Hello

I am at the end of my tether, regarding my weight. I see this op (banding) as the only way I will keep the weight off. I would like a full bypass, but that seems a more dangerous operation.

I am 43, BMI 50.8, 5.4 and 21 stone.

I have depression and agoraphobia, mainly caused by my not going out because I hate the way I look. I feel like a nobody, which is wrong, just because of how fat I am.

I really have no social life or friends, and only see a few people. I have 2 teen boys at home (am a single parent on benefits after my divorce) I have 0 confidence or self esteem.

Would I be able to get a band on the NHS? I live in Manchester. Has anyone from Manchester had an NHS band fitted?

I know my whole life would change, if I got over my weight issues. I would get a job first and make a life for me and my boys.

Thank you for any replies.

Hi there

I can't advise whether you would get NHS funding as I know every area have their budgets. Please go and see you GP who would be the best person to speak to in the first instance.

As Jacks says - keep on doing your research, most things are covered on these forums and they are really helpful.

Please don't think that the band will change your life and transform your world - you are the only person that can do that, with or without the band. Any weight loss I am sure will boost your confidence, but from your post it does seem that you have other hurdles to get over too.

If you made one positive step to do one activity away/out of your home, that could possibly make you feel better. I am in no way patronising you as I don't know what it is like in your shoes. But due to weight gain, I have become less active, a couch-potato and the only trips out I enjoy lately is to somewhere to eat!

I wish you well and hope you will be a bit more positive about life soon. Best of luck with your research, you at least have made a positive step by posting on the forum here.

Hi Tina

With a BMI of 50 you should meet the NICE guidelines for funding for WLS, either band or bypass. Why not talk to your GP and start the ball rolling. Some PCTs are better than others at funding but I know of several people in the Manchester area who have had thier surgery on the NHS. I funded my surgery myself as with BMi 40 and no other health issues my PCt wouldn't consider funding me.

I have lost 4 stone with my band so far and haven't regretted it for a minute. It isn't all plain sailing however and you should research the down sides as you have to put a lot of work in. Although your life will change in some ways as a result of being slimmer, you will be the same person underneath so it isn't the easy answer to all your problems but it does at least solve those directly related to being over weight.

Good luck and any questions, just ask.

Sue