Follow up

[MOLLSY 17]

I'm just interested to know what amount of follow up others are getting. I'm not sure what the norm is in the UK. I'm very happy with the service so far, very quick and efficient and I've had no post op complications - touch wood. However I don't see anyone at all for six weeks post op. I can phone if I have a problem, but reading other posts people seem to be having more follow up than this. I feel fine but I'm just intrigued. Guess I want my monies worth!

[MOLLSY 17]

Hi it's only me again. Was any one leak tested prior to disabled as charge in the UK. I had no tests post surgery, just came home. I am self funding and just wondered if this works differently.

I suppose as I am actually fine all these points are irrelevant. I'm just interested in other people's experiences.

[MOLLSY 17]

That should say prior to discharge - I hate predictive text.

[lblondon 34]

Hi, I too am self funded,I didn't have a leak test that I'm aware of, is this a US thing I wonder? I've had a two week follow up appointment and am due another at the 6 week mark. I'm absolutely fine so don't really think either are going to be of that much use/help.

I cannot fault aftercare to date, with perhaps the minor niggle of food instruction, although I have to say that seems to be very personal and what works for one doesn't work for another, not to mention some suggestions -Weetabix drink - which are frankly hideous.

[luckyknickers57 62]

I'm just interested to know what amount of follow up others are getting. I'm not sure what the norm is in the UK. I'm very happy with the service so far, very quick and efficient and I've had no post op complications - touch wood. However I don't see anyone at all for six weeks post op. I can phone if I have a problem, but reading other posts people seem to be having more follow up than this. I feel fine but I'm just intrigued. Guess I want my monies worth!

Hi Mollsy

I too have no follow up for six weeks, although I had a telephone call from the specialist bariatric nurse, and I too can call, which I have, if needs be. I have my first follow up appointment with the surgeon and then an appointment with the dietician in another four weeks. I had my procedure with the NHS with Shaw Summers team in Portsmouth.

[lblondon 34]

Has your surgeon/nurse not suggested joining a support group they run, mine has one, but its completely the wrong side of London for me to get to at the times, and if I'm truthfully I'm not a big "joiner" but may be of help to you?

[seazee 0]

Has your surgeon/nurse not suggested joining a support group they run, mine has one, but its completely the wrong side of London for me to get to at the times, and if I'm truthfully I'm not a big "joiner" but may be of help to you?

I had a follow up with the surgeon 10 days after my op - he took my staples out and said I could come off most of my meds and start with pureed food. I'll be seeing him in another 3 months. Interested to know about the support group - what part of London is it in?

For those that are self funding, I would call the surgeon and staff as often as I felt necessary - that's essentially what we've paid for!

[MOLLSY 17]

Good afternoon ladies. Thank you so much for your replies. It does sound pretty standard aftercare in the UK. I was just surprised by what's said on the USA sites about all their groups and assessments. It has just occurred to me that maybe it's because they are going through private insurance companies.

There has not been a mention of a support group, but I agree I am not a great joiner myself. It seems we will have to continue being our own support group!

[MOLLSY 17]

Just want to add that I am very happy with my consultant Simon Dexter and would definitely recommend him and the Nuffield Leeds to any would be sleevers. Great liaison with my GP who has a also been great.

[luckyknickers57 62]

I have not self funded, but feel also that I can call the team when I want. There is a support group, but is in time wise very impractical to attend. I live on the Isle of Wight, and so everything takes forever, and so expensive to get to. Also the summer is here so the ferries become more expensive. I am not a join in type person, but get great support here. If people can't answer your questions they can often point you in the right direction to find information. Also, it's like knowing what to expect. I remember the first day after surgery, feeling like I had been hit by a bus and regretting having the procedure. And yes, I remember ppl saying to me, you can feel this way, so, I found comfort with this as ppl had also said it would be short lived. So, it got me through...... I'm sure that if you've paid for your service it should offer what you need. Although I am mostly happy with my procedure on the NHS, I would not have accepted the things I wasn't happy with if I had self funded. That would also include the follow up support, if I needed more. I know we are mostly happy with our procedures, be it NHS or self funding, but there is usually room for improvement in any environment, let's hope our views are listened to and not ignored.

[lblondon 34]

Has your surgeon/nurse not suggested joining a support group they run, mine has one, but its completely the wrong side of London for me to get to at the times, and if I'm truthfully I'm not a big "joiner" but may be of help to you?

I had a follow up with the surgeon 10 days after my op - he took my staples out and said I could come off most of my meds and start with pureed food. I'll be seeing him in another 3 months. Interested to know about the support group - what part of London is it in?

For those that are self funding, I would call the surgeon and staff as often as I felt necessary - that's essentially what we've paid for!

I'm in Spain at the mo, so don't have details, back next week so will let you know then.

As an aside, anyone going on holiday soon, I'm staying in a very nice hotel for a week with a great buffet Breakfast so it's been easy to take a few extra items for the rest of the day and they have a juice bar which is proving to be a joy. I think I'd be struggling otherwise, as the meals here are expensive and huge, I've only had a couple but been asked by worried waiters if there is something wrong as I've only managed a few mouthfuls lol. Lessons keep on coming!

[luckyknickers57 62]

I'm in Spain at the mo, so don't have details, back next week so will let you know then. As an aside, anyone going on holiday soon, I'm staying in a very nice hotel for a week with a great buffet Breakfast so it's been easy to take a few extra items for the rest of the day and they have a juice bar which is proving to be a joy. I think I'd be struggling otherwise, as the meals here are expensive and huge, I've only had a couple but been asked by worried waiters if there is something wrong as I've only managed a few mouthfuls lol. Lessons keep on coming!

How refreshing luv. Usually on holiday I feel everyone watches what I choose from the buffet option. And not it wasn't in my imagination, as my friend tried to say. You know for sure when ppl look at your plate, and then gossip and look again and some ppl even laugh. Can't wait for a holiday. Enjoy yourself. And soak up some sun. Good luck to you.