Weight Loss Surgery

[swimming]

I'm in a similar situation weight wise. I have no life, no confidence and no self esteem. I just plod on, watching everyone else living their lives, and this year it has really caught up with me. I have anxiety and depression, and I know my weight and lifestyle play a huge part in this. I am determined to change this after Christmas. But if I think about how much weight I need to lose to be healthy, it's far too daunting. So I'll be taking baby steps, and setting small goals.
I've thought about surgery also, but after lots of research, I realise that although I may get results, it doesn't come without it's complications and downsides, so I'd rather try calorie counting, exercise and determination (hopefully I'll get some for Christmas!)
If you fancy a motivation buddy, let me know!

I’m in the same boat. Absolutely hate my weight right now and how much it’s cost me months and possibly years of hiding away!
Ive got a 6 month old baby and simply refuse to hide away under cardigans in the summer with him because I’m shy to be out.

 

[Sickofinstacrap]

People who have had surgery done privately, please would you mind answering a few questions?

Who did you use?
How long was the waiting time?
When did you have your surgery?
How much did it cost?
What was recovery like?


Looking into it and would love as much info as possible.

Alternatively, people who have had surgery on the NHS, please could you advise how long the waiting time was?

Hi!

Who did you use? Mr Mannur London independent clinic
How long was the waiting time? 1 month
When did you have your surgery? May
How much did it cost? £9750
What was recovery like? I was back to working 12 hour shifts after 9 days! If I had the choice I’d have taken the whole 2 weeks off just to rest! Felt more energy by week 4 and then by 2-3months when I switched my multivit to forceval I felt completely like my old self even more energy! My BMI has gone from 41 to 28, I’ve lost 5 and a half stone! The first 4 weeks were horrendous but once you get used to the mental aspect of it it is the best thing ever. I’d never have lost this on my own it is the greatest thing I’ve ever done for myself! But be prepared for the first 4 weeks they are tough, after that it is bliss!

 

[Rocknrolla]

I get b12 injections every 3 months from Spire (had my sleeve with them in the uk)

I also have the b12 injections every 3 months via my doctors. Unfortunately I still struggle with extreme fatigue, lack of energy and feeling faint, I don’t know what the answer is.

 

[Murphygirl]

My husband has just had the gastric sleeve 5 weeks ago. He was lucky enough to have savings and went private here in the UK, it costs around £8000.
He's lost 3 stone so far (started around 25 stone) so is making really good process. While he absolutely doesn't regret it you will have to make certain lifestyle changes after you have had the procedure, no carbonated drinks ever as it can stretch the stomach, and you can't eat and drink at the same time, you should leave 20 minutes between them.
I wouldn't have been happy him going to Turkey as a big part of the package is aftercare and I don't know if you would get quite the same support. He had a minor scare post op (which turned out to be a normal after effect), but he was able to call and someone put his mind at rest. I'm also not sure about flying home from Turkey due to risks of DVTs as my husband has been advised not to fly for a couple of months post op.

 

[Murphygirl]

Thanks, it's not a decision he made lightly, but he's following the diet plan post op and committed to a permanent lifestyle change and I can already see the health benefits. He was a bad snorer and developed asthma recently due to Covid and I can already see a huge improvement.
I've always been fully supportive of him having this procedure but my only caveat was he didn't go to Turkey

 

[Jellybean79]

If anyone is interested, we have a weight loss and healthy living thread in the Off Topic section. I’m not technical enough to know how to link to it . Lots of us are calorie counting, amongst other things, and people are happy to share experiences and advice

 

[monga]

Just wondering if anyone here has had weight loss surgery?
I am so so so fed up with being fat, and I’m not just a little bit fat- I’m a size 28. It’s disgusting. I hate myself.
I’ve tried slimming world, weight watchers, calorie counting & exercise, Atkins, paleo, keto, dodgy pills of eBay that made my poo slimy. You name it, I’ve tried it. I lose about a stone then slip back into old habits.
I desperately want to have surgery and I’ve seen packages in Turkey. I am considering asking my mum to lend me £2k towards it.
Any thoughts?!

Be really careful with that surgery it's not as cut and dried as it seems a relative went to Turkey in March and had it done no problems with the hospital or doctors you even get botox thrown in for the price but she had real problems trying to eat when she got back home she was so depleted in nutrients that she developed a brain infection and has been left disabled be really careful if it's something you decide to go for .

 

[monga]

My husband has just had the gastric sleeve 5 weeks ago. He was lucky enough to have savings and went private here in the UK, it costs around £8000.
He's lost 3 stone so far (started around 25 stone) so is making really good process. While he absolutely doesn't regret it you will have to make certain lifestyle changes after you have had the procedure, no carbonated drinks ever as it can stretch the stomach, and you can't eat and drink at the same time, you should leave 20 minutes between them.
I wouldn't have been happy him going to Turkey as a big part of the package is aftercare and I don't know if you would get quite the same support. He had a minor scare post op (which turned out to be a normal after effect), but he was able to call and someone put his mind at rest. I'm also not sure about flying home from Turkey due to risks of DVTs as my husband has been advised not to fly for a couple of months post op.

It's £3000 for Turkey you're back home 2 days later ,while the healthcare is excellent and they do a lot of checks before it I don't think 2 days post op is enough for that type of surgery I also think some sort of counselling is needed beforehand to access if you're mentally reading for it ,whily my relative has lost weight and the actual surgery was carried out properly her life has changed for the worst in all other aspects.

