MAZZIE

I have just heard from the hospital with my third appointment but it is not until 17th July, it seems a long way off but I suppose it will go fairly quickly. I have to see the Bariatric Nurse and the Dietician on that day, I think I will probably then have to go on to the milk diet. I suppose it is a further step in the right direction. I seem to be living from one appointment to another at the moment. Mazzie

Hi I have been looking at this site for quite some time. I had tried to get it done through the NHS and had an appointment booked they had kept changing appointments so the day before my appointment I telephoned them just to make sure the appointment was still on (the hospital is over 100 miles away). They then told me that there was a letter in the post to me that night telling me that the criteria had changed and they are not carrying out these procedures any more unless I was diabetic or had sleep aponea. I was furious as I could have gone all the way there and been told it was off. I then decided to have it done privately and arranged an appointment at the Spire Hospital in Norwich (near my home). I then received a letter from the NHS saying they had changed their criteria again. So I have cancelled my private appointment and am going with the NHS I wish I could afford to go private but I must try the NHS as I don't really want to get into debt I know it will take a long time and I may still end up paying privately. I have my first appointment on 28th January so wish me luck. Has anybody any idea how long it will take from the first appointment on the NHS?

Just a question for anybody who has had a band or bypass, did you take time off work sick or use holiday for this? I am just wondering if I should save holiday for this or not. I don't mind work knowing I am having it done and the Doctor did refer me so I don't see why it shouldn't be sick leave. Also I know people are different and the operation differs but can anyone give me a rough idea of how long I would be off work for? Mazzie

I have now had two appointments at Luton & Dunstable hospital. One for blood tests etc and the next time to see the Consultant which was on the 19th February. He said it would be about 8 months until the operation, which would be about August/September. Apparently I have funding I think the next step is to see the Dietician and then the Psychologist and I have to go on a milk diet. After that they have a meeting and see whether they are willing to do it. I don't know what I will do if they refuse. I am just waiting for the next appointment. I am just hoping it will be my last fat summer!!! Mazzie

Hi I have been referred by my GP to Luton & Dunstable Hospital (a three hour journey) I have been for two appointments and have been told I next have to see a diatician and a psychologist and have to go on a Milk diet and then they will decide whether they will carry out an operation. Apparently I already have funding. I was wondering if anybody else had been to Luton & Dustable and if so how long the whole procedure took. When I spoke to the Consultant he said about 7 to 8 months. I then read about someone who had been to L & D 8 times had been all through the above and they told her they would not carry out the procedure as she was not diabetic and did not have a heart problem. I am just wondering whether I am wasting my time. Mazzie

Hi Daisey I am glad you have got your appointment I am like you and don't really know whether they can refuse to do it or not. I have my first appointment for blood tests etc. on 28th January and have another appointment to see the Consultant on the 19th February. I suppose after that I may have more of an idea of what might happen. I don't know how long the waiting list is - I am having to go to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital it is about 100 miles from where I live. Mazzie

Thanks for your replies I have my first appointment with NHS on 29th Jan and then see Consultant on 9th Feb so hopefully things will get moving.