Hi ?! New from Kent

[Tori.]

Hi,
I'm new here, trying to get the hang of things! My name is Tori and I'm from Kent, ive just been given the go ahead for tier 4 after completing tier 3 with 4healthyweight and I'm looking for some advice.. I'm thinking of going with Luton and Dunstable hospital, has anyone else from Kent gone here? Also any advice from people who have gone here not from Kent would be greatly welcomed. Thanks in advance ? xx

 

[los in it]

Hello Tori
welcome and well done on getting to where you are so far! I cant offer any advise on your questions but I know someone will pop up and be best placed to guide you
good luck with everything else

 

[Tori.]

Hi Los,

Thank you for your kind welcome! It's been a long road, which is set to get longer I know, but I'm focussed on the end results and happy to have support reading people's comments on here!

Tori xx

 

[purplemel75]

Hi Tori and welcome to a fab and friendly forum

I'm from sunny South Wales so it's all different down here but I've seen loads of peeps who've had surgery in Luton and Dunstable so I know someone will be along soon to help and advise on the million questions that you'll be bound to come up with in the coming months!

Like you, I'm at the start of my journey, having just had the one appointment with the Nurse for the educational session. I'll see the Surgeon now in August (it was June but just been cancelled unfortunately).

It may take some time and there will be plenty of hoops to jump through on the way but at least we've made some progress and will get there in the end!

Anyway, all the best on your journey xx

 

[Tori.]

Hi purplemel,
Sounds like you're a little ahead of me, well done for getting there, I've just told my weight management peeps that I def want to go with Luton and Dunstable, so am now to wait to hear from them, plus focus on finishing my tier 3 appointments up to July! I just can't wait to get going! Xx

 

[Butterfly_lady]

Just wanted to say hi and welcome, sorry can't help with your questions

 

[Tori.]

Hi!
That's ok, it's interesting to hear others stories and get to know people going through the same journey, but in different areas!
Where abouts are you in the process? Xx

 

[ladilindy]

Hi Tori and welcome, have a look at this thread, it might answer some of your questions

http://www.wlsurgery.com/introduce-yourself-here/158508-anyone-under-luton-dunstable-hopsital.html

Lynn x

 

[Butterfly_lady]

Hi!
That's ok, it's interesting to hear others stories and get to know people going through the same journey, but in different areas!
Where abouts are you in the process? Xx

I'm 18 months post bypass size 26 to a size 10 and rather happy :8855:

 

[Tori.]

Hi Lynn,
For some reason it's not letting me post on the link..? :-/ I'll try again a bit later!
Butterfly lady, that's amazing, well done you! I just can't wait to be slim, I've never been there before and want it so much!
Xx

 

[Caroline jess]

Hi Tori. I can't help with your questions as I am self pay but I am from Kent (Maidstone)!

 

[Tori.]

Hi Caroline,
I'm from Sevenoaks, I'm nearly through my year of tier 3, just been referred on for tier !
I was self pay private in 2009, I had a gastric band, but unfortunately it didn't work for me and I was really poorly, so it was removed in 2012 :-(
I would love to be in the position to go again private, but I can't. I will say though, going through both pathways, I feel more informed and better prepared than when I was private, that seemed like they were only interested in my money and didn't get anywhere as much info or support, especially when my aftercare had run out! I should never have gone for the band, that I do regret.
Nice to speak with someone nearby, I do hope you don't face the problems I did!
Xx

 

[Caroline jess]

I also had a band 8 hrs ago which was self pay and had my bypass in feb which was also self pay ? glad your feeling better this time round, you will not regret revising x

 

[Foxy789]

Hello as you've completed their three what did you have to do I'm so worried my first appointment is in July at Luton and Dunstable can't help thinking it's just going to be docs looking down on me as I've had most of my life telling me 'yeah I've heard all the excuses', I'd appreciate help ?

 

[Tori.]

Hi Foxy, I completed my tier 3 in Kent where I live, through the dartford 4 healthy weight programme, but with my list of hospitals I was given I have asked to be referred to Luton and Dunstable for the next part.. Tier 4 and (fingers xed surgery)! My tier 3 involved 12 weekly group meetings plus additional appointments with dietician and exercise specialists and then after the 12 weeks, continuing to see the dietician and exercise people until I'm at my year, which is in July! They were lovely, not doctors at all, but people employed by the council, I had a really good group and we are still in touch with each other and helping to support each other still now! Are you just starting on tier 3 at l&d? Xx

Caroline, thank you, I've not looked back since and am determined to do this and be slim! Xx

 

[Foxy789]

Hi Tori thank you for the reply, yes my first time to see them is the 9th July, I think I have to do my tier three with them I have to fast for the appointment so strange, I just wasn't sure what to expect I do think this is strange though.

I'm glad your nearly done I hope I can follow you through the next process might be me in a years time.

Emma

 

[Tori.]

Hi Emma,
It seems that each county is different, by the sounds of things, it seems like they will do some blood tests to check for different co morbidities, fasting is the way to check accurately for diabetes.. I haven't needed to do that, I presume that is coming up! Do you know if you'll be having 1:1 counselling or in a group? Mine was in a group and I have still kept in touch with my lot!
Xx

 

[Foxy789]

Hi tori

I believe this appointment is one to one, doesn't mention anywhere that it is a group and it does say to prepare for a long wait, maybe I'll progress into group sessions lol ?. I have a few co morbiditys osteoarthritis, rumertoid arthritis, depression, and a skin condition not all noted but at 35 I'm a mess.
Thank you
Emma

 

[Tori.]

Hi Emma,
As far as I know from our sessions, you either went to group or had 1:1, it was all depending on how they assessed your need when they got your initial questionnaire, not sure if they'll do things differently in your area?!
I presume the blood tests are something they do for everyone as part of the hoop jumping process!
Oh don't say that, you're making tracks to being a new person, that you should be proud of! Xx

 

[dellam760]

HI, I am in Kent and chose to go with Guys and St. Thomas. I will be having sleeve in Kings College Hospital. I am on the waiting list for a confirmed date. I chose this as it was easier to travel to and has a great reputation. Good luck on your choice. Will update the forum when I get my date confirmed.