Similar to a thread posted by Linksi to all Walslall Manor patients, I thought it would be good to have a thread which updates where in the WLS process all Sunderland patients are. I think it will be useful for everyone x
Would all SRH patients no matter where in the process you are - newbie, pre-op or post-op please post your appointment timescales as follow:
1) Date referred by GP and what area you come from.
February 2009 Harrogate, North Yorkshire
2) Date of seminar
I didn't attend a seminar until April 2010, long after I'd been put on the waiting list. Apparently that's how it's done with people who live a long way away.
3) Date of appointment with bariatric nurse/dietician.
didn't have one because of being a long distance patient.
4) Dates of any follow up tests - sleep apnea, psych etc.
sleep apnoea test done September 2009 in York - referred by GP on instructions of SRH!
saw Psychologist December 2009 after seeing surgeon for first time in April 2009 and second time in September 2009
5) Date of appointment with surgeon.
Ist appointment at SR was with surgeon/dietician in April 2009 - didn't attend seminar or see nurse/dietician because of being a long-distance patient. This was when my weight loss target was set. I was told I'd be put on the waiting list at my next appointment if I met the weight-loss target.
6) Date put on waiting list
Finally made it onto the waiting list February 2010!
7) Date of surgery.
August 10th 2010.
8) Any hiccups along the way.
Apparently my journey wasn't typical because of being a 'long-distance' patient.
After meeting my weight-loss target in September 2010, I wasn't put on the waiting list as promised because they decided they wanted me to see a psychologist. I was quite cross and felt that was rather unfair.
That didn't happen until December 2010 (after much nagging and phone-calls) and after 2 appointments it took a further 8 weeks to be put on the waiting list (after even more nagging and phone calls!) even though I was told in December that the psychologist was backing me for surgery! However at least whilst waiting to see the psychologist, my endoscopy was done.
My initial surgery in August 2010 was not straightforward.
8 weeks after surgery (October 2010) I was re-admitted as an emergency because of a perforated bowel and had to have a second major surgery. I was very poorly for quite some time.
In February 2011 I was re-admitted again because of more problems with major pain. Lots of tests were done which revealed nothing specific, and the most likely possibility is that 2 lots of surgery have left me with adhesions. The problems are now settling and I'm beginning to feel very well.
I'm now 34 weeks (almost 8 months) post-op, and have lost a total of 6 stones 6 pounds so far, including my pre-op diet.
My weight loss has been steady throughout and I haven't yet experienced a 'stall'. 
Despite all my set-backs, I feel great and love my bypass and the new lease of life it's given me.
It was well worth the wait and in retrospect, the waiting time was very useful in terms of getting my head into the right place for surgery. I'd have to say especially the last 4 weeks pre-op; when I was on this forum pretty constantly, and learnt so much and made some great friends who have been an absolutely fantastic support to me.
Grace xxx
