talkhealth forums

Hello,

Weight loss surgery can offer very significant health benefits by offering greater weight loss than most people can achieve through dieting alone. Whether you are eligible for surgery on the NHS will depend on your weight (BMI) and health. NICE have laid out very clear guidelines:

• They have a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more, or between 35 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2 and other significant disease (for example, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure) that could be improved if they lost weight.
• All appropriate non-surgical measures have been tried but the person has not achieved or maintained adequate, clinically beneficial weight loss.
• The person has been receiving or will receive intensive management in a tier 3 weight management service.
• The person is generally fit for anaesthesia and surgery.
• The person commits to the need for long-term follow-up.

The bariatric team also carries out a detailed assessment of any psychological or clinical factors that may affect adherence to the post-surgery requirements (such as changes to diet) before performing surgery.

The first step is to talk to your GP, do some reading and talk to your family/support network.

Good luck.

I would agree with Jenny's advice which is very clear and up to date.

First step would be to speak to your GP who can assess whether you need some general dietary advice and support. If your case is more complex, then you may need to be referred to a tier 3 service with a view to being considered for bariatric surgery.

best of luck.