Next step - approaching the finish line

[Jamast]

Bloomin' annoyed - AGAIN!!

On the recommendation of the BOSPA woman, I called the Consultants secretary today to ask for a rough idea of when the PCT would be meeting to consider my funding. The flippin' consultant hasn't even done the letter yet!! So, I asked why it hadn't been done as I was told the last time I saw her that it would be done immediately. Our conversation went like this;

The secretary "Oh she's been on the wards for the past ten days."

Me - "Well, that accounts for the time between the 6th April and today - what about the 11 days before that?

Secretary - "I don't know, I do know the PCT meet every month - I think, but they need the letter first - I think."

Me - "Erm no, actually the PCT meet every three months and consider funding applications in blocks. They are due to meet this month. Considering that it has been exactly three weeks since I was told the application would be sent that day, what are the chances of it being done and sent to the PCT before this months meeting?"

Secretary - "Oh do they? I didn't know that, I just say what I'm told to. You could always try calling next week, or the week after to see if the letter has been done. I can't see anything in her diary for the rest of this week, so it might get done this week. "

Grrrrr, I am so annoyed, it's been almost three years since I was first put forward for WLS (5 years since I first approached my GP). I've jumped through every hoop, done everything they asked - and more and am still being messed around. I suppose it's my fault for relying on a doctor who's idea of a follow up appointment arrives 12 months late!!

I am so fed up (and that's putting it VERY mildly)!!!

Oh and the reason the BOSPA woman said to ring was that this particular consultant is well known for not doing what she should be doing.

 

[WobblyW]

On the recommendation of the BOSPA woman, I called the Consultants secretary today to ask for a rough idea of when the PCT would be meeting to consider my funding. The flippin' consultant hasn't even done the letter yet!! So, I asked why it hadn't been done as I was told the last time I saw her that it would be done immediately. Our conversation went like this;

The secretary "Oh she's been on the wards for the past ten days."

Me - "Well, that accounts for the time between the 6th April and today - what about the 11 days before that?

Secretary - "I don't know, I do know the PCT meet every month - I think, but they need the letter first - I think."

Me - "Erm no, actually the PCT meet every three months and consider funding applications in blocks. They are due to meet this month. Considering that it has been exactly three weeks since I was told the application would be sent that day, what are the chances of it being done and sent to the PCT before this months meeting?"

Secretary - "Oh do they? I didn't know that, I just say what I'm told to. You could always try calling next week, or the week after to see if the letter has been done. I can't see anything in her diary for the rest of this week, so it might get done this week. "

Grrrrr, I am so annoyed, it's been almost three years since I was first put forward for WLS (5 years since I first approached my GP). I've jumped through every hoop, done everything they asked - and more and am still being messed around. I suppose it's my fault for relying on a doctor who's idea of a follow up appointment arrives 12 months late!!

I am so fed up (and that's putting it VERY mildly)!!!

Oh and the reason the BOSPA woman said to ring was that this particular consultant is well known for not doing what she should be doing.

I've read so many stories like this on here, I'd just like to knock their heads together!!! Do they not realise it takes one he'll of a lot of guts to put yourself through this, I'm grrrrrring for you, hang in there!

 

[Jamast]

Sorry - had to edit as I felt very disloyal

 

[Fuffs]

I can totally understand your frustration, anger and feelings. It is often the worst offenders in life who have the most to say.

Hopefully her rant meant 'I worry about you mom'

But you know her very well and from your post sounds more likely that she just wants you to listen to her opinions.

(((hugs))) really hope you don't have to sit through anymore rants xxx

 

[Yvessa]

Unfortunately, my mum probably thinks the same way about me :/

Having said that though, I think some people, particularly those who are overweight feel uncomfortable with someone else taking action. It reminds them of their own failures, and they become desperate to show that they don't need surgery too. She is making this about her rather than you and unfortunately, being mum I guess you just have to rise above :/

 

[dinkydink]

I agree with Yvessa! I think there's a little green eyed monster lurking, with an equal worrying about mom!! Im dying to tell people close to me but I'm so scared of the reactions only my hubby, 10yo son and mom know xx

 

[Jamast]

Thank you all for your replies. I have calmed down rather a lot now. mmm

Research shows trying to lose weight alters your brain and hormones so you're doomed to pile it on again | Mail Online

 

[chrisa]

Eh dear me we get it from all sides somedays, my daughter is almost 25 she is very opinionated as well, however she did support me all the way and still does, but she is very overweight now she doesn;t eat healthily as me and her dad have always tried to. She works all day and some days she goes out befor 6am and gets back just after 6pm thats most days actually. In her teens she had complained of pain in her wrists after a few years working she eventually went to the docs and was diagnosed with benign hypermobility, she lives with constant pain in her knees ankles and her wrists, it could be in more joints but that is where it mainly affects her she has just had her medication upped again to help the pain which is really bad at the moment. She has suffering lately with severe migraines and has painkillers for that too now she is tired and irritable and mother dearest usually gets the real deal. She works in the prison service in the office so her health can be a problem at times when working down on the wings. She would be an ideal candidate for the bypass, sleeve or band and could go to our local hospital where they have now started to do bariatric surgery and the waiting list isnt too long, I have suggested it but thats all for now, i would like her to do it now for her own sake but its her decision, but know she is impresed by my weight loss. She reminds me of your daughter has to be right. Hope she makes the right decision for herself. xx Its our cross to bare and we love them no matter what. xx