 

[Chatty-Jo]

Thanks everybody! Lots of great advise there.

I am not sure what else to do. I will try calorie counting again after Christmas! <3

I'm in a similar situation weight wise. I have no life, no confidence and no self esteem. I just plod on, watching everyone else living their lives, and this year it has really caught up with me. I have anxiety and depression, and I know my weight and lifestyle play a huge part in this. I am determined to change this after Christmas. But if I think about how much weight I need to lose to be healthy, it's far too daunting. So I'll be taking baby steps, and setting small goals.
I've thought about surgery also, but after lots of research, I realise that although I may get results, it doesn't come without it's complications and downsides, so I'd rather try calorie counting, exercise and determination (hopefully I'll get some for Christmas!)
If you fancy a motivation buddy, let me know!

 

[footylass2021]

Getting the quick and easy fix of surgery won’t deal with the psychological issues causing the weight gain first, they will still be there even after the surgery . They need to be dealt with first before considering the surgery

thats why NHS has such a strict protocol I.e psychologists, target weights, seminars before they even List you for surgery

 

[monga]

My mum lost her life after having a gastric sleeve that went wrong, then having to have the full bypass. She was very poorly and bedbound for nearly 2 years before finally passing away from sepsis after pulling out her feeding tube that went straight to her bowel for extra nutrients. She was 49.
Do not have these operations. You will never live a normal life after, and worse case scenario it will take your life.

It’s very sad to read that x I don’t think people should be allowed these ops until they know exactly what they’re signing up for they are life changing and not always in a good way.

 

[Hdt1]

People who have had surgery done privately, please would you mind answering a few questions?

Who did you use? Tonic
How long was the waiting time? 9 weeks
When did you have your surgery? Jan 2022
How much did it cost? 11,250
What was recovery like? 1 week sat around, bit sicky, 1 week a bit weak then back to work


Looking into it and would love as much info as possible.

Alternatively, people who have had surgery on the NHS, please could you advise how long the waiting time was?

I’ve answered your questions next to them if that makes sense x

 

[I am undercover]

I had a gastric sleeve 10 weeks ago and have lost 2 stone.

Honestly for me, it's been the best thing I've ever done. I know a few people who went to turkey and got it done but I decided to go private here in England.

It is a huuuge change though, I must admit. I am eating healthily and keeping fit at the gym because I'm adamant never to get back to my starting weight.

I think if you truly know everything there is to know about the surgery you want to go for, and you are willing to change your whole mindset then go for it...


Also edited to add; I was tested by a psychiatrist before getting the surgery to assess my mental health.

 

[Rocknrolla]

I’ve had a gastric band, I went private with the Hospital group. It’s no quick fix, it has been like torture sometimes. If food gets stuck it’s almost an instant projectile vomit. I’ve had mine in around 8 years now, I have low b12 I’m constantly tired and don’t have much energy oh acid reflux is a problem too.

 

[JillZarin]

Thank you both for your replies - really appreciate it!

If you don't mind me asking, what was your BMI/or weight before you had the surgery please?

It was 48 now 29.

 

[monga]

agreed 2 days post op isn't enough before sending you on a flight back to the UK. My husband was also kept in a couple of extra days as a precaution. He needed extra oxygen to come round from the anaesthetic then had really bad trapped wind which is apparently very common post surgery. He was therefore given an additional scan to ensure there was no other reason for the pain before he was allowed home. He also had a consultation with the surgeon and bariatric nurse pre op to ensure he was aware of all the facts before deciding to proceed, and will continue to have support from them post op. The surgeon is also one of the top surgeons in the country who performs these operations every day so you know you are in safe hands. Turkey just feels like a false economy and you can't scrimp when it comes to your health. I appreciate though that not everyone can afford to get this done privately in the UK and have to consider other options.

Yes ,apparently there’s bus loads of people from the UK go regularly it’s as easy as getting a haircut I’m sure the clinic is making a fortune, glad your husbands had worked out as expected.

 

[JillZarin]

People who have had surgery done privately, please would you mind answering a few questions?

Who did you use? Dr HE Obesity Clinic (Turkey)
How long was the waiting time? Zero
When did you have your surgery? Oct 2021
How much did it cost? €6000
What was recovery like? Flew Thurs, surgery Fri, returned home Thurs, was back at work on the Mon.


Looking into it and would love as much info as possible.
.


Alternatively, people who have had surgery on the NHS, please could you advise how long the waiting time was?

Apologies if you're not looking abroad. I had a RNY bypass, I've lost 8 stone, currently confortable to wear size 14 (jeans, with no stretch ) best decision I ever made, wish I'd done it years ago

 

[LittleLottieLoo]

Bypassed almost 5 years ago. Kept all my weight off. Vitamin D issue, had previously anyway.
Also had cosmetic surgery a year ago.

No regrets. I am careful, but I live my life how I want.

 

[monga]

Makes you wonder how many people are having to seek aftercare from the NHS they still have to treat people regardless ,the Turkish clinic is very high tec and well staffed it's just a bummer if you're not able to stay for aftercare.

 

[Hdt1]

Thank you both for your replies - really appreciate it!

If you don't mind me asking, what was your BMI/or weight before you had the surgery please?

57, currently 29 x

57, currently 29 x

Sorry meant to add start weight 25.2, current 12.2