Having been here a few months now, it’s become obvious that it’s so different for people having weight loss surgery in the UK. Procedures here before WLS is different. Most of the people over the pond have it through their insurance and this means a lot of pre operation meetings/assessments/work, over many months. In some ways I feel this is good, as people get to learn so much before having their surgery. However that’s not the usual way here in the UK. You tend to learn ‘in the moment’. If you are eligible for WLS through the National Health Service, you may have to wait for a long time, 2 to 3 or up to 10 years unless you are at the stage where your weight is life or death. So, many fund it themselves.

I think this site is excellent for advice and support however it does mainly tend to show what happens in the States, where you can buy certain things and what’s available. So here’s a few things (not exclusive, would love it if others add stuff here too) I have learnt in my very short weeks since surgery.

PLEASE can we all add our own likes/dislikes, UK advice etc etc

1. Bariatric cookery books are excellent however there are many other options to learn about pre and post op foods. My dietitian is great but I have learnt so much through researching online. There are so many Bariatric Centres all over the world showing what you can eat pre ad post op and as long as you add a dash of common sense, it can work well. For example; if I read from a Bariatric Centre that I could eat tuna on day 3, I would be clicking the X asap!!

1. Centrum advantage chewable Vitamins are lovely and recommended by UK Dietitians for post bariatric surgery. Tesco’s have them on offer at the moment, 3 for 2. They have carbs, but balancing a few carbs for nice tasting vitamins isn’t going to kill me for the time being.

1. Keep your fridge/cupboard stocked once you know what goes down well for you. Don’t spend too much in advance in case you don’t like it. I spent a lot on liquid Iron without asking around and my god, it was disgusting. I took it twice then threw it away. I could have asked here and go advice but I didn’t. (see below)

1. Use this UK forum to keep in touch with others in the UK to ask for and pass on advice. We aren’t the minority in the world for WLS however we are a small group here. Make friends here, they can be the best support you can ask for!

OVER TO YOU !!!

13 minutes ago, Squidgy101 said:

That’s so exciting! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes for you - my BMI is 36 - both the doc and dietician said they’re happy for me to proceed but think there is a group approval that has to take place first. Either way if am approved I’ll find out the date this Tuesday. ?

I am reading so many different blogs - can’t wait to get started. Feels like I’ve put my life on hold a bit and really need to start living it.

How much time off work are you taking? It seems most people take 2 weeks off I think - not really sure though.

Any recommendations on all the Vitamins you need to take pre op? Or any batch cooking like Soup for when you get back home?

take care - sounds like you’re doing great already! X

Same here! Just barely 36 BMI.
Perhaps there was a group approval, maybe I missed that part lol I booked a date with the consultant on the first appointment.
fingers crossed for you that you get your approval! ??

yes I read so much and watched so my videos about it and I just felt it was the right time.

I have taken two days holiday officially from work (day of surgery and following day) but then ‘working from home’ for a week. I was keen not to have too much time off so I can get moving, I work in an office so it’s pretty laid back. I guess driving is my main concern with feeling lethargic etc

I’ve always taken a daily multi vitamin (centrum gummies) although advised to stop a week prior to surgery. I think I have to start them again after but I will checK with the nurse when I’m there. I have been advised to buy some Baricol for the B12 supplement. which I will probably do.
I have stocked up on protein shakes from My protein and also they do some cool protein waters as well. I have some broths, oxo, ice lollies and jelly stocked up as well. Not sure how it will go!!

you sound like your researching well, this forum is great for hints and tips as well. I’ve learnt a lot!!

?

I really enjoy My Level 10 Life on YouTube, Erin really helpfully answers loads of questions about surgery, diet etc and generally seems like she's been through a lot of **** and remains upbeat.

Sugar free ice lollies/ice pops were really helpful that first couple weeks out. Good luck for Tuesday squidgy.

1 hour ago, Squidgy101 said:

Are you telling people? I don’t think I will. There are a lot of fattists in my family/circle of friends who will just throw some negative comments about cheating or laziness so keeping stum I think.

Ps: I told one person. This topic can really divide the community, but personally I needed to do this myself without judgement or questions. I told my boss and colleagues I was having a procedure, fit note from GP just said "post op". Told my family I was having a hiatus hernia repair (as I was at the same time so not total lie!) which helpfully also means you have to stick to a puree/soft diet for a few weeks so I could be open about that. It has come up in discussion with friends that I am doing a lot more walking and my meals are very protein focused, and I don't feel one bit that I have cheated because at the end of the day, bariatric surgery is a tool and I'm putting in a hell of a lot of work. Your body and your health is noone else's business, unless you choose to tell them!

There can of course be power in sharing your story and distigmatising WLS, and you might have some very understanding and supportive people around you ?

07/11/2021 09:39 PM, eholmes89 said:

Same here! Just barely 36 BMI.

Perhaps there was a group approval, maybe I missed that part lol I booked a date with the consultant on the first appointment.

fingers crossed for you that you get your approval! ??

yes I read so much and watched so my videos about it and I just felt it was the right time.

I have taken two days holiday officially from work (day of surgery and following day) but then ‘working from home’ for a week. I was keen not to have too much time off so I can get moving, I work in an office so it’s pretty laid back. I guess driving is my main concern with feeling lethargic etc

I’ve always taken a daily multi Vitamin (centrum gummies) although advised to stop a week prior to surgery. I think I have to start them again after but I will checK with the nurse when I’m there. I have been advised to buy some Baricol for the B12 supplement. which I will probably do.

I have stocked up on Protein Shakes from My Protein and also they do some cool Protein waters as well. I have some broths, oxo, ice lollies and jelly stocked up as well. Not sure how it will go!!



you sound like your researching well, this forum is great for hints and tips as well. I’ve learnt a lot!!

?

Thank you! X

Yeah it’s tough - like you say it’s no ones business. I have been on so many diets, it won’t be unusual that I’ll lose the weight - no one will be expecting me to keep it off. I am doing the same, calling it a routine op & healthy kick, not entirely untrue. How have you found it so far? Any advice x

Hey all,

I’m Lozzii, very new here and received my letter confirming my surgery date for 29th July 2021. I’ve been on the pathways programme through the NHS since June 2019 so when the letter landed over the weekend it took me by surprise! I’m very nervous about the whole thing for a multitude of reasons, one of which being the fact I’ve never been admitted to hospital before. I don’t know how I’m going to respond to general anaesthetic or how I’ll feel afterwards and it’s just making me a little anxious.

Apart from that, I’m really excited and if anyone has any hints or tips that helped them through the pre and post op initial few weeks, it’s be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Lozzii ✌?
insta journey - @fat_and_flawless

22 hours ago, fat_and_flawless said:

Hey all,

I’m Lozzii, very new here and received my letter confirming my surgery date for 29th July 2021. I’ve been on the pathways programme through the NHS since June 2019 so when the letter landed over the weekend it took me by surprise! I’m very nervous about the whole thing for a multitude of reasons, one of which being the fact I’ve never been admitted to hospital before. I don’t know how I’m going to respond to general anaesthetic or how I’ll feel afterwards and it’s just making me a little anxious.

Apart from that, I’m really excited and if anyone has any hints or tips that helped them through the pre and post op initial few weeks, it’s be greatly appreciated.

Ahh congratulations! Very weird time to be going into hospital for the first time, I was a bag of nervous energy for the 2 weeks before! I had RNY 4 weeks ago today, and it has been easier than I feared. I read and absorbed every horror story imaginable, and even walking down to theatre was thinking "am I mad.."! My main advice for pre-surgery is DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOUSE! If you live alone book visitors, and recruit them to do stuff like hang out a load of washing or take the recycling out or walk the dog.. move any soups, protein shakes etc to a place you can reach easily, you won't want to be stretching or scrabbling about in the back of a cupboard. If you're thinking about getting an online food shop in the first couple weeks, make sure someone is there to help you unpack it and put it away! Ask friends for film and telly recommendations to add to your Netflix/Amazon list so you can just stick stuff on and doze once your back home. Take some measurements if you've got a tape measure handy (I did my bra line, narrowest bit of waist, belly button line, widest part of hips, bicep and thigh).

Post-surgery, my life is WALKING, FLUIDS, PROTEIN, PILLS. Those are your essentials from day one, at first it's slow and difficult but it gets a teeny bit better every day. Don't get obsessed with the scales!! Be kind to yourself, and when it all gets a bit overwhelming, remember 'this too shall pass' and then jump on here to find a whole world of people who've been through it.

I liked that there's loads of people in America on here, because they're awake if you can't sleep with nerves/excitement/or anything else..

Hi I am new to this group/website.

I live in Guernsey/Channel Islands and I am looking for gastric surgery. I have met with our local surgeon today Dr Van Den Bossche and he confirmed that the surgery he can offer will take place at Spire in Southampton. Any gastric surgery I have will need to take place in the UK. The after care will not be local apart from the surgeon who will be available by email or follow appointments.

Before I commit to Spire, Van Den Bossche I would appreciate any feedback and have the following questions:

• Have you used Spire?
• How after care is needed after surgery?
• Any recommendations to use a different private surgery/consultants?

This is a scary but exciting time for me. Thank you in advanced for any replies and your support. If you would like to send me a private message please do.

RF

Edited July 13, 20215 yr by RebeccaF

Hi Rebecca. I live near Manchester and am using the Spire Hospital up here. I have met the Surgeon twice and the nutritionists. I had a phone consultation with the psychiatrist. They all were professional and approachable. I had to have a H.Pylori test done at my own docs. I also need a pre op test done at the hospital

I began this journey in April and thought I would be on the other side of theatre now but I have no date yet. I have to do a three week milk and vegetable diet to shrink my liver beforehand. Even self pay is more time consuming than I imagined.

I do wonder if my timing is bad and because the NHS being so stretched- people are going private and waiting time is longer ?

I hope you can get the advice you need

Hi all ?, I'm here because I'm just starting my journey. After 28 years of being over weight, I have now decided that I want to have weightloss surgery and I'm just praying I'm accepted. Can anyone suggest a great private clinic that is reasonably priced? What price is reasonable for gastric sleeve surgery? Really appreciate all the help I can get.?

Hi Nikki,

I have seen quotes of anything from £12,000 to £15000 for sleeve in the UK . Not seen anything cheaper. If you email the hospitals they will give you a quote. Good luck

1 hour ago, Nikki@50 said:

Hi all ?, I'm here because I'm just starting my journey. After 28 years of being over weight, I have now decided that I want to have weightloss surgery and I'm just praying I'm accepted. Can anyone suggest a great private clinic that is reasonably priced? What price is reasonable for gastric sleeve surgery? Really appreciate all the help I can get.?

Hi Nikki

i had mine done in the U.K. with Ramsay Health care at my local private hospital with Mr Sutton. I paid £10,400. With life time after care support. 2 years dietician, 2 years psychologist support.
i did a lot of research before choosing this consultant.
i ‘interviewed’ three consultants from different clinics around the U.K. I chose Mr Sutton based on reviews (if you Google him you will see his history) and also I had used the local private hospital before and really liked it so it made sense.

They offer a financial package, however I found a loan from my bank was lower interest and easier payments to manage.

I am one week post op and I have no complaints at all with how everything went. I have my bariatric nurses number and has contacted her a few times 24hours a day and she’s extremely helpful and lovely. Everything is included in the price, all meds, follow ups etc.

I would just say do you homework. Read up about the consultant and even have a free consultation with them and talk with them. Like I did. It’s the best way

good luck in your search! ❤️

Awe thank you so much for your help ?. I live near Cardiff and I 'm hoping to have the surgery as close to home as possible. I will definitely take your advice and Google the consultants first. I'm so worried I'll be turned down but I'm also worried about the surgery ?. Your surgeon and aftercare sound amazing. I hope you're healing well, thank you again for your help ??.

Good Morning folks,

Been lurking here for a while and by all means tell me if I'm in the wrong place but my brief story, I'm right at the beginning of my journey trying to pluck up the courage to speak to my doctor about weight loss surgery. I'm 28 years old, I'm over 35 stone and my BMI is over 80. I am so scared of the whole speaking to the doctor process and the NHS process. Would anyone be happy to share their experience of how to approach the doctor, I honestly feel like I've exhausted every other option and now I've gotten to the point where if surgery goes wrong then so be it, at least I'm not slowly dying for years to come.

Sorry if that seems harsh but I feel like I've gotten to this place. Thanks again in advance for reading.