Newbie here, have a consultation on Sat - all advice welcome..

[Lisa-R 0]

Hello all

I thought I would say what a great site this is and have found it very informative so far.......

Like most of you guys, I have had lifetime of weight issues - losses, gains, disasters, embarassments and food really is my drug of choice :thumbup:

I have booked for a consultation this Saturday 24th at a hospital in Farnham, Surrey (Mr Toh).

I have read lots on this forum and med sites and so have gatherered a lot of info about the procedure.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has knowledge of Mr Toh?

I also wanted to ask if there are any specific questions I should be asking?

Out of curiosity, I have read on the site a lot about 'liver shrinking diet' - does everyone have to go through this before the op (my BMI is 37). I won't mind doing it at all if it is part of the process, but I was interested to know if it is standard for everyone who has the Op?

I think Steve (Maincat) is fab too:thumbup: Wow what a difference and well done - I would love to be a success story like that.

Thanks in advance and I hope you don't mind if I post more questions when I think of them.

regards

Lisa

[Maincat 14]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your consultation on Saturday.

As for Dr Toh, I don't know him, but I'm sure everything will be fine. Is this a private hospital, or are you being referred by the NHS? (I'm guessing private).

The liver shrinking... this is to make the operation as easy as possible for both you and the surgeons. The smaller the liver, the easier it is to move around so that they can do their work. That means just about everyone goes on a special diet for a while (mine was two weeks). It's in your interests to follow this diet closely. Some doctors may call off the operation if the diet isn't followed.

Questions to ask - how long a stay in hospital, what about any co-morbidities (sleep apnoea, diabetic conditions), the fill situation (especially if you're going private), aftercare arrangements, support groups... there are potentially so many questions that you could ask. Make a list of them before you go and go through them with your doctor.

Thank you for your kind words -I didn't know that I had fans!! My success is due to planning, good food decisions, exercise and wonderful support from my family, friends and medical staff. I may have been the one carrying the weight, but it's been a real team effort to lose it. My life has changed radically for the better, as I'm sure yours will too. You can do this, remain positive and look forward to the exciting weight loss journey you are about to embark on.

Please let us know how you get on on Saturday - I'm sure we'll all be thinking of you.

Take care and be happy,

[Lisa-R 0]

Steve

thanks for your kind words.

In reply, it wil be a private op. I have not gone via the GP route as reading the guidelines in BMI, I don't think I will qualify. It will be a large expense, but after many years of battling with weight and losing and gaining the same 4-5 stone!!! it has come to this....

Thanks for the list of questions - sorry to ask one more thing.....it is about the sleep apnoea. Sorry to be a bit thick here - I don't suffer from it, but I am a horrendous snorer. Having done a search on the forum, would I be right in thinking this condition is something that is discussed at the consultation and should I have been a sufferer, would need to be noted due to the anaethetic?

I will certainly let you know how I get on and thanks again.

Lisa

[Maincat 14]

Hi Lisa,

I had sleep apnoea, diagnosed after taking a sleep study at my local hospital. Sleep apnoea is a very serious condition and the hospital would take it under consideration as to your treatment and operation. In my case, I had two nights in hospital when I had my band fitted, instead of the normal one.

If you are a bad snorer, have you seen your GP about this and possibly considered a sleep study? Are you certain you don't have sleep apnoea? It will be raised at the consultation - or at least it ought to be. It isn't an operation stopper per se - I had mine when I had sleep apnoea. I made a TV program last year called 'Inside Out' with the BBC about my sleep apnoea. If they don't raise the subject at your consultation, you should.

[Lisa-R 0]

Hi again

Thanks for the reply - apologies for not coming back sooner.....

I have now written my list of questions - thanks for the input. I have now researched sleep aponea and am certain that I don't suffer - I know I am not qualified to know, but I sleep like a baby and don't wake throughout the night (unless on the rare occasions I am worrying about something, which keeps me awake). My hubby says that my snoriing is not all of the time, but it is loud. He says I don't stop breathing at all.

I will mention this tomorrow and if ok will post back and let you know how it all went.

Steve: I will do some more reading of your blog about the documentary you made - sounds fascinating and I 'think' I saw this, or recall it was something similar....

I'm off now to the pictures.

thanks again for the good advice. :tt2:

[Lisa-R 0]

Hi again

I have now seem Mr Simon Toh for consultation. He was very charming and thorough with his explanations and answered all of my questions.

My next step is to see the dietician who works alongside him and she will give me a full run-down of my diet (as it is) and what to expect before the op (liver reducing diet) and post op.

If I decide to go ahead, I can get banded as early as the end of Feb and am very excited and even more positive.

I feel this is the right procedure for me and the way forward.

I am looking forward to getting the band and losing weight!