newbie needing advice

[Maggie68]

Hi going to try and cut a long story short. I live in Chichester west sussex, and Im 20 stone. I went to my doc a couple of years ago and was thinking about obesity surgery. I didnt end up having it. Anyway two years later, Im two stone heavier, and still cant lose weight. Im thinking of going back to my doc, and discussing options. I know I can get nhs treatment, but what is the latest best op to have, before I was going to get a band, but is the best option? Does the surgery really mess up your eating ? And what about loose skin? I take lots of exercise, I have a dog, who I walk. I would be really greatful, to get some advice, Thanks, Maggie

 

[los in it]

Hello and welcome maggie
there are a few options with WLS ballon/band/sleeve/bypass each offer different things you will need to do research and also see what is best for you
all the options as you say "mess with your eating" in one way or another ive noticed that my NHS service seem to do bands less and more sleeves and bypass more ive been told the sleeve/ bypass offer better resluts in the long term but you have to think which one is the right one for you
re loose skin ......well you could excersice like mad but some still have loose skin no matter how hard you work at it its all down to how much your skin as stretched
hope thats helped a little bit im sure others will pop up with more/ better advise
good luck

 

[Kar8858]

Hi maggie and welcome. I know my consultant didn't mention the band and I was wanting a sleeve. If you are going via nhs it's a longer process and my advice would be research the sleeve and bypass so you understand how and why they work and for which sort of eaters. At least then when you see a consultant you have an idea of what you want yourself! Good luck in your journey, people here will help you all the way.

 

[Willow4]

Hi Just wanted to say welcome to the site, sorry can not help with anything as I am a newbie to.

My consultant said "They was trying to do a way with the band", and I was only offered Sleeve / Bypass

Good luck with your journey.

Elaine

 

[Graysie]

Hi Maggie

I'm in Sussex and a newbie too!

I had done some research and had suggested to my GP I liked the idea of the band, but he informed me they were more likely to do by-pass surgery. He thinks because it's possible to 'cheat' the band and also because of the better results.

Hope that helps

Graeme

 

[Crystalrainbow]

it all depends on your surgeon down here in Cornwall its band or bypass only ........ do your research in the waiting period. Get to the doc first and get your referral in and get on the right path.............. seeing the team and attending the group sessions will help with your decision. Of course all of the procedures are going to affect your eating..... thats how it works.with regards to loose skin ......... of course being big were always going to end up with it, but i feel loose skin is the least of my concerns................. being health but wobbly is fine by me i have lost 6 stone since having my band fitted (including pre op diet) but over 9 stone in total now ...... my neck was the first to show the effects but has tighten up mostly, tops of arms and legs are main concern but nothing i cant live with. Exercise will help of course but it wont eliminate it gl and a very warm welcome x x x

 

[Jamast]

. . . down here in Cornwall its band or bypass only ........

There are other options down here Crystal. In my pre-op chat with Mr Clarke, he asked me to sign a form stating that if a bypass wasn't possible once they were inside, then I agreed to having a sleeve.

I agree that you should do as much research as possible first, but also wanted to say that things might change as you go through the process. I initially wanted a band, but as I went through all the goalposts and as I discovered more about the overall benefits (including already knowing some WL patients and meeting other people- I realised that for me, the bypass was the much better choice. So don't feel that you have to stick to your first choice, it's getting that first foot on the ladder that's important.

 

[Crystalrainbow]

There are other options down here Crystal. In my pre-op chat with Mr Clarke, he asked me to sign a form stating that if a bypass wasn't possible once they were inside, then I agreed to having a sleeve.

I agree that you show lol d do as much research as possible first, but also wanted to say that things might change as you go through the process. I initially wanted a band, but as I went through all the goalposts and as I discovered more about the overall benefits (including already knowing some WL patients and meeting other people- I realised that for me, the bypass was the much better choice. So don't feel that you have to stick to your first choice, it's getting that first foot on the ladder that's important.

Oh yes but they don't offer it before hand.........all our meetings were geared for band or bypass

Research all you can hunni hows ya doing jamast?

 

[Birdie01]

Welcome Maggie! Another West Sussex one here!

Will also be going to St Richards for either bypass or sleeve - still haven't seen a consultant though. Anyway - good luck and I look forward to following your journey!

 

[Maggie68]

Hi There,

Hi there, thanks for your post. I actualy live in Chichester, I have a gp appointment in three weeks. I am hoping to get the surgery on the nhs, as I cant fund it. Think it might be a long old process. Did you get nhs funding, and how long is it all taking, what surgery are you going for ? Hope you dont mind all my questions. Maggie x

 

[Birdie01]

Hi Maggie! Not sure if you are referring to me but I'll tell you anyway! Lol!

I'm hoping to have a bypass on the nhs as I too cannot fund it - I was referred last September and had to do 12 months on the tier 3 weight management course so it's a pain but just hoops you might need to jump through. Some people with a bmi of 50+ only have to do 6 months I hear but it seems some areas differ.

I thought Chichester falls under West Sussex? I'm useless with geography so I'm possibly wrong there!

I don't mind any questions! Fire away!

 

[Maggie68]

more questions

Well two years ago, I did the why weight programme, Im wondering if I will have to do it all again ?? I decided not to have surgery then, but two years later with no weight loss, I think I will go back to the doc, and discuss options. Yes Chichester is west sussex, its where st richards is. Thanks for your help . Maggie x

 

[Birdie01]

I think you might have to do it again but maybe for not as long? I heard my dietitian say once that you have to have done it in the last year.