I’ve struggled with bulimia for years, and with that my weight fluctuates quite dramatically. I’ve been told in order to have the surgery I need to lose around 10kg (I currently weigh 90kg), and in that case I’d need to wait another 6 months for surgery. I wondered whether anyone else has had this issue or something similar? I’m struggling to exercise as much as I usually do with how much pain I’m in, and I’m worried about losing the steps I’ve made throughout my ED recovery so that I can have the surgery.
I’m thinking about going private instead, as I spoke to another specialist and they said that my weight shouldn’t be an issue. If anyone also had advice about doing it privately I’d love to hear your experiences.
Thank you!
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Jas1224
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Sorry you’re coming up against this, if you needed emergency surgery they’d go ahead. I’ve heard this a few times, not just the forum and it’s disgraceful. I’m sure it’s only to put people further down the list.
This could also be classed as discrimination with your condition, does the Gynae know about the Bulimia? It’s really important for them to factor this in. Maybe your GP will help and contact Gynae, it’s easy for them to do this these days.
I went private initially and found a really experienced Gynae who was very down to earth. I don’t regret spending the money.
Thanks so much for your reply - yes, my Gynae knows about it so I was shocked they suggested the weight loss method. Really upsetting actually because I’d hoped I’d be discussing plans to move forward so just feel very deflated.
Great that you had a good experience going private - I’ll definitely look into it more.
Try not to feel deflated, they were ignorant and I doubt it filtered through properly. You’re dealing with two chronic conditions which isn’t easy, you’ve every right to treatment.
If you go private pick Gynae rather than hospital, you don’t need a referral these days, even if a particular consultant did your GP can do it to a named Gynae privately. My view with going privately was I could control who and where. It meant I wouldn’t get lumbered with a registrar.
you could easily put in a complaint to the hospital and point out how he was very insensitive to a hard to control condition. They’ll get back to you very quickly at the suggestion of discrimination
Bulimia is a chronic disease that affects both physical and mental health. This causes disability and fluctuations in weight. The Gynae showed no care for these aspects. Being overweight is classed as a disability these days and no effort was made to talk to an anaesthetist before deciding on if someone is overweight.
I’ve known people who weighed more having operations with no issues at all.
I am aware of what bulimia is but wasn't aware the gynaecologist had refused to discuss with the anaesthetist as obviously there can be significant surgical risks when overweight and the patient would have to consent to these.
As we know there are risks with any surgery. Being overweight can bring other risks but if an appendix needed taking out they wouldn’t hesitate. It wasn’t an option that was offered at the consultation, Jas was just told she had to lose weight. It’s unlikely the consultant would have spoken to anyone prior to the consultation, but it’s possible. If another consultant has already said it’s not an issue then the consultant who said to lose weight is being discriminatory.
The weight thing is being used a lot since covid and it’s a way to take someone off a waiting list and therefore the lists don’t look as bad.
I’d been waiting for about a year and a half for an appointment with a gynaecologist who confirmed she thought I had endometriosis. For the past few years I’ve had severe pain and hospitalisations for that pain. I currently manage with pain medication and the kyleena coil.
I had a second internal scan a few months ago as I had one a year and a half ago at the beginning of my journey, and have since been waiting for another consultation which took place earlier this week, which is when I was told I’d have to wait 6 months to lose weight in order to begin treatment.
A good consultant will have a pretty good idea. The first one I saw was correct. Most with experience will. Requesting those records will help your next consultation as you’ll have it in writing, especially if you go private.
sorry to hear of your distress. I was told to get my BMI down I didn’t but still had my lap with excision. I weigh more than you and had my 2nd lap 3 weeks ago!
Make a firm but formal written complaint of your issue to both the dept and Pals. For you I know it’s absolutely not a small or real red flag but for the person concerned it’s probably an unthinking knee jerk that needs and has to be brought to their attention. I am always amazed by apparent amnesia that’s part of them not reading or properly listening or it’s simply not being noted.
Yes, totally agree with you - I don’t think it was meant in a harmful way at all, but I’d hate for someone else in my position to feel triggered by the same issue so I’ll definitely be complaining, even if it just means that situation is avoided with future patients.
Exactly, and frankly it is an extension of the thoughtlessness that many of us face when needing surgery and are told we don’t fit the bill. Excuse me but I can’t exercise, my diet is superb, my hormones are up the creek, digestive system is stuffed and it’s part of the problem …hellllooooo.
Exactly that! Very easy to feel trapped between all of those things and it gets super overwhelming so I’m really glad I’ve found this community of people that have been through similar experiences, thank you for making me feel heard
The main issue is that I have an Eating Disorder (bulimia) and going through weight loss methods is very triggering for me and my recovery. I’d be putting my mental health at huge risk by formatting a weight loss plan at this stage of my recovery.
It is difficult for you as they would have to balance this against the increased risks of surgery. I don't really think this is something that can be addressed on here due to your particular situation and I wouldn't take anything as definite advice.
Safety standards must be the same whether NHS or private and be aware that whoever does do surgery must have training in endo. If you were found to have severe endo then they would have to close you up and refer you on to an endo centre.
I would think the team you are under for your eating disorder should get together with your chosen surgical team to consider the risks on both sides. I hope you find a solution.
Hey I had surgery back in July same weight as you never mentioned a thing. I also when was 12 had anorexia but recovered but put so much weight on due to all the medications I'm on I swim 2x week and eat 2 meals a day. They want to temp put me in menopause but I've heard so much about weight gain I can't afford to put anymore on I hate myself as it is. But I'm embarrassed to explain my past cos I'm opisite now lol. I know how triggering comments like that can be and so unhelpful I'm sending you love remember recovery comes first!
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