low BMI and surgery

[MyStar86]

Hi,

has anyone been refused surgery due to a low BMI? I know my bmi is only around 14 which is very low but I am at this weight due to my bowel issues and the constant pain I am in. My surgeon knows my weight and just warned me of the added risks but is happy to go ahead. I have had many surgeries before at this weight and been fine I even had one just 4 months ago but this is at a new hospital and I had my pre assessment this week and the nurse was so negative I cried the whole way through it as I need the surgery and she said it’s down to the anaesthetist so I will find out next week.

It’s ridiculous because I need the surgery to enable me to build up and get better so I am really scared I can’t wait any longer waiting this long has killed me if they make me wait to put on weight I don’t know how I will cope.

Has anyone had this happen before? I know it’s just the nurse saying this but she is the one who will speak to the anaesthetist so I’m really scared.

thank you

[KatDragon]

I think that what they have told you about not being suitable for surgery due to your BMI being too low is yet another way of blocking people from getting access to any NHS treatment or at least delaying it until the person is at the perfect BMI. The trouble with this is that certain health conditions and the delay in getting any treatment in the first place make it very unlikely that you will be able to do anything to put it right. I have a similar problem-I have been warned that I might not be able to have surgery if I dont get my BMi down. If I hadn't already been waiting for any treatment for over 4 years and taking a variety of medications to help me cope( all of which state weight gain as a side effect) my BMI wouldn't be as high as it is now!It is much cheaper for the NHS to just leave us all suffer in pain while rationing treatment. I hope you get some good news soon.

Every time I come to this site I am horrified and often moved to tears by the way so many of us women are suffering just for some want of some NHS treatment. This is why Aneurin Bevan wanted an NHS, as prior to 1948 people suffered and died due to a lack of free treatment and here we all are suffering in one of the top 10 of wealthiest countries in the world. It is a disgrace.

[MyStar86 in reply to KatDragon]

Thank you for your reply and your understanding!! What that horrible nurse doesn’t realise is I have been suicidal due to the constant pain and suffering I can’t sleep I’m struggling every single day I hate my life and I cried from start to finish of my appointment and she didn’t care she was rude and horrible to me trying to say it was my own fault it was awful nothing I’ve ever experienced especially as it has been discussed multiple times with my colorectal surgeon who has operated on me before at this weight and I’ve even had a total hysterectomy at this weight so I don’t understand how a nurse can say it’s down to the anaesthetist it should be the surgeon.

This is actually private as well so I dont understand I gave up the nhs due to poor treatment now this has happened in the private sector it’s just devastating I can’t take this anymore I’ve had enough.

[KatDragon in reply to MyStar86]

I am so terribly sorry you have experienced such bad treatment. Many medical staff are kind and supportive but now and again you come across a cruel uncaring one. I hope the next time you see someone they treat you with the kindness and care that you are entitled to. That nurse cannot have read your notes. I hope you get your treatment sorted soon .Have you thought of doing a formal complaint? Ask to see someone else. I totally agree it should be the surgeon not anaesthetist. The nurse is not even qualified to talk about your treatment! Sending you well wishes.

[Jess96]

I was really thin when I had my lap a few years ago. Can't remember my BMI, but they still went ahead with the surgery and everything was fine. Unfortunately you met with the horrible nurse, there's always one 🙄

Have you ever tried ensure plus drinks? I struggle with bowel problems and keeping weight on. They're prescribed by my doctor, and they help so much when I can't manage food.

Good luck with your journey x

[MyStar86 in reply to Jess96]

Thank you for your kind reply it has been a tough week that didn’t need to happen I called the nurse today to check and she said no all was fine and the anaesthetist was happy to go ahead with the surgery so all that worry didn’t even need to happen she should or kept quiet in my pre assessment even if she was judging my weight she didn’t need to tell me nd worry me about my surgery when it was never her call.

I have had the fortisip and the ensure shakes but I didn’t get on with them but the dietitian has put me on the vital shakes which are more expensive so not usually prescribed first however they are already partially digested so they are easy for my body to handle plus they can be used as sole nutrition not that I will be doing that but I am trying to force one down a day to help build me up a little for the surgery as they said I will loose weight post op so at least the horrible nurse has forced me to act as I have always struggled with my weight due to multiple bowel conditions however I just got used to being so skinny as the pain and trauma of eating made it easier to just eat less and clearly lose weight but the shakes are something I can do as I can’t change my diet but hopefully the shakes will help to get me stronger pre surgery.

It was weird how nice she was on the phone I think the nice hca that took my bloods and did the ecg spoke to her as I was sobbing my heart out following the awful meeting with the nurse. I’m happy to let it go but my mum is still livid about what she put me through this week and I might still complain but I’ll wait till I’ve had my surgery before any hassle.

Thank you again for your help and support xx

[Cocoacupid]

I have not had this as I was very thin when I had anorexia but my mental health med a made me put on a lot of weight. I have severe bowel issues feel sick and things all the time I have lost a little weight now though. As like you I just don’t feel like eating much and I feel full after eating a small amount I’m on anti sickness meds but I’m going to ask the doctor as I have a prescription certificate to put loparmide on it as am constantly buying the anti dirreahoea tablets now. Am waiting for my bowel surgery hun. Had mri a month ago and then I got a nhs notification to say where would I want to have my surgery so I have put down where. Not sure 🤔 really on my time scale. If your symptoms are anything like mine I really feel for you I really do. As since covid my symptoms got worse and worse I still work but I just live in the bathroom. Xxx take care hun and you have my deepest empathy xx I really hope they can still do your surgery for you. But surely they know most people with endo do have a low bmi apart from me really but now am 2 years off 40 my hips are wide and my body shape has changed. Xx 😘 I really hope and pray 🙏 you will have the op soon xxxx