Doctors Referral

Big thanks to Miss Reed for telling about this place.

I'm wondering if any of you could tell me if you found it difficult to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon from your doctor, or is it really as simple as asking and getting?

I'm also very confused now as to what I want\need to have.  I'd thought the best approach was a band but some very kind americans are telling me that I should have half a dozen other things and it's my right to have it. 

I guess what I'm after is any information anyone can give me on any right to a referral I may have, and also any recommendations for surgeons.

Many thanks

T

There is a major issue on OH with the band! Or rather with anti-band posters. Many who post do not have a band and seem to me to be trying to justify their choice of more extreme surgery. They don't need to - everyone to their own! But they can't see that that includes the band!

There are also some who had bands and had them removed. One or two were surgical error in the first place, some were just that somehow it didn't work! But quite a few caused their own problems by allowing the band to be too tight for too long. I've been on OH for almsot 5 years and I can remember some of the earlier posts along the lines of how good it was to be almost unable to eat!!

A German study of over 4000 patients over 5 years found a 2.6% slip rate and a 1% erosion rate. Very low! It is also worth noting that over 90% of Australian wls is the band. It is my persnal opinion (unsupported by anything) that the US stats are worse than European ones and Oz ones (that bit IS fact) because their insurance usually pays and it is much easier for them to get surgery. This means that some go into it without fully understanding that we have to work at weight loss.

We lose slower. That is because we do not malabsorb. For many that is a deliberate choice. In recent cases, people with malabsorption issues or part stomach removal have been refused entry to clinical trials for cncer drugs. Several band vets have undergone chemo for cancer recently and it was so ways just to get unfilled!

If you avhe any speicifc Qs, please ask. I lost all my excess weight in about 15 months adn love my band. But it is not right for everyone. You need to look at all options.

The NHS is tightening up. A colleague with severe co-morbidities was rejected a month ago. If you want to pay, find the surgeon you want and then just ask your GP for a letter. It is mainly a courtesy thing between doctors! It really is as simple as asking and getting! I went to Mr James Byrne who was then at BMI Winchester but is now at BUPA Southampton.

Kate

Some people do very well with the band, but it does have a bad press.  My surgeon, Prof Baxter, will not band patients.  I went in for a bypass but came out with a vsg because my anatomy wouldn't support a bypass.  Basically the best loss is with bypass but you're on supplements for the rest of your life and you need to beware of dumping (LOL).  I've lost over 60 pounds over 4 months with vsg and don't feel hungry.  I'm just taking a daily multivitamin.  Statistically the band shows the least weight loss and has that bad press, some people do really well with it, there are lots of revisions to vsg or bypass posted on OH.  I understand that the band is the easiest on the patient, but the vsg was a doddle.  Ask lots of questions and do the research.  Best of luck!! 

Hi !!

So glad you made it! As you can see-as I told you..you will get LOTS of really helpful and varied information. In my opinion-it is the BEST thing you can do -is to ask LOTS of questions to lots of folks. It's how we do our research.

Keep notes and keep asking-you will find what is best for YOU.

You have now heard from a Band, VSG-er and now me-RNY'er.

We are all having our own success-and none of the surgeries are without their risk.

I think just REALLY understanding how each surgery works and life after-are the MOST important things you can study. Armed with all of that information-you can TELL your doctors what you think YOU need.

Certainly-there is no guarantee that you will be approved-but sometimes having all the facts and information in hand can move things along.

I am looking forward to "seeing" you around the boards!

Cheers,
T

Just to say thank you to all of you for responding. 

I'm so glad that each of you have been able to give me a considered opinion on other forms of wls.  I don't feel quite so stupid for considering a band, nor pressured into having more drastic surgery!

I have now had the appointment with my doctor and he has been very supportive.  Just waiting for the PCT to come back now, so a few weeks at least before I hear anything.

I gues that my prefered treatment is the band because I see it as less invasive, it can be done laprascopically and the recovery time is quicker, but I'm not discounting that the surgeon might recommend something else entirely when I get to see him.

I have been so scared about having wls.  It's taken me over 2 years to come to this decision, and you have all made me feel so much more positve that this is the right thing to do.

Thanks you so much.

T

So glad you have your head clearer about what your preferences are. Good luck with your appointment, and be sure to let us know about your meeting with the surgeon. I know my meeting cleared everything up for me and even made me change my mind, its a great road we travel, regardless of your final decision.

Got home today and there was a letter from the PCT to say I'd been accepted.  Phew!  I just wanted to sit down and cry.  Stupid eh?

I've got a choice of 2 hospitals now - unfortunately neither of them were the ones I'd hoped for but I'll check them out and see which one I prefer.

Binty - I hope you don't mind me asking but I also live in Northants and I wondered where you had your surgery done?  I was surprised they didn't offer me Northampton or Leicester.  I've got a choice of Birmingham Heartlands or Luton.

Thanks so much for the support guys.

XXXX