Anyone Else In The Same Boat???

ukdeveloper · February 27, 2007

Hi,

I just found this site and wanted, or more specifically needed, to share my thoughts.

My sister has had this op done several years ago and is still regularly sick through reflux. This was one of the main reasons I said I would never have it done.

Anyway I changed my mind about a year ago when I weighed nearly 24 stones (336 lbs). So I went to see my doctor who referred me to see a consultant for a lap band. About 3 months went by and then I got an appointment to see my surgeon??

I went along and was told I was an obvious candidate for the surgery and that funding would be sought on the NHS. 3 months after this i was invited back, and was told funding had been approved. I was over the moon.

I was told that I would have to go and see a consultant, as a matter of course, who would then givethe go ahead for the operation. I was told that my GP had done things slightly backwards and normally I would go and see the consultant first. I asked whether, when I see the consultant it would delay the process of being put on the list and was told that it would not.

7 months later.......

I go and see the "consultant", who was actually just a registrar who took down my particulars (and felt my particulars too :omg: ) then left the room and came back to tell me she would refer me to see a dietician. I told her that I was told my surgeon said that was not necessary and I was here just to be approved to go on his list.

I was told that I would HAVE to see a dietician and also a psychotherapist. The dietician had a waiting list of 6 months and the psychotherapist over a year. And thats JUST TO SEE THEM.... not start the course of whatever therapy they would suggest.

I worked it out that if I went ahead with all of these procedures, it would be about 3 years before the surgery would take place, and.... I know because I know how my body is breaking down.... that I will probably be dead within that time if nothing is done.

I made several complaints to the surgeon as I feel he should not have told me I would be on the waiting list vitually straght away, and he wrote to me and basically told me to go elsewhere.

So I went back to my doctors and told her that I now consider this case a matter of life and death and I wish to be re-referred to a different hospital (the one my sister went to in Sheffield), that was two months ago and I have been informed I would have to wait for a funding decision again. I should find this out tomorrow.

I hope... I pray that Sheffield can come to my rescue, as EVERYTHING in life now is becoming difficult, if not impossible, and all I want is to be a daddy to my little girl, and my new born son.

I now weight 420lbs and gaining. Ive tried all diets you can imagine and dont believe in weight loss pills.

Sorry this is a very long post, I just needed to get it off my rather large chest.

I dont even know what I expect in your answers, all I say is thank you for being here to listen.

Carl.

PS I really am NOT trying to bypass waiting lists. I am prepared to wait on any waiting list there is, but 3 years is taking the P*** no?

waterlily1072 · February 27, 2007

Wow I would be so frustrated, that is nuts! I had the optin to see any psychologist I wanted and there was no waiting involved. Of course I was self pay. Is it at all possible for you to go self pay somewhere where they are acctually reasonable? Good luck in getting your lapband, I wish you the best.

Devana · February 28, 2007

Holy smokes, Carl, that's tough. Is there any way you could get it done privately in Belgium? Remortgage your house or something like that? It certainly would be money well spent.

TheCascadian · February 28, 2007

You're under NHS?

I'd get on that chunnel-train to the continent and buy myself a lap-band instead!

3 years is FAR too long.

I started THINKING about this surgery in November of last year and am having surgery in March. And I drug my feet a lot!

I wish you luck.

Kat817 · February 28, 2007

I too was self pay, partly due to the hoops that my insurance (USA) was putting me through. When I look back on it, if I was still fighting with them, I would have 3-4 more months on their supervised diet, and then the rest of the hoops. As it sits right now I am within less than 40 pounds of my goal weight....the thought of not even having gotten started yet is horrible. I am so sorry you are dealing with this!!

I know it isn't cheap, but is your health going to make it through their time line? Sad to say, but it may be time to explore other options financially.

I am sorry your sister has had a hard time with her band. Keep in mind they make improvements in medical procedures on a daily basis---band placement and procedure as well.

I will say a prayer for you, hoping you get an answer. I can feel the pain in your post. ((hugs))

Kat