Has anyone here (especially if you're in the UK) been referred to the bariatric surgery?
I have unsuccessfully been trying to lose weight most or my life and the pandemic lockdown has tipped the scale to the heaviest I've been, making me both physically and mentally unwell.
I've got a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits due to early childhood scarcity, shame and insecurity about my body and depression on top of that. I've spent past 25 years hiding.
Even when I ate the same food and portions whilst living in larger households, I was always the chubby kid. I was put on strict diet whilst staying in the hospital as a teen, and I wasn't losing weight. They've constantly tested my thyroid but it's within limits of normal.
I finally made the call to my GP asking for some kind of help. My idea was to get the gastric balloon, which is less invasive and would curb my appetite and help me lose some weight so I feel well enough to actually get more active and get on the right track, because at the moment it's a cycle I cannot break.
I have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, my ankles hurt when I walk, I sleep poorly.
I have frequently been dismissed with the advice to eat better and exercise. If that was so easy for me, I wouldn't be where I am, asking for help.
Since it's free health care (NHS), they are always looking to eliminate unnecessary procedures and they require that I tick all the boxes (trying dieting, exercise, therapy and medication) before being referred. I told them I've seen dietitians, I went to the gym (even paid a personal trainer), I used to do CICO (My Fitness Pal, Lose It apps), I cook most of my food, love fruit and veg, don't drink or smoke, and am currently in therapy to deal with body image.
I'm currently taking Orlistat and have lost 5kg in 2 months, but the side effects are horrible and in the end, it only helps eliminate some fat not carbs/sugars, I'm still hungry all the time.
I was even willing to use my savings to go privately but I'm unemployed as of June and need those savings.
After speaking to two different doctors and convincing the second one to refer me to the bariatric surgeon, I have a screening call soon and was wondering if anyone went through it, what do they ask?
My only experience is from watching those US shows ('My 600 lb life').
I suffer from anxiety and knowing how to prepare for it would help me a lot.
Thank you for any advice.
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/ophgws/bariatric_surgery_appointment_questions/
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