New to WLS and V Desperate...would love some advice

[Izzys_Mum]

Hiya,

I am new to this site and would love some advice please. I am at my wits end with my weight, v low and feel like I am hitting a brick wall.

I am 26 and weigh 19.5 stones my BMI is 47. I have been giving some serious thought to surgery over the last 18 mths or so and finally plucked up the courage to see my GP. I have been to dieticians and have tried EVERY diet imagainable and been swimming, walking etc and tried Alli tablets but I lose 5/6 pounds then put it all back on plus more.

My GP said as a final try he has prescribed me some tablets and told me to come back in a month and take it from there and he will refer me for surgery if they dont work. I am pulling my hair out and I have been reading about funding for WLS and it seems few and far between however I am no expert. Can anyone advise me what to say to my GP when I go back if these tablets dont work so he will refer me surgery? Also does anyone have advice on how to get NHS funding?

I am so sorry for babbling and hope to hear from some of you soon x

 

[Mixman]

Hello and welcome.

You've answered your own question.

My GP said as a final try he has prescribed me some tablets and told me to come back in a month and take it from there and he will refer me for surgery if they dont work.

He's giving the tablets a chance so when he puts you forward for surgery, he can tick all the boxes as to what has been talked about and tried.

 

[Mazza]

Hi

Have a look at this link which will tell you what your pct's criteria is for funding weight loss surgery.

BOSPA - The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association

If you go back to your gp at least with this information along with your history of attempts Im sure you will get your referrel.

Good luck x

 

[uglyduck16]

Hiya :wavey:
I wanted to reply to you because I can really understand how you are feeling.
Mazza has given you the link to the BOSPA website, which will tell you your local areas critea for funding.
You need to go back and see your doctor and really home into him/her about all the previous diet attemps you have tried and failed at and why you think WLS will work fo you and how much it really means to you.
Tell your doctor that you do not want to wait a month to be reffered for WLS as you are really worried about your weight and you want to get the ball rolling (because even when you are reffered nothing happens quickly anyway... at least you can start the process!!)
Good luck!
arty0011:Xarty0049:xx em xxXarty0049:arty0011:

 

[Izzys_Mum]

Thank you for your help. I will take a look at the site. Feel silly now I read it back and realise I have answered my own question! Just got so much going on....thanks again

 

[jaynefrances]

I think that when you get so fed up it is hard to see the woods for the trees lol. Your GP sounds like one of the sensible ones, as mentioned above he is making sure that he has explored all options too before referring you, as it is obviously the last resort. Continue to show commitment by giving the meds a go and losing what you can and above all be persistent if you have decided that wls is the right option for you. Good luck x x

 

[Sambucca]

Hi Izzy's mum.

You have already had some great advice so I will just say hello and welcome.

Which part of the UK are you in? Someone from your area may post here and have personal experience of the referral procedure in your local area.

Good luck with your journey x

 

[Mimsie67]

Hi hun, just wanted to welcome you and tell you to hang on in there, it will be worth it in the end, what area are you from? Oh and don't feel silly asking any questions on here because we have all been on the same journey. We are all here for each other.

 

[12dobidog]

Welcome hun
It is a slow process but will be worth the weight
To make your selve feel more positive start setting small achievable targets for your self, but when you achieve them dont keep it to your self tell us and we will help you celebrate

 

[ChefClay]

Unfortunately a lot depends on the area that you live and their relative NHS funding. With regard to doctors, both mine tried to put me off applying for Wls and said they had no confidence in the procedures! They quoted me a number of negative stats and really tried to put me off. I stood my ground though and eventually they referred me. Now on the waiting list and the opportunity to prove them wrong! Your doctor sounds very supportive, but do not take 'no' for an answer! - Best of luck, Paul x

 

[phatmomma]

Hi, firstly as Sam said where are you from? Someone from your area will be able to tell you exactly what the criteria is.

I know a lot of pct's want you to have tried the medicines, done the diets, exercise so as Mixxy said you have ticked all the boxes....

Can i ask if you've been tested for diabetes, sleep apnoea and any other supporting comorbidities. Awful as it sounds horrid things like this are the tip that the scales need when applying for wls.....

If you've not had bloods done to check for diabetes can i suggest you ask your gp to do them whilst your on your tablets? Also if like some with sleep apnoea if you are tired during the day, have disturbed sleep also suggest that your gp checks you out for apnoea. This is usually initially done by a few questions which he gives scores for before sending you off to a specialist...

Good luck Izzysmom and don't worry about daft questions, i love newcomers to the site like yourself. You can ask the daft questions i'm not clever enough to have thought of yet Keep em coming xxx

 

[Cuppacocoa]

Hi Izzysmom, unfortunately I cannot advise on getting funding as I failed in that department but just wanted to wish you all the best with your weightloss journey, whatever you decide to do.

Chin up,
Cuppa xx

 

[BandyEmm]

Hi and welcome to the best WLS site EVER!!

Good luck on your journey x

 

[dottychic]

Welcome ..... pull up a chair! x

 

[Stellap]

Hiya, I was exactly the same as you - I never thought in a million years I'd get the surgery on the NHS and had actually looked into getting a loan. I was type II diabetic but my weight was 17 stone (huge to me but as my surgeon said "one of my skinnier patients") and my BMI was 39 so I didn't think I would get it. However, I did chat with my GP who said they would find out what the criteria was. After that I have to say it was incredibly easy. Got a referral in July to see the bariatric team and had a call in November to say could I be available for the op on 4 December. I would stress that a lot of people find it incredibly hard as it really does depend on your PCT and this is just my personal experience (my PCT is tower hamlets). I would say be honest with your GP about how hard you have tried, say you are worried about your health, the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cholestrol mobility etc. Most of us here have already tried every other avenue and put weight back on. When I had my appointment with the surgeon he stressed that most people can lose weight but its a short term thing and its keeping it off that the WLS helps with, so the tablets, diets work for a time but its not a long term solution. Hope you get the referral without too much messing around.