Surgery options with NHS

[zns]

Hi everyone

I have been researching the different operations a little since I found out yesterday that I have funding.

Does anyone know how much of a choice you actually have? I assume that they will tell you which they think is best for your circumstances. But if you don't want that type of operation what happens?

I suppose this might vary in different areas, but just a bit of a general idea would be nice if anyone knows.

Thank you

 

[Silversurfer]

Hi everyone

I have been researching the different operations a little since I found out yesterday that I have funding.

Does anyone know how much of a choice you actually have? I assume that they will tell you which they think is best for your circumstances. But if you don't want that type of operation what happens?

I suppose this might vary in different areas, but just a bit of a general idea would be nice if anyone knows.

Thank you

Hi ZNS - i'd guess with a high BMI of 60+ they would suggest a bypass as you will struggle to lose the amount of weight with a band that you need to get to a healthy BMI ! but thats just a guess as i went private for mine and chose what i wanted based on my own circumstances and needs

 

[zns]

Thank you. I had figured that would be what they would suggest. I think I would prefer a band. But I am willing to listen to what they have to say and so on.

 

[Silversurfer]

Thank you. I had figured that would be what they would suggest. I think I would prefer a band. But I am willing to listen to what they have to say and so on.

When you look at the two option you have to think about it long term, with a band you you have to work really well with it, that means dieting, and healthy choices always, the band does about 45% of the work for you.
On the other hand with a bypass its easier to shift large volumes of weight a lot quicker, and because you malabsorb as well as have restrictive eating the bypass does about 75% of the work for you, you'll also find that your less restricted to dieting or healthier choices.

My start BMI was 50, in my opinion and my surgeons i was far to heavy for a band to have really worked well for me.

Best bet is to go into the meeting with your surgeon with an open mind and see what they suggest, everyone always makes the bypass out to be "so bad" or the "permanent" choice, but really its not that bad and longerterm things get pretty much back to normal, except your a lot lighter and healthier.

 

[quetiapina]

I was pretty heavy to have the band but chose it for a number of reasons. I'm pleased with it so far - but I'm only 3 months in.

Good luck with your choice x

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

hi im a bander of just over 4 years, i chose banding because i was a volume eater rather than a snacker and it suited my eating habbits/lifestyle. SS is right tho when the bmi is very high the bypass is the better option to maintain long term results, the band is so easily cheated and alot do cheat with it, so if longterm will power is an issue with you then a bypass would be more suited to you x

 

[Silversurfer]

I guess really another way is to look at your past dieting history, i was always fairly successful dieting and lost the weight, but i was never able to maintain it long term, i always managed to slip back into bad habbits without really realising it, and before i knew it i'd regained the weight, depressed about it i'd just give up and think sod it !

As Liz rightly said, if you do that with a band you fail and regain the weight you've lost, you still have restriction, but its easy to cheat the restriction.

 

[zns]

Thank you all for the replies, lots to think about.
I guess a band sounds less scary doesnt it.

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

they are both "lifestyle changes" but i feel the band needs the little more will power to maintain the weight lost as the desires and cravings dont go away just because a band is in situ x

 

[zns]

It makes a lot of sense. I probably would have a will power problem. Before reading everyones stories on here I was convinced I didnt want a by pass or sleeve but they are starting to sound more realisitic
Thank you

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

I guess really another way is to look at your past dieting history, i was always fairly successful dieting and lost the weight, but i was never able to maintain it long term, i always managed to slip back into bad habbits without really realising it, and before i knew it i'd regained the weight, depressed about it i'd just give up and think sod it !

As Liz rightly said, if you do that with a band you fail and regain the weight you've lost, you still have restriction, but its easy to cheat the restriction.

i agree the band can not be approached as a quick fix or be looked at in a similar way to just another diet, if it is approached with that attitude before the op then it can fail,this is why peoples minds have to be in the right place before surgery, dont get me wrong im certainly no angel and i do have the odd thing from time to time that i shouldnt but its incorperated as part of a healthy balanced diet but not an everyday thing other wise the weight goes back on.

 

[zns]

I def dont see any of it as a quick fix. Its all very interesting to find out what people who have actually had the operations have to say.

 

[hopelesscase]

The otherway to look at it is if you have a sweet tooth or fried coated foods as with the bypass you wont be able to eat them because of dumping so for me that is enough to keep me away whereas with the band you can still in effect eat these things.
when i saw the specialist he said that because of my bmi and needing to get the weight off quickly he would only do a bypass.
good luck whatever you decide

 

[serenitylove]

i was over 25st pre op and was offered either but strongly advised a bypass but i admantly wanted a band and its worked well so far for me but you do need to be determined iv had a few slips especially when iv been very stressed old habbits die hard! but it can be done. but if you feel you wont have the will power then bypass i think better as it takes the options away

 

[tesmaralda]

I agrre with all thats has been said especially looking at your eating habits. If you eat sweet things or lots of high calorie foods especially then you may be better off with a bypass however if the main problem is the amount you eat then a band is probably better for you. Have a look through lots of info and listen to what your surgeon has to say and then make an informed decission on whats best for you and your eating habits.

I personally knew that I would chet a band when I felt down or I would delay getting fills and things and use this as an excuse to over eat and sabotage my efforts. With a bypass the fear of dumping is enought o keep me away and in the 1st 3 weeks I have dumped twice and I am always careful and look at sugar content of things and don't buy anything that has more than 5g of sugar per 100g. The 1st dump was in hospital and I had been given the wrong drink. Its silly things that I've one out of habit that caused the 2nd dump and they are both enough to make me extremely careful and look and think about what I'm doing. HTH xXx

 

[zns]

Thank you all. Lots of interesting info. Im still thinking I wouldnt want the bypass proper, but am looking into the sleeve gastrectomy.
I guess I will have to wait and see what they say! I have decided to be referred to Charing Cross (could have also chosen Chelsea and Westminster) There didnt seem to be much difference I could see, but Charing Cross isnt in the congenstion zone so I went for that. Bit of an odd way to decide really lol.

 

[Mimsie67]

Hi ZNS that is where I have been referred to. Are you aiming to drive there?

 

[fairyringuk]

Best bet is to go into the meeting with your surgeon with an open mind and see what they suggest, everyone always makes the bypass out to be "so bad" or the "permanent" choice, but really its not that bad and longerterm things get pretty much back to normal, except your a lot lighter and healthier.[/QUOTE]


sounds good to me SS

Jay xx

 

[fairyringuk]

ZNS have heard good things about charring cross so good choice
At Luton and Dustable they offer band sleeve by pass, and I think charring cross are the same. However you would do well to listen to those who have experience post op and take that into account before you decide.
Good luck whatever you decide thoughx

Jay xx

 

[zns]

Thanks all, I will def go with an open mind

Mimsie, Im not sure about how to get there, I dont drive although my husband does, but we might get the train for most things, not sure yet, but he'd pick me up after the op of course.