Help required re PCT Central Lancs funding

[Bindy50]

Hello,

I am new to this and have help some help on criteria etc (posted in an inappropriate part of the forum....Doh).

I am going to see my GP on Monday to request he writes a letter re PCT funding for WLS.Is this something my GP will charge for?

It has also been suggested that I also write to Central Lancs PCT expressing how my weight impacts on my life and emotions. Is this usual? Has anyone done this?

Please can I have your help and guidance, I really want this to be a successful application, I know we all do, but I really would benefit from your experience as I am worrying and scared. :cry:

Thanks in advance for your help and support.

Bindy x

 

[nikkib80]

not sure about your area for how things work but no you dont have to pay for a referal, good luck hun xxx

 

[grabonzo]

I live in central lancs region and my doctors was in east lancs so my doctor wrote to both. It's a long process. I had to wait over 18 months from seeing gp to surgery. There's a lot of criteria to meet. I.e bmi. Diabetics or other reason why you need this op. you will have to go to nutritionist for at least six months to see if your serious. Before they even think about funding. Good luck with your journey.

 

[loubyl00]

I was referred to the bariatric department by my GP. Then after my consultation he wrote to my GP to ask him to apply for funding with the PCT. The PCT refused funding until I did a 6 month weight management course (which actually took 16 months cos of staff changes etc) then my GP reapplied for funding and I got it. My whole process took 2 years. It was a hard process and felt like a rollercoaster, but it DOES prepare you for what is to come, if you do research and talk to the friendly helpful folk on this site. My PCT is Oldham, Lancs.

Each PCT is different though, some people don't wait too long.

X

 

[Bindy50]

Thank you for your help. I am surprised Lou that you had to jump through the hoop at a weight management course, as your BMI was over 60! I think you really deserve to be at where you are, you are doing fantastic!
Grabonzo - In the end which PCT granted you the funding? Did you get the funding on the first attempt or did you have to appeal?
My BMI is 50.3 and I have diabetes. I have an information evening with Mr Macadam via Gravitas on Thursday evening to get more surgery information etc. My GP appointment is Monday evening. Fingers crossed x

 

[loubyl00]

Good luck Bindy. Let us know how you go on.

 

[grabonzo]

I got funding off east lancs. I went to my gp in oct 09. She told me I would have to be under a nutritionist for them to look at my case. My bmi was 55. Went to nutritionist for about 9 month. Never heard anything until August 10. Then they said its was going to a board meeting to see if I was eligible. Then got conformation in feb11. Then in april10 was diagnosed with diabetis and high blood pressure. Then saw a surgeon in early August. And was operated on in sept11. At Alexandra hospital in cheadle. Currently lost 7st 6lb so far. I also rang the pct every week. For updates on progress just to try and rush things. Just to prove to them I was serious.

 

[Bindy50]

Thanks Grabonzo, your information is both helpful and encouraging. Did you loose weight with the nutritionist? Maybe it will be in my favour that I have diabetes and high blood pressure. This may have helped push things on with you, but cannot say that for certain really. Did you find when you developed diabetes and hypertension there seemed to be more a kick start? But perhaps not as you had confirmation of funding in Feb 11.
Chasing the PCT is a good idea (makes a mental note).

I take it that Central Lancs refused you or did you just press on with East?

 

[grabonzo]

Never lost a pound under nutritionist. They only learn you about portion control. And tell you to eat more fruit and veg. But when you've been dieting for so many years you already know that. I found it a bit pointless but you have go do as your told. When I informed them about my diabetis and hypertension they said at the pct that would rush things along. So that's when I kept ringing and pestering the hell out of em.

 

[Punkwitch]

Good luck. hope u get accepted soon xxx

 

[woo5001]

I was Oldham pct I did everything with my doctor originally in order to qualify for funding to be looked at ie medication, six mths with lifestyle coach for weight management etc before he referred me to pct , after a few months waiting they came to the decision that I had to go through everything again at the hospital sleep apnoea, psychology, specialist weight management etc before they would look at the application, eventually got funding through last August and had my bypass four weeks ago three years in all, never thought I'd get here but I have and already I feel amazing, my BMI was originally 63 weighing 28st 2lb and now even though I have a huge journey ahead of me still am BMI 54 and weight 24st 6lb but I feel fantastic and it has all been worth the wait, don't get disheartened as your day will come, ps I have sleep apnoea also have been on cpap for thirteen months. Good luck xx

 

[Bindy50]

Never lost a pound under nutritionist. They only learn you about portion control. And tell you to eat more fruit and veg. But when you've been dieting for so many years you already know that. I found it a bit pointless but you have go do as your told. When I informed them about my diabetis and hypertension they said at the pct that would rush things along. So that's when I kept ringing and pestering the hell out of em.

Well I love my fruit and veg and eat all (and more) portions a day! I don't really eat processed food, I make everything myself. I think must of us here would make nutritionists as I think years of dieting makes you an expert on food.

Thanks for your help and advice

 

[Bindy50]

I was Oldham pct I did everything with my doctor originally in order to qualify for funding to be looked at ie medication, six mths with lifestyle coach for weight management etc before he referred me to pct , after a few months waiting they came to the decision that I had to go through everything again at the hospital sleep apnoea, psychology, specialist weight management etc before they would look at the application, eventually got funding through last August and had my bypass four weeks ago three years in all, never thought I'd get here but I have and already I feel amazing, my BMI was originally 63 weighing 28st 2lb and now even though I have a huge journey ahead of me still am BMI 54 and weight 24st 6lb but I feel fantastic and it has all been worth the wait, don't get disheartened as your day will come, ps I have sleep apnoea also have been on cpap for thirteen months. Good luck xx

Woo, OMG, you really have had to jump through the hoops, it must have felt like you were never going to get there. I am so glad that you are now well on your way and doing well. I am relieved that I don't live in Oldham!
Thank you for your support and really really well done. You so deserve it x

 

[Bindy50]

Good luck. hope u get accepted soon xxx

Thanks Punkwitch and good luck for your op in May!

 

[woo5001]

Woo, OMG, you really have had to jump through the hoops, it must have felt like you were never going to get there. I am so glad that you are now well on your way and doing well. I am relieved that I don't live in Oldham!
Thank you for your support and really really well done. You so deserve it x

Thanks love and really wish you all the very best of luck it's onwards and upwards now love xxx

 

[grabonzo]

99 percent of us on here know more about diets and nutrition than any dietitian or nutritionist. But they don't teach you about addiction or cravings or portion size because of stretched stomachs. Which is the biggest problems in large people.