Newbie needing advice...

binkybob · January 21, 2009

Hi all,

After having unsucessfully trying to lose weight myself, my gp had prescribed me Xenical, which didn't work and now Reductil, which isn't working either...

He has told me that the next step will be to refer me to see about getting a gastric band...

While I am quite pleased that I might be able to get this done on the NHS, I am quite concerned that I might be turned down for the surgery because my mum's friend went through something similar. Basically she went for a consultation with a specialist and they told her that she had not done everything she could to lose the weight, told her that she actually needed counselling because she was comfort eating and turned her down for the surgery. She was devastated and put on even MORE weight.

I am terrified that this will happen to me.

Any advice would be welcomed about the consultation procedure adn what happens next etc etc...

Many thanks

miminme · January 21, 2009

Hi Newbie:

I commend your efforts in trying to loose weight yourself. It is hard. But sometimes we need something more. I have dieted my whole life. Up and down on the scale so many times. I got to the point that I really wanted to loose the weight but I needed help. So get ready to read my early road to banding.

After two years of reading and studying the choices, I decided on Lap banding because it was the least invasive and can be reversed. I could not think of having any of my body parts altered permanently. Like a patch is to a smoker, I feel banding is to an overweight person. It will be a great tool.

My next step was deciding on the band, Lap Band or the Realize band. Now there are two choices. I went to both websites and read about both. I then had to choose a surgeon. I also investigated where there was a Bariatric center that was highly learned in this type of procedure. Even though I work in a hospital, I chose a different hospital for the surgery. I made my appointment with the Bariatric Service and began a 6 month process.

There are many tests to take and meetings to attend as part of the ctiteria for surgery clearance with the insurance companies. I met with pre and post operative patients and got their feedback. I was examined by a Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Psychologist, Gastroenterologist. I had many tests; venous duplex, stomach sonogram, chest x-ray, blood work, sleep apnea testing, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, etc.

A full physical work-up. I am happy to say, I am healthy and all turned out OK. I am scheduled for my surgery January 29, 2009. Three weeks prior, I was told to be on a full liquid diet. Medifast shakes, sugar free Jello, clear broth and any sugar free drinks I like. I have to drink 64oz. of liquids per day. I have already lost 14 lbs and I still have a week to go. My most recent meeting on Monday explained what to expect before and after surgery. The issue of acid reflux was addressed, due to the smaller stomach I will have and I was given breathing excersises to do. I think they are very concerned with my overall health. The hospital stay is overnight and there is a bit of discomfort for a few days.

Again a liquid diet for two weeks after surgery, and then soft foods working up to regular foods. The stomach is now 3oz. so the intake is so much less you have to be full while loosing weight. Overeating, I was told, will cause discomfort sometimes for hours. So caution in eating too much. I am a bit anxious about surgery, but I feel they have taught me all I need to know before and after this prodecure. They will also there if I have a problem after surgery.

So, the choice is yours. I made mine and I pray all goes well. I wish you the best!:tongue:

binkybob · January 21, 2009

Thanks for the reply but unfortunately not alot of what you said applies to me. I live in the UK and will be getting my surgery done on the NHS.

Suzette456 · January 22, 2009

Hi Incabink,

I am getting my band in a day and a half. I am anxious. I keep thinking, ... okay , ... if I DON"T do this, what would be my plan? ... .and I just come back to the fact that I do want to do this.

Unfortunately, I am also from the U.S., so the insurance is different, but from what you mention in your blog, the "NHS" (National Health System?) could turn you down.

That indicates to me that they have a prerequisite criteria the same way that the insurance companies here have. ........ maybe not the same criteria, but criteria just the same. How would you go about finding out what they are looking for? If it has to do with weight loss attempts, make sure you start documenting now !!

Best of luck.

Blueeyesinca95 · January 22, 2009

I would try and get the referral for the band. It is worth trying to be successful and be approved for the surgery. We all have our stories good and bad. I had a great story. Referred by PCP on 10/24/08 and surgery within 3 months on 1/16/09. I know my situation doesn't help you but I would still try and get approved if you can. Maybe you don't have the emotional eating the other person had. Hang in there and good luck!

Maggie76 · January 23, 2009

I was concerned about the same thing – will I be denied because I hadn’t tried enough programs. I hadn’t ever tried medications from my doctor (never knew that option existed!), but several years ago I had great success on Natural Trim (with ephedrine), before the ephedrine (the good stuff!) was banned. I looked into weight watchers and joined for a week, but I thought the point system was stupid because it essentially meant I had to guesstimate on foods I made at home. I also tried Slimfast for a time, but nothing else really. So, I filled out the paperwork sent by the surgeon’s office and in it I had to list all of the weight loss programs I’ve tried, my successes and failures on the ones I tried, etc. So, essentially I only checked three boxes out of 15. I was very worried it wouldn’t be good enough, but last Friday I received the call from the surgeon’s office, telling me that I’ve been approved to proceed to the next steps to have the surgery. The next step is to meet with a nurse from their office to pick up a binder and fill in some additional paperwork, and then on February 11 I have to attend a 2 hour mandatory seminar. Basically, just be forthcoming to the doctor about what you have tried (and perhaps embellish a couple of points?) and go from there. I hope everything will work out for you!