Gastric Sleeve UK

TashTag

Hi, My name is TASH.

MY BMI IS 44. I am 25 years old and 1.64 m tall and weigh 120kilos (ouch)

I was recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and as of Saturday past, ALOPECIA! Crazy
I was just wondering how to approach my GP that I am interested in Bariatric surgery.

I have lived in an over weight body for as long as I can remember and for the first time in my life I can truly say that Mentally it is affecting me. Despite years of exercising and dieting,and finally re-adjusting my entire way of thinking and eating I was told that my thyroid was the problem. Feel Defeated. I cannot continue to live this life. I don't belong in this body.

I have heard of people battling to get these operations done on NHS and wouldn't mind paying if I had to. Just trying to explore all the options.

Any advice or info would be great.
Thank You

Tristaan

I said, "Dr., I'm really concerned about my weight. I've tried X, Y, and Z, and haven't gotten results". If you are already developing co-morbidities such as apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc, your Dr probably discussed weight with you at some point anyway. Don't be embarrassed to bring up weight. I looked at it as my GP was my partner as far as me being as healthy as possible. Bringing up weight was no different than going in and saying I had a rash, or headaches, or any other physical issue that I wanted advice on. She actually brought up the option of WLS to me a few years ago, but at the time I wasn't ready to go there. When I told her I was starting the process, she was very supportive.

Not sure how it's different in the UK, but in the US most bariatric surgery programs have lots of "General Info" seminars. That was my first step in really exploring WLS options (other than the internet). I think those are usually free to attend, and there's no obligation to have any surgery just from looking into the process.