It is a sad fact but the UK is facing a difficult time with rising obesity rates. We have various foods and technologies available but as we move less and eat more, we are unhealthier than our grandparents were at the end of WW2!
Most people are aware of healthier foods and lifestyles and a variety of groups such as Weight-Watchers offer support to people wishing to fight the flab. These groups may not offer the permanent answer for people classed as morbidly obese who tend to spend years losing and regaining-often with interest.
Many people are now considering bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Ideally, this should be offered within the NHS where the full range of support services can also be applied. Unfortunately, budgets and waiting lists can mean that a 4 year wait is not uncommon and many primary cares trusts (PCTs) will not fund any form of obesity surgery even if it does exist locally.
So what can you do?
- Do you have a body mass index (BMI) or 40 or over or is it 35 with additional health problems? If so, you meet the UK criterion which was set to ensure that it is only offered in cases of clinical need.
- Can you get the surgery locally on the NHS?
- Can you afford the surgery locally? UK costs start at £5500 for gastric banding and can go up to £15000 for duodenal switch.
- Are you prepared to commit to a change to dietary habits, vitamins and protein? Will you commit to follow up visits with your surgeon or an alternative provider with the associated costs and time commitments?
In the first instance, see your GP and ask for a referral to a surgeon specialising in obesity surgery, preferably offering a variety of operations to ensure that patients get the right one for them and not just the op that they prefer to do.
Check the internet but accept that helpful patients may in fact be surgeons or their representatives trying to recruit or put you off competitors.
Only use clinics or referral services if they have a proven track record in obesity surgery and not plastic providers who use general surgeons with limited experience of weight-loss surgery.
Consider overseas surgery only if you have considered all of the financial implications and made plans for emergencies. The EHIC (formerly E111) does not cover complications for elective surgery abroad. Some surgeons have promised patients that in the event of emergencies, they will readmit them to the hospital via A&E. This is an abuse of the system and unlawful in both UK and EU. Private medical insurance and travel insurance will not cover elective surgery complications.
Check if your overseas surgeon makes provision for full follow up in the UK. Do they follow accepted international protocols and practices? How many of their patients reach their target weight. Do you get the same level of investigations as a local? If not, why. If the cost appears too good to trust-it usually is.
This surgery can be a lifeline if you take care and time choosing well. A rushed decision may not bring your expected results.
For further information, try
www.euroband.co.uk or
www.bospa.org.uk
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