I have a question.. or many questions actually

[AbsolutelyFabulous]

Hi all,

About 8 weeks ago I was seeing my doctor for my prescription (I suffer with depression) and I spoke to him about the possibility of being referred for a gastric band. He said he wasn't sure of the criteria but that being morbidly obese and suffering with depression he saw no reason not to (and i quote) "Write to the surgeon"
I didn't think much more about it as he hadnt even weighed me etc, and i just assumed he wouldn't have referred me.
I went on the Cambridge diet for 1 week, lost 12lbs, then fell off the wagon. I am now doing weight watchers.
Now, the funny thing is, I got a letter in the post on Friday saying "Please phone this number to arrange a consultation for GENERAL SURGERY" There was no mention of weight loss surgery or anything. I phoned, and have an appointment for 11th June. I asked the receptionist what the appointment was for (as i had been on the waiting list to have my gall bladder out for years before being rushed in and having the op in Oct 2007..so i wanted to check it wasn't for that!!) All she said was "It seems to be stomach related"
So, im right to assume this is about the banding, right? If this is the case... is seeing the surgeon just to assess my suitability for the op/whether i meet criteria? And, how long am i looking before getting the band if this is the case? Im in S. Wales if that helps at all.
Sorry for the long post... just a little confuddled here

Thanks in advance xx

 

[ladybird_gal]

crumbs.. that's quite a story. Why don't you phone your GP to see if he did refer you and find out what he said to them. x

 

[juliet64]

This is what my doctor did he referred me to a general surgeon at st richards, then that surgeon reffered me to mr somers, i think my gp didnot have a clue what he was doing and it was the general surgeon that applied for my funding. hope this helps. julie.

 

[swizzlestick]

Ooh good luck with that, a nice surprise for you I hope.

 

[AbsolutelyFabulous]

Thanks for the replies. I rang the doctors who confirmed it was a referral for gastric banding. So, we'll see what happens on the 11th June.

 

[quetiapina]

Hi AbFab, are you seeing the surgeon at the Heath or the Gwent (or one of the Valleys Hosps?).

Basically, you will have an appt to see a General Surgeon and then s/he will have to apply for funding from the Welsh Assembly. The reason you will be seeing a General Surgeon is because there are v few Bariatric surgeons in Wales on NHS - I think there is one - in Swansea. The application to the Welsh Assembly will only be considered if you have a BMI of over 50 and co-morbidities like sleep apnea and diabetes etc. The depression might go in your favour, but I have to tell you that getting funding in Wales is not easy. What is your BMI - do you know? I hope you get funding I really do, but you really need to prepare yourself that you may well not. There is an appeals process but only your surgeon can make that application, apparantly they will not see the patient at all.

If this route is not going to work, get a referral to Dr Haboubi (pronounced Ha booby) who does a Clinical weight loss clinic in Nantyglo ( between Blaina and Ebbw Vale). The doctor can contact him through Neville Hall, Abergavenney. This is little known but very good help and support with psychologist, dietician, lovely nurses and the consultant (Dr H - he is v eccentric and lovely). They give excellent support and understand about depression etc. (I have Bipolar).
Best of luck to you - please post again if you need further info - and work out your BMI. Just google a BMI calculator or post weight and height here and me or someone else here will work it out for you.

You will get a lot of support here. There are some v clever people here who know what they are talking about. I had to go private for my op.

Best wishes, Jenni x

 

[quetiapina]

Also, there is talk that other Specialist Weight Man. clinics will be set up in Cardiff and Bridgend x

 

[AbsolutelyFabulous]

Thanks for that info Jenni
I've got my appointment at the Gwent. To be honest, I'm not pinning all my hopes on the banding as I'm aware it's like gold dust here in Wales. My current BMI is 51.6 but I'm doing WW and so far *fingers crossed* I seem to be doing ok. So, by June 11th my BMI will probably be less than 50. XX

 

[fairyringuk]

Be careful Abfab cause if the criteria for the funding is a BMI of 50 where you are and you go below it may go against you
At the same time you are doing fab on your diet and dont want to put you off that either,maybe you need to check and decide

Love Jay xx

 

[quetiapina]

Hi AbFab, glad you are doing well on diet and not pinning hopes on WLS - but I really do suggest you get on waiting list for Weight Man clinic now as it's over six months. You will be able to go to this one as it is Gwent Healthcare and they will support you whatever diet you are doing - give you loads of support. I find the psychologist brilliant. Her name is Janet and helps you look at why food is a crutch and working out ways to help.
Anyway, the v best of luck to you. It is nice to talk to someone from same area!