NeonRaven8919

I live in London and there's a lot of great things to do! You will definitely enjoy it!

I'm an NHS patient as well. I can fully understand needing hoops to jump through before spending public money. I think the thing for is I had to stop and think at each stage if it all was really worth it so each barrier gave me time to re-evaluate. My first group session, you could tell there were a lot of people who weren't suitable yet, because they wanted the "magic wand solution" and were disappointed this isn't it. And then about a third just wanted Ozempic because they thought it meant they didn't need to do any work. Every stage made me sure I am ready to put the work in now.

I hate eating in restaurants sometimes because I worried that people are watching me eat and thinking "of course the fat girl would be eating that". It's really hard not to see myself that way.
The old expression "If you knew how little they thought of you, you wouldn't care how little they thought of you." is true, but it's hard to remember.

Thank you @Bypass2Freedom. It’s hard to get out of the habit of throwing on the same clothes day in, day out. I know I need to shake things up but it’s difficult knowing how!
@NeonRaven8919 I adore London and always have. There is always something going on and caters to all tastes and interests. It’s certainly different to where we live!
@catwoman7 and @summerseeker I don’t even know how many pairs or leggings I have, it’s ridiculous and yes, they are so comfy. Unfortunately I have yet to find a pair made of strong enough material to hold in my belly - it’s not attractive at all ☹️
@FifiLux Thanks, I certainly plan to 🙂
Tickets have come through today for our show at the Royal Opera House on Thursday, which is ramping the excitement up a lot. Hubby has also paid for me to have my makeup done on the day too. I’m feeling a bit 😬 about that as I’m not sure about the attention to be honest? I’m sure it will be OK, just another new experience huh?

For surgery on the NHS, it has to be shown that the patient is fully aware that the surgery is only a tool and that the patient has realistic expectations of life post-surgery. We have to show and understand that we are prepared to put in all the necessary work (daily Vitamins and regular blood tests, to adhere to the rules of eating both immediately after surgery while we heal and then the lifelong commitment required to maintain their losses)
I’m glad that my NHS Trust has hoops to jump through if I’m honest, as it inspires confidence for me. Would I love surgery now? Of course! I’m I mentally prepared for it? No, I don’t think I am. The past couple of weeks have shown me that I do respond to emotional situations by trying to soothe myself with food. Will I be able to do that post-op? Very, very doubtful as I would be worried about undoing both the surgery and the psychological readiness I know I need to undergo said surgery.
I do read some posts on various forums that do give cause for concern as a pre-op patient, just as Tek identified above. I’m in no position to advise but it is comforting that the more experienced posters do their utmost to give advice and guide the user in contacting their surgeon, doctor etc or to re-read the advice they should have been given 🙂

I see your point, but I think the psych eval is necessary. Weight loss surgery outcomes are much better when used along side pysch evals, dietician visits etc. This is all documented and confirmed by the medical community. I think if I was an insurance company, I would prefer to pay out for a surgery that it likely to be successful because the patient is using all the tools in their tool belt and is more likely to be successful. I would also think that more than one appointment with a psychologist should be the norm. You can sometimes do more harm than good with only one therapy session.
I don't see it as discrimination because ultimately, it's an elective surgery. We can live (albeit less well) if we are overweight. There are also other surgeries that require psychiatric evaluation too, for example gender surgeries. It's not really discriminatory to require that the person getting certain surgery is likely to have a successful outcome because the require life changes to be successful.
However, I definitely agree that it shouldn't be down to the insurance companies to determine the requirements, it should be medial professionals. Insurers should never get the final say in what procedures a patient can or can't get if the doctor disagrees with the insurance company. I also don't think a tick box appointment should be enough to get approved for a major surgery which is what insurance requires.

I live in London and there's a lot of great things to do! You will definitely enjoy it!

I see your point, but I think the psych eval is necessary. Weight loss surgery outcomes are much better when used along side pysch evals, dietician visits etc. This is all documented and confirmed by the medical community. I think if I was an insurance company, I would prefer to pay out for a surgery that it likely to be successful because the patient is using all the tools in their tool belt and is more likely to be successful. I would also think that more than one appointment with a psychologist should be the norm. You can sometimes do more harm than good with only one therapy session.
I don't see it as discrimination because ultimately, it's an elective surgery. We can live (albeit less well) if we are overweight. There are also other surgeries that require psychiatric evaluation too, for example gender surgeries. It's not really discriminatory to require that the person getting certain surgery is likely to have a successful outcome because the require life changes to be successful.
However, I definitely agree that it shouldn't be down to the insurance companies to determine the requirements, it should be medial professionals. Insurers should never get the final say in what procedures a patient can or can't get if the doctor disagrees with the insurance company. I also don't think a tick box appointment should be enough to get approved for a major surgery which is what insurance requires.

There is a reel on tik tok that really hit close to home with me where this lady is at Disney world and she begins it with something like i am wearing shorts in Disney and you will NOT believe some of the things people are saying to me…. Just when you expect her to repeat all these nasty comments and rude looks she says ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. No one really cares!! I’m sure I’m not recalling it verbatim but the point is that (for the most part) we are the only ones that are thinking about what we look like when we are dressed in the appropriate attire for an activity. I second getting a new costume if you can afford it but either way don’t let what others think keep you from living your life.

That is a great saying
I'd like to think that even now, post-surgery early days, I am feeling more confident to combat some of these comments!

I hate eating in restaurants sometimes because I worried that people are watching me eat and thinking "of course the fat girl would be eating that". It's really hard not to see myself that way.
The old expression "If you knew how little they thought of you, you wouldn't care how little they thought of you." is true, but it's hard to remember.

Right now I say "OMG I AM?! NO WONDER I HAD TO BUY NEW CLOTHES" Anywho how are you doing? Life okay?
I have been getting this a lot so I understand

"i eat a lot less than i used to...btw, i looove your shoes!! where did you get them???"
OR
"i eat a lot less than i used to...btw, i need your expert opinion on <insert topic here>"

Ask to see their medical degree, after all your medical doctor says you are right where you should be and since he/she's medically trained their diagnosis has more weight - perhaps if they disagree they should debate them about (my - you) your healthy weight...and ask them if they'd like the doctors number!?

"Because I was cursed by an evil witch in the forest for not minding my own business."

"Clean living and not suffering stupid questions."
Tek

There are two responses that come to mind. First, "So what if I did? You don't get a trophy for making your life even harder than it has to be, darling. Be a martyr in your own life if you'd like, but I have better things to do with my time."
The second is a the classic quote from Saturday Night Live, "Jane, you ignorant sl*t..."

lol. This made me chuckle a few times, thanks for that. Yea I know I cant seem to take a side. I finally landed on the fact that they just need to take a long hard look at the system as it stands and give it an overhaul. Seems like maybe it’s been quite a while since they have. I think I may be onto something in them requiring one actual therapy visit post op instead of this evaluation pre op (that’s I agree seems more of a box to check than anything else). Just so the patient can see what it’s all about and decide for themselves if it’s right for them?? I am talking about what’s actually in favor of the patient succeeding. Not in terms of the insurance company saving money.

I don't think a therepy session is the solution for which you are looking.
I'm shocked and dismayed by the questions posted here by early post-ops. Everything should have been covered by their program team. Nay, it should have been pounded into their patients heads. What to expect, possible problems, the diet, and every other last detail. Twice.
Unfortunately, many programs fall terribly short on information.
Another unfortunately, some patients simply don't listen.
The combination can be heartbreaking.
Let's you and I rule the world and make some changes!
Tek

I'm actually getting my surgery on the NHS. To be honest, I feel like I won the lottery because I was approved for surgery in May 2024 and I'm getting it in October 2024. The surgeon said to me it was extremely unlikely it would happen before next year! But I guess the downside is they gave me the option of sleeve or bypass and those were the only options.
I would love a last fry up, but sadly, I'm on milk diet for 12 weeks until surgery and then after that, I don't suppose I'll really want food for at least a month.

Sorry to hear you've had to go through this. My surgery is in October and I'm a bundle of nerves. I've been put on a 12 week liquid diet, and I couldn't imagine going through all this and then having to reschedule. Good Luck to you!

I'm actually getting my surgery on the NHS. To be honest, I feel like I won the lottery because I was approved for surgery in May 2024 and I'm getting it in October 2024. The surgeon said to me it was extremely unlikely it would happen before next year! But I guess the downside is they gave me the option of sleeve or bypass and those were the only options.
I would love a last fry up, but sadly, I'm on milk diet for 12 weeks until surgery and then after that, I don't suppose I'll really want food for at least a month.

Hi!
I got approved for the surgery in May of 2024. Doctor first told me that I would most likely have to wait until 2025 because of how the long the hospital waiting list is. Suddenly, I got called last week saying they were able to do it in October of 2024.
So this is the first day of a 12 week liquid diet to lose 10% of my body weight before the surgery.
My birthday is coming up and I have wedding that I'm going to next week!
I'm happy that this is happening this year, but I also feel bummed because I feel like this is bad timing.
I'm really happy that this journey is starting. I've always been overweight and so was my mother. We were the only one's in the family who were. We moved to the UK when I was 14 and my stepfather was also overweight and he passed away in 2022 due to pneumonia and other weight related complications.
My mother had gastric bypass in 2008 and due to surgical complication, they couldn't fix a bowel perforation and she passed in 2023. She and my stepdad were the only people in my life who were really supportive of anything I did. I fell a little bit alone going through this now, but I'm feeling optimistic at the same time.
Just looking for other people to share my story with.

Happy birthday!
My surgery is next month and my birthday (50th!) will be 24 days after surgery. I won't be eating any birthday treats this year as I'll barely be back on solid foods, but I'm thinking I will go for a pedicure. Actually, that makes a nice group activity if some of your friends want to do that instead of dinner, and at around $40-50, the cost is about the same as an entree, cocktail, and dessert. If you really want to splurge, you could also check around for day spas in your area. I have one near me that offers full-day package including sauna, mineral hot tub, steam room, salt room, massage, and facial.
I grew up near a lot of strawberry fields, so traditionally my birthday cake has always been fresh strawberries on top of angel food cake with a little whipped cream. By next year, I imagine that will be fine, especially if I go heavy on the strawberries (no added sugar) and small on the cake. But I think the more you go for non-food experiences to Celebrate, the better.

Hi! Happy to answer this. I am 10 months post op. Had my first glass of champagne 6 weeks out. Sipped it for hours. You will get hit by the alcohol quickly. Alcohol will get you twice as drunk for the same amount due to starvation / not drinking for ages.
i am a social weekend drinker and attend lots of events. I can say since then I will have a drink or two every weekend. Without shame or issue. I simply count my alcohol calories. I have lost 30% of my body weight and weigh in the low 60s now. You have to live your life - I’m not into banning foods and rules. This is the beginning of the rest of your life. You have to have fun and enjoy it. Say you drink a bit and it takes you an extra month to reach your target? Who cares. At least it’s sustainable. Don’t feel ashamed for having a drink or two if that’s what you want to do. Just remember you will barely drink anything and feel the full effects. Lol. Best of luck!