Gastric Banding

Does anyone know what conditions (i.e what weight limit/age) you have to fulfill under the NHS to get a gastric band?
I don't think I'd be able to but otherwise does anyone know how much it would cost to go privately- home or abroad? I couldn't afford it now but for the future it would be a life-saver.
Please don't post saying 'eat fewer pies and go for more runs' I'm not asking how to lose weight- I know a LOT about that but I'm still huge + depressed.
Thanks x

Reply 1

bunthulhu

I checked this website: http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache:_CJtF2-5NNMJ:www.columbiasurgery.org/about/obe_brochure.pdf+gastric+banding+requirements&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5

It says:
Candidates for Obesity Surgery must meet the following criteria:
- 100 pounds or more overweight (body mass index, BMI, of 40 or above), or
- 80 pounds or more over ideal body weight (BMI of 35 or above), with related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
- Long-standing history of obesity (Many insurance companies require 5 years or more)
- Multiple weight loss attempts with no long-term success
- Ability to make the required lifelong dietary and behavioral changes as recommended by our weight loss team Criteria for Surgery Body Mass Index (BMI) Chart

I'm not sure if that applies to every type of surgery but that's a general guide for you :smile:

Reply 2

bunthulhu

On the NHS website; http://www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk/index.cfm?question=1718

I found this:
Surgery is recommended as a treatment option for people with morbid obesity providing all of the following criteria are fulfilled:
• this type of surgery should be considered only for people who have been receiving intensive management in a specialised hospital obesity clinic
• individuals should be aged 18 years or over
• there should be evidence that all appropriate and available nonsurgical measures have been adequately tried but have failed to maintain weight loss
• there should be no specific clinical or psychological contraindications to this type of surgery
• individuals should be generally fit for anaesthesia and surgery
• individuals should understand the need for long-term follow-up.

Just to add, the definition of Morbid Obesity is if you are approx 100 pounds overweight, i.e., your BMI is over 40.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Thank you

.
At the moment I'm not morbidly obese so I guess I'd have to go private if it was viable in the next few years. If I continue to deteriorate at the same rate- I hope I don't- then I'll be eligable for nhs treatment just after I finish Uni. Thanks for the info- I hope its still there as a last resort if I can no longer face living with my weight.

Reply 4

bunthulhu

You're welcome :smile:

I think it's a shame you're resorting to that, but I guess sometimes convential means of losing weight just don't work :frown:

It sounds like you're actually quite young, too? *hugs!*

Reply 5

Tarts_n_Vicars

They are pretty strict on you having tried and failed losing weight by diet & exercise though. I don't know whether they'd actually force you to diet for x amount of months first or take your word for it.

Reply 6

Podge

there was a girl on GMTV today. Dr Hilary said it must be the last resort, as there can be loads of complications.

the girl btw was 18, and she weighed 32 stone! (well before she had the band!)

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

Yep it is pretty risky and horrible- I know about dieting + failing, its my speciality. Not sure if a history of eating disorders (although not being at a low weight for long, mainly bulimia + bingeing) would encourage or discourage them to give me treatment- obviously its a huge obstacle to getting better without surgery. If they could literally force me to diet + exercise for a few months to see whether I needed the band, and that worked instead and wasn't insanely hard to maintain- ace!

Reply 8

Jen2327

maybe u should see your doctor?
they usually try other diets and pills and stuff before the surgrey option!
there are many side affects!
its important to think about all other options babe xx

Reply 9

Lil' Miss Smiley

Doctors are very reluctant to give out pills these days and I think that is a little unfair to those that do find it hard to diet/loose wieght.

I feel that a little boost to get people started would help and I am in no way condoning a long term use of pills. Dieting is easier when the wieght is shifting it helps you continue to do so.

To the OP I hope you find something that works for you. :hugs: