Hi I am very new to this site and would like to hear from anyone in the UK who has had the banding carried out on the NHS. I have researched the internet onthe NHS website and meet the criteria, high BMI and high blood pressure. I have tried every diet under the sun, gone to the gym regularly and taken prescribed slimming tablets off the doctor and my wright just keeps in creasing. I am now getting short of breath and have aching joints tied in with days when I have literally no energy. My doctor states that his referral goes to the nearest primary care trust and before a panel. He has said that he will tell them "I need" the banding. Just wondered if anyone else had been this route and how long it took and any pitfalls they came across. I am ready and armed to lodge an appeal if it comes to it but the wait is killing me (as is the weight).....help, advice and support required please......

Hi- Im new to all this too. I got my date today for the 11th July. Unfortunately I tried going through the PCT's last year but with no sucess, so Im paying for it. NICE recommends surgery but Im sure that the PCT's wont be so eager to pay. A friend at works mother went to the GP last week, so if she hears anything I will let you know- good luck. ( have you enquired as to the cost at your local private hosp)

Mrs lummy

Hi thanks for your reply, how long did it take to find out they would not pay? Did you have health problems as well as being over weight? I have tried everything to lose some weight and it just goes up and up, if it stablised at least I could cope. I would not be able to afford to go private for it, I told the doctor that I wanted to get a loan to pay for it but he said he would tell them the reasons I needed it. I can only keep my fingers crossed but the wait is killing me. I will wait and see what your mums friend says, thanks for reply...

Nice to hear from you- after I saw the doctor I sort of gave up and thought that Ive never had it done - I can pay for it now thankfully, but I do know that mu hopsital lets you have 12 months interest free, but lets hope that your PCT agrees- dont give up, keep going to the doctors & keep pestering them - let me know, its nice to have someone pre op and in the UK as I dont know anyone else. Im off to bed now but will log on tomorrow. I think there is a way of tagging someone as a friend on the web site so I'll have a go at tagging you - Mrs lummy

HI thanks for that, I am very determind and give everything 101% which is why when I cant lose wait I feel such a failure. People dont understand and think your just lazy or greedy and whilst I dont starve myself I eat very healthy. Thank goodness for an understanding GP that last one kept giving me slimming tablets that did nothing to stop me eating but made me very jittery and they dont come cheap. Look forwrd to chatting to your some more so hope you can tag me, I dont have a clue lol....Linda