ObesityHelp UK and Ireland
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Topic: RE: Thank Goodness for the NHS
Welcome! I am afraid that you are one of the lucky ones! Most of us are self-pay - I have come across very few NHS wls patients. And it seems that this will get worse not better - the obesity clinic in Reading is talking of stopping wls on the NHS.
But one thing that we do get is that after surgery, if things go wrong, the NHS will pick us up and do any treatment.
There are several vsg people on here if you want support, not as many as on the main OH VSG board but the US and the UK experiences are not the same. It seems to me that in the US, people have about five times the numeber of tests we have over here! All I had befoer my band was a general pre-anaesthetic check. In the US they have psych evaluations, endoscopies, overnight sleep tests and others I have forgotten! Not sure whether we do too little or they do too much! I incline slightly to the latter - if the docs know they are getting paid by the insruance cos for every test and every visit, they have no incentive not to do every test imaginable!
Kate
Welcome! I am afraid that you are one of the lucky ones! Most of us are self-pay - I have come across very few NHS wls patients. And it seems that this will get worse not better - the obesity clinic in Reading is talking of stopping wls on the NHS.
But one thing that we do get is that after surgery, if things go wrong, the NHS will pick us up and do any treatment.
There are several vsg people on here if you want support, not as many as on the main OH VSG board but the US and the UK experiences are not the same. It seems to me that in the US, people have about five times the numeber of tests we have over here! All I had befoer my band was a general pre-anaesthetic check. In the US they have psych evaluations, endoscopies, overnight sleep tests and others I have forgotten! Not sure whether we do too little or they do too much! I incline slightly to the latter - if the docs know they are getting paid by the insruance cos for every test and every visit, they have no incentive not to do every test imaginable!
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,
Topic: RE: Thank Goodness for the NHS
Thank you for your warm welcomes!
I am going into Charing Cross Hospital (in Hammersmith, London) for a sleeve gastrectomy on the 21st of July. My GP recommended weight loss surgery a couple of years ago, but it was not until this year that I finally persuaded myself that it was a good idea for me. I am fortunate that I am young enough that my weight has not yet caused any serious health issues for me, but I do have insulin resistance and endocrine issues (PCOS and hypothyroidism). It is hoped that I will see improvements in these areas after surgery. :)
I also spent some time living in the US, and was lucky enough to have platinum health care coverage through my husband's work. Whatever I wanted from a doctor I could have, but I was always aware that other people were not as fortunate. It also seemed to me that my GP(wonderful though he was) was often more willing to prescribe a pill than to consider preventative measures. Everything was extreme and it made me a little uneasy.
Here in the UK I have a wonderful GP and a cracker-jack surgical team. I know that I will be in good hands. I feel no need to travel to a developing country for my surgery (many Americans seem to go to Mexico or various South American countries) and I am confident that I will receive excellent after-care. I am happy.
I hope that the new government continues to expand the funding of weight loss surgery. It seems to me that it is an investment that will reduce future costs to the healthcare system and help ensure a healthier and more productive society overall.
I am going into Charing Cross Hospital (in Hammersmith, London) for a sleeve gastrectomy on the 21st of July. My GP recommended weight loss surgery a couple of years ago, but it was not until this year that I finally persuaded myself that it was a good idea for me. I am fortunate that I am young enough that my weight has not yet caused any serious health issues for me, but I do have insulin resistance and endocrine issues (PCOS and hypothyroidism). It is hoped that I will see improvements in these areas after surgery. :)
I also spent some time living in the US, and was lucky enough to have platinum health care coverage through my husband's work. Whatever I wanted from a doctor I could have, but I was always aware that other people were not as fortunate. It also seemed to me that my GP(wonderful though he was) was often more willing to prescribe a pill than to consider preventative measures. Everything was extreme and it made me a little uneasy.
Here in the UK I have a wonderful GP and a cracker-jack surgical team. I know that I will be in good hands. I feel no need to travel to a developing country for my surgery (many Americans seem to go to Mexico or various South American countries) and I am confident that I will receive excellent after-care. I am happy.
I hope that the new government continues to expand the funding of weight loss surgery. It seems to me that it is an investment that will reduce future costs to the healthcare system and help ensure a healthier and more productive society overall.
Topic: RE: Thank Goodness for the NHS
Hello and a big welcome to you!!!
What a great post and as someone who was raised in the USA-I can tell you I WHOLEheartedly agree!!
Not only do folks have to FIGHT for their lives with bariatric surgery-many have to fight for their lives period.
Many people have lost their homes and some have lost their lives because they didn't have medical insurance and didn't have the means to PAY such outrageous prices.
Before I left the US over a year ago-I had lost my insurance. The last month I was there-my medicine costs (not even doctor's appts) cost me $957.00. YES!! It was HORRIBLE. Imagine thinking the following "Gosh, should I buy groceries for the week or get my prescription filled?"
