irishgal21

Hi guys. I'm still scouting the website. Have my first appointment in 2.5weeks time with a consultant about surgery. Had waited for ages for a referral. Wish I had this option 10years ago. Looking at life in a very reflective position this weekend and realised just how much of my life I have missed out on by being insecure over my weight. I am hoping and praying to the high heavens than my consultant can do surgery and I can get approved by my health insurance. ? Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks guys. Definitely feeling the love here.

I know we have to start somewhere... But I finally bit the bullet today.... I booked my first consultation. I know it's a long road and already starting to fret about it. The Secretary stated that the consultant does a day of tests and would include an endoscopy. How bad is an endoscopy? Does it hurt? Are you asleep or sedated? I am a big fretter and wondering what other type of tests they usually do for the day of tests. I know it's usually a psychotherapist aswell... excited but nervous at the same time. [emoji53] Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

Holy god you look unreal!!! Massive congrats on your success. You're my inspiration as I set off on this new journey!!

I havent had surgery and only beginning this journey really... All I can say is stay positive and think why you started this. Life will improve and once this big week is over - your real journey starts to a healthier you. Thats when life will get fun again! Breath and go with the coaster. I am sure it will be worth the ride x

Glad to hear you are on the mend Albus - I would rather stay local if the insurance will not cover me... Hopefully I will not have to think about this - as do not wish to wait for the local health scheme to come around to me... I've got it in my head now this is what I want to do. How are you feeling? I suppose what I am mostly concerned about would be the initial surgery. Top of the morning to you too Frustr8 - better late than never to be able to enjoy hopefully many more years of benefits that the surgery will give you hopefully. Lovely strong Irish names btw!! Sorry to hear of your loss of Kevin. Best of luck with your surgery. x

Thanks for the warm welcome EsoKev. Yes it definitely seems like a hell of a journey but having read all the positive posts on here I definitely think I need to progress with it. Whilst the Irish healthcare system is a godsend in a lot of ways, WLS is still classified as cosmetic with an emergency wait list for surgery under this scheme of 3-4years... I do have private health care but all depends if they will cover it based on the pre authorisation form my surgeon will submit. So fingers crossed. I love Cork... It's a fantastic place!! You should visit again. Also Kerry is beautiful and would be rude to miss if visiting Cork. [emoji1] Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you both. I should have said really looking for the ins and outs on what to expect from here on in in regards to surgery. (Obviously the insurance is a big thing) WLS is a very taboo thing here in Ireland so not a huge amount of info available locally. Would love to hear all your experiences - good and bad!! Sent from my SM-G955F using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all, Just joined today! Have been scouting the site unregistered for about a week - and said I might aswell join up. Have gotten a letter from a referral to a Bariatric Surgeon here in Cork in Ireland - a highly recommended Dr. I havent visited yet - as I am hugely petrified. Petrified of surgery and everything that goes with it (only surgery I had was a tonsillectomy about 15yrs ago). I am currently at my heaviest weight of 357lbs - depressed and need to get my life back and take control. Have tried many slimming classes and cant seem to stick with it so definitely need a tool to help me with it. I know its by no means an easy fix - I understand it is a complete lifestyle over haul - but feel this is my last chance. Can I ask all the ins and outs? I need some more info. What's the different procedures after I go visit my bariatric surgeon's clinic... I am not even sure if my health insurance will cover me, as been told that if I have symptoms they will not cover me for up to 5 years... So this may not even be a step I can afford to take. Would love some more information, as booking app with the doctor tomorrow. Thanks x