give up without a fight. So I think this proves that I have doubts. I am confident that I can do it the way he suggests, so wish me luck xxx