SCARY !!!!
So grateful indeed!!
What a great post and as someone who was raised in the USA-I can tell you I WHOLEheartedly agree!!
Not only do folks have to FIGHT for their lives with bariatric surgery-many have to fight for their lives period.
Many people have lost their homes and some have lost their lives because they didn't have medical insurance and didn't have the means to PAY such outrageous prices.
Before I left the US over a year ago-I had lost my insurance. The last month I was there-my medicine costs (not even doctor's appts) cost me $957.00. YES!! It was HORRIBLE. Imagine thinking the following "Gosh, should I buy groceries for the week or get my prescription filled?"
SCARY !!!!
So grateful indeed!!
Topic: RE: Thank Goodness for the NHS
Hello, welcome! I believe the NHS will eventually fund a lot of bariatric surgery, but it's very patchy at the moment. I couldn't wait, and the only alternative was to gain another 4 - 5 stone to attract funding and go on the waiting list!
Which of the procedures are you planning to have, and where? There is a great deal of good advice and experience on the boards, but it tends to be americo-centric. Between us we should be able to give advice on what foods and supplements are available in the UK.
Best of luck for the op.
306 at op, 56 pounds down at 12 weeks post, target 208. Life is good.
Which of the procedures are you planning to have, and where? There is a great deal of good advice and experience on the boards, but it tends to be americo-centric. Between us we should be able to give advice on what foods and supplements are available in the UK.
Best of luck for the op.
306 at op, 56 pounds down at 12 weeks post, target 208. Life is good.
Topic: RE: Owlss
I think it is just that there aren't many wls people - of any surgery!
Hope you find local people for you!
kate
I think it is just that there aren't many wls people - of any surgery!
Hope you find local people for you!
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,
Topic: RE: Thank Goodness for the NHS
It didn't take me long to see just how lucky I am. Reading the thread about "The British Way" has reinforced this.
Topic: Thank Goodness for the NHS
Hi everyone,
I am new here but I have been combing the message boards for a few days now and I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be living in the UK. It is unfortunate that so many Americans are feeling such pressure to pay for WLS and/or to have it approved by insurance. Thank goodness I do not have to worry about that! (there are too many other more important things to focus upon other than funding)
Only 44 days to go before my surgery!
I am new here but I have been combing the message boards for a few days now and I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be living in the UK. It is unfortunate that so many Americans are feeling such pressure to pay for WLS and/or to have it approved by insurance. Thank goodness I do not have to worry about that! (there are too many other more important things to focus upon other than funding)
Only 44 days to go before my surgery!
Topic: RE: Owlss
Thanks! Got there and registered and did my intro on the welcome page.
That place ALSO needs some energy thrown into it! I am REALLY actually shocked that there are not more banded folks there. I could have SWORN the band was and still is more popular here-no?
I say let's send folks over there too-get things going. I figure there is enough for us to go around!!
Hugs,
T
That place ALSO needs some energy thrown into it! I am REALLY actually shocked that there are not more banded folks there. I could have SWORN the band was and still is more popular here-no?
I say let's send folks over there too-get things going. I figure there is enough for us to go around!!
Hugs,
T
Topic: RE: fortimel protein drinks
Hey Paul,
I don't need any at the moment-but I will put the word out.
So what did you find that has worked for you?
You know-my most FAV ever protein is the protein pudding-chocolate. It's by CNP.
It is a bit spendy-but it is VERY filling and loaded with protein.
Here is a link:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2003021 87658&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
I know I ended up HATING the shakes. I hated that fake sweet taste. I ended up doing the protein shots-bullet things. They were more like juice and I would water them down and get it done.
Luck!
T
I don't need any at the moment-but I will put the word out.
So what did you find that has worked for you?
You know-my most FAV ever protein is the protein pudding-chocolate. It's by CNP.
It is a bit spendy-but it is VERY filling and loaded with protein.
Here is a link:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2003021 87658&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
I know I ended up HATING the shakes. I hated that fake sweet taste. I ended up doing the protein shots-bullet things. They were more like juice and I would water them down and get it done.
Luck!
T
Topic: fortimel protein drinks
hi all, as discussed i aint been able to get on with protein shakes, i have around 55 fortimel shakes, half strawberry and half vanilla with a few chocolate. looking to sell them so if anyones interested i'd do you a good deal, they retail for over £1.50 each but would sell for a massive discount to a fellow weight loser.
get in touch on [email protected] to have a chat.
i'm not in the habit of selling online but they would go to waste with me.
hope your all well
paul
get in touch on [email protected] to have a chat.
i'm not in the habit of selling online but they would go to waste with me.
hope your all well
paul
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Miss Redd
Group Leader
Kate -True
Group Leader