Initial Consultation with Surgeon

[Soozern 75]

Thought I would write a quick update as I had my first appointment with the surgeon this afternoon. I'm a little disappointed as I neither have a date or a definite price. A hospital from the same group offer the procedure for £2,000 less, but they are a two hour drive away. Of course, I would rather have the operation nearer to home but it is a big difference in price. Has anyone else experienced this?

The surgeon also pointed out that one in two hundred operations go wrong, with the stitches breaking down, resulting in a stay of several weeks in hospital. Would be interested to hear if this has happened to anyone on here. Maybe I shouldn't ask, as I'm determined to go ahead with it regardless.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Goodness what a disappointing meeting!

I'm not sure why they don't have a set price and why would it be £2,000 cheaper with the same group? It seems a big difference. I am paying £10,000 .. is that near to the price you know from the hospital further away? If you even the teeniest bit unsure then maybe looking around for another surgeon or bariatric group would put your mind at rest. Im so sorry

Hugs

Kate

[tjstark 74]

Hi, I also had a similar situation with the procedure being £2000 cheaper with a different group but not being as close to home -- but having a closer look, the more expensive one close to home offers a year of aftercare, while the cheaper one doesn't have a lot of aftercare. Look into the fine print!

Also, the surgeon has to let you know the risks/pros/cons of every surgery, there's always a risk with any surgery, but ultimately for a lot of us I think it's one worth taking. An experienced surgeon will help you through it and it's on you to ask lots of questions -- your surgeon said 1 in 200 can go wrong, but maybe ask him how many times he's had that issue personally?

Chin up, keep fighting!

[lblondon 34]

I had surgery in London for £6k last year. Good surgeon with excellent record/success rate and I would recommend. The aftercare was adequate/good - I didn't have any complications so other than dietary advice a few months down the line, didn't really need anything else.

I thinks it's correct that you're told of possible complications, it's a fairly major operation and you should know the potential risks. I'm not sure how much distances is an issue, post op if something does go wrong you're either in hospital or would go to A&E.

[kerryyoung 15]

my surgeon told me that my gallbladder removal op had a higher death rate than a gastric sleeve, and if i compare the two recovery was much easier after the sleeve, go for the surgery its brilliant, my only regret is that i didnt do it yrs ago,

[Soozern 75]

-- your surgeon said 1 in 200 can go wrong, but maybe ask him how many times he's had that issue personally?

I did ask the nurse this question when I saw her and she said only one person had ever had complications, so that's very reassuring!