ObesityHelp UK and Ireland

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So how many are there?

Kate -True Brit
on 3/28/10 9:24 pm, edited 3/29/10 6:52 pm - UK

On the main OH boards, people talk of "my surgery" and "my best friend's wls" and "my work colleague's surgery " etc. etc.. It seems wls is becoming the norm!

Here in the UK, I have met three fellow bandsters (through OH) and one RNY�(through OH). I don't personally have any friends, relatives, colleagues with wls at all. Other than through OH, i would have thought I was the only wls patient in the UK!

My doc asked me to talk at a seminar for would-be wls people and he advertised it in the local papers, local GP surgeries and did a talk on local radio. Not one single person asked to come!! In the US they have to turn them away!!

Why?There are plenty of obese Brits!

My ideas - we aren't used to paying for medical things; the NHS is not all that enthusiastic about paying for us; we don't have a culture of surgery other than medically essential and obesity is not seen as that.

Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Miss Redd
on 3/30/10 4:45 am - Lancashire, United Kingdom
Hello dear Kate!

I will tell you that I am my GP's ONLY WLS patient. She must see MANY many folks each day. She was honest and said she knows very little about it. It seems to be the way-so that makes ....TWO folks wtih WLS in the UK. You and me. LOL!

Seriously-I appreciate this thread, because I am wondering too. I would REALLY like to go to a support group in person for WLS, but am not even sure where to start looking.

Looking forward to seeing what other say!

Hugs,
T

Pre Surgery 383 Surgery 359 Current 180

NEW YOUTUBE Channel!


 

Kate -True Brit
on 3/30/10 5:22 am - UK

I used to be in touch with a  ew bandsters. We met up in London. I am still sort of in touch with two of them. But it was never really a support group - we lived too far away for easy meetings.

Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

ukloser
on 3/31/10 7:04 pm - United Kingdom

I know of just 1 person who had WLS and I know many many many many people who are MO. Seems the UK really needs to open its eyes to the world out there.

binty
on 4/5/10 2:38 am - Northants, United Kingdom
Like you guys, I don't know anyone else, or have even heard of friends of friends.  I would really like a support group to get together with - my nearest is over an hour away, but I have a strong feeling if I went, there would hardly be anyone there.  And of course there is noone to contact to find out.

Not all your questions are easy to get across on a forum - and my oh my if you post the wrong topic you don't half get jumped on (so i've found)

I keep thinking, if I can be successful, I'll take to the streets and start spreading the word!! LOL, not sure that would go down that well.
karenp66
on 4/9/10 7:15 am - United Kingdom
Hi guys, at last!!! iv looked constantly to find a group in the UK . The OH forum has become my new addiction lol
Its just so good to be able to speak to someone who understands what your going through... Like you, im my GP's only WLS patient and I had to go private, just paid £7450 for my ban to be fitted on Sat 17th april. When I see the before and after photos I know it will be money well spent .. Karen x
                    
Kate -True Brit
on 4/9/10 6:37 pm - UK
Hi, Karen, where abouts are you in the UK? I am near Reading.   Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

karenp66
on 4/10/10 8:57 am - United Kingdom
Hi Kate, im up in Glasgow. My difficulty is that im only telling my immediate family and close friends so I know it will be hard to keep this secret... I know its nothing to be ashamed of , more to be celebrated but as you know in the uk its not nearly as common as in the states, maybe in time I will tell but at this stage im not ready to...
You have done increadibly well, what a role model!
Kate -True Brit
on 4/11/10 8:50 am - UK
When I just replied to Binty, I put the wrong name! Meant to put Karen!  (Local bandsters comment)  

Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Kate -True Brit
on 4/10/10 5:29 pm - UK

Binty, we have a bandster in East Kilbride. English Rose in Scotland is her user name. Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   


Miss Redd
Group Leader

Kate -TrueBrit
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