 

[Fuffs]

Thank you all for your replies. I have calmed down rather a lot now. I did have to have a snigger earlier, as many people know - I loathe the Daily Mail - however, my husband brought a copy of yesterdays Mail home from work as it concerns an article that does actually make a lot of sense and covers everything I was trying to say to my daughter yesterday. My knowledge is not only based on personal experience, but also on research done for a PhD some years ago, so I feel that I have personal and professional knowledge to back up what I was saying to her. Anyway, DH left it on the kitchen table after saying to her (very quietly), "I saw this at work and thought you might like to have a read." - She's just gone swimming and I watched her dump the Mail in the bin on the way out!! mmm

Research shows trying to lose weight alters your brain and hormones so you're doomed to pile it on again | Mail Online

Ah well, it's her birthday tomorrow - lets hope we have a quiet day lol.

She may find the Horizon Programme on it all fascinating too then. Even showed the brain scan and chemical change post bypass that will make us like slim people in our thinking. It was totally fascinating research throughout.

Hopefully she will have a lovely birthday tomorrow and chill xxx

 

[Yvessa]

Fingers crossed that she comes around hun.

 

[Jamast]

Fingers crossed that she comes around hun.

Thank You x

 

[Jamast]

She may find the Horizon Programme on it all fascinating too then. Even showed the brain scan and chemical change post bypass that will make us like slim people in our thinking. It was totally fascinating research throughout.

Hopefully she will have a lovely birthday tomorrow and chill xxx

Hi Fuffs - thank You, What is this horizon Programme? I don't recall seeing that at all.

 

[Yvessa]

BBC Two - Horizon, 2011-2012, The Truth about Fat

Here is the link. Fuffs posted it a while ago. It was very interesting and quite scientific.

 

[Jamast]

BBC Two - Horizon, 2011-2012, The Truth about Fat

Here is the link. Fuffs posted it a while ago. It was very interesting and quite scientific.

Thank You - I will be very interested in watching that myself (DH wants to see it too lol).

 

[Yvessa]

I sent it to my boss. It helps answer the question of 'why can't we just stop eating and do more exercise'. Also a good website that I found was Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit | Personal Trainer | Weight Loss

 

[Jamast]

and the goal posts change once again

All I seem to do on here is moan - but I am so angry/upset/ annoyed etc.


I have just received a copy of a letter, sent by the consultant to my GP. The letter is dated last Wednesday, over a month since the Dr assured me that she was happy with the work I had done and that she was applying for my funding (yet again). The letter states that although I am over 20 kilos less that at my biggest weight, I am 4 kilos heavier than I was over a year ago when I saw her previously and that I have not attended BOSPA and that she was waiting confirmation from me before making an application for funding. Once again, this is direct contradiction of what she had told me face-to face. I feel as though I am constantly jumping through hoops to meet targets whilst the NHS keeps moving the goal posts every time.

I have called the Dr Secretary and she suggested that I put this letter together. Apparently I am not the first person who seems to be tied up within the system without getting anywhere and this Doc has had a number of other complaints. She suggested that a letter might prove useful to the PCT in order for them to consider my application.

Those who have read my diary will know that I do attend BOSPA and that this Doctor didn't see a problem with the fact thaat I had regained some weight, but was now working to lose it again. I don't know what's wrong with me lately, I am normally a rational person, but now I seem to cry at the slightest thing. I have cried most of the afternoon whilst putting together a lengthy letter - at the suggestion of the consultants secretary who suggested that I send a letter to the PCT explaining my experiences of the NHS since beginning this fight for WLS. She added that I should include the false starts and other mistakes this doctor has been responsible for as they have had "a number of complaints about the way she does, or rather doesn't do what she says she will!!" (direct quote).

Anyway, I have now made an appointment with my GP and I am going to ask him to ensure that my letter gets to the PCT and to feel free to add his own comments.

 

[yviec1972]

Aw love doesn't your pct have a patient group you can go to. I know the one up here.is called PALS and it helps with alsorts from not really understanding what the gp is saying to problems with care providers. It's a friendly ear who can help you cut through the mumbo jumbo that the professionals fire at you. It really helps to have someone in the know by your side. In the meantime chin up we are all here for you xxxx

 

[Yvessa]

I'm sorry to hear this hun Fingers crossed you can find a professional to move your case forward

 

[Mikaela]

If your bmi is over 50 u will get funding is your bmi over that if it is they have to apply I hope it all works it's self out hunni x

 

[Sharonimo]

When I opened up your thread, Jamast, I could not believe you were having funding / referral problems when I looked at your stats on the left hand side (starting BMI 69 and current BMI 63).

Are some doctors stupid or something, and think people with BMI's above 50 and 60 will be able to do long term calorie restriction (with existing football sized stomachs) for a long period of time ....??

And not wake up and realise that someone with a BMI above 60 should really be high priority to have the op a.s.a.p. !!!!