diamond48

i am definitely 100 lbs overweight and have a bmi of 39.5. I can appreciate the PCT not funding the banding as they have to take into account where their funding is being spent throughout the year, but for the GP to actually tell me that I wasn't eligible for such surgery is in itself contradictory as everywhere tells you that if you are 100 lbs overweight or less if other factors regarding health is involved you are eligible! Still I will continue with Reductil and see how things go.

Hi, Had the appointment with my GP. Unfortunately, as I envisaged would happen, she said I would not be viable for banding. I know I will be viable if I pay for the op myself, but finances will not allow. I approached my GP to have the op performed under the NHS so obviously their PCT was not going to entertain the idea. My GP said I was not the usual subject for such an op looking me up and down. Obviously my "LOOK" was not "enormous" enough for them to operate. My GP prescribed me Reductil. I have taken Xenical before and it did not work for me. I have researched Reductil in the past, but my GP at the time would not prescribe it as he felt I would do better dieting!!! Yeah right, was he even listening to me when I told him I'd been on countless diets and lost weight and then gained as soon as I stopped the diet? I think not. I took my first Reductil today after a couple of slices of toast and coffee. I can honestly say that it worked for me in that I didn't even think of food until around 4 pm this afternoon when I discussed with my sons what we should have to eat for dinner. It wasn't until then I realised I hadn't eaten all day and hadn't even grazed! I had Pasta with a tomato/herb sauce this evening and couldn't even finish the portion I would have normally eaten. I am hopeful that maybe I this time I will lose weight and keep it off. I was determined to go ahead with banding if that was my only option, but help was definitely at hand with my GP. She understood my dilemma perfectly and hopefully has provided the lifeline I need. I will stay with the forum as I feel Enlightened by everyone losing weight by whatever method and find great comfort from conversing with likeminded people. Let's keep up the good work, together! Thank you all so much for being there. It means so much.:thumbup:

hi dkearby, i know exactly how you feel. i have been trying to lose weight for 20 years since the birth of my first son. i am 5 ft 8 in and 262lbs which is apparently 102lbs overweight. because of my height people, including my family, say i can carry it off because i'm tall. hell, how does being tall help me walk my dogs without getting out of breathe, help me sleep, help me wear nice clothes, or even help me go shopping for them in the outsize department? I've chosen to speak to my GP re banding as my last resort. i've tried the healthy eating and exercising, only to lose and then gain some and more. its been a vicious circle and one i hope my GP will notice and refer me. my bmi is 39.5 bordering on what is classed as viable. i do not look enormous, but that's because i cover myself well in the clothes i have painstakingly bought with my size in mind. keep replying on this forum and let us know how you get on. keep your spirits up, knowing there are others here sharing the same dilemmas!

Hi, its nice to see UK ppl on the forum. I am contemplating the big step -- and am seeing my GP this evening to discuss. I have struggled with my weight for over 20 years after the birth of my first son. I am interested in keeping up with lap banders' progress as this helps me assess more and more what to expect if I am lucky enough to be a viable patient! My best wishes are sent to you all for successful weight loss and a happier contented life. Keep up the good work. As always, x :biggrin: