(cross-posted to the general "Introductions" Forum)

Hi all

Been reading through these forums and found lots of very useful/helpful information.

I first saw my Consultant - Shaw Somers - June 2007, where he said I would be a good candidate for WLS. It has taken a further 6 months for me to decide that I want to go ahead.

I phoned the unit in Chichester on Monday and yesterday they told me I could have the op on 31st Jan - 3 weeks away. They initially said I could have 17th if I wanted, but there is too much for me to sort out for that deadline - plus it seemed too rushed.

Anyway, I have lots of reservations, still, about all this but think it is the right choice when I weigh everything up.

Today, after the initial excitement yesterday, I feel depressed that it has come to this. That I am a failure and rather pathetic that I can't use will power and just stop stuffing my face! I am disgusted that I am electing to have surgery when I am healthy, because I choose to overeat. I see sick and dying people in my job who would give anything to be in my position. Yet here I am, choosing to go through a surgical procedure to "be normal".

Sorry to be such a misery, but I thought I might as well be completely honest from the start.

All comments, negative and positive, are very welcome. Did anyone else feel this way?

Hi I am Interested if Saw Summers works from a private hospital could anybody let me now which one it is or his he only NHS

Mr Somers operates at a few private hospitals and also does private patients at the NHS hospital. Below is a link to his website, hope that helps

Streamline Surgical LLP website Terms and Conditions

Hi Suepro many thanks for your help. Poss having band done this week with Paul Super but getting a bit scared now, read that a few had had their hair fall out and read also that my bmi is not high enough for the band. Not sure what to do.

Mr Super has an excellent reputation, you will be in very good hands with him. If he has accepted you for surgery then your BMI is high enough. For a private patient the guidelines are BMI over 35 to have a band, although sometimes people who start at 35 are a lower BMI by the time of the op if they have been on a pre op diet.

Good luck, hope it all goes well. I started at BMI 41 and how have a BMI of 24.5 I weigh 10st 10lbs which I never dreamed possible a year ago.

Hi Suepro, well done that is a fantastic result. Would you mind if I keep in touch via this site. I am not sure how to use the site fully and it was by pure accident I managed to post anything. Not yet been accepted bmi is 30.4 I think. Emma said it would be ok. I am so desperate to get rid of this weight. I just want to feel human again, if that makes any sense.

Appoint with Dr Ashton today. I have not told anyone except my OH about this and I would like to keep it that way for now. I know my mates will try and talk me out of it and my family would be so horrified (sisters both slim).

Many thanks again.