BMI on the NHS

[Manooo]

Hi all, hoping everyone’s closer to getting what we’re all wishing for. I have a quick question, when you go for your first appointment with the nurses through the NHS, do they check your bmi again about literally bordering 30! (I know, this lockdown hasn’t helped 😞) And the bmi nhs want is 30. I mean they can’t be like we can’t start cause your bmi is a too close as all my medication is all ordered? Thanks a bunch in advance

[Beatrix_K]

Hey don’t worry about it too much if you’re on or about 30. The one that counts is the recommendation for you to get ivf so if you’ve got that - well done. They will weigh you again when you have bloods etc so maybe eat light this week but they will not stop you’re treatment starting 😊 I was really paranoid every time I went in but actually once you start they’re less strict. I’m a bit over now which isn’t brilliant because there are associated risks/ benefits to being over/ right weight. Good luck! X

[Manooo in reply to Beatrix_K]

Thank you soo much for the response! Yeah I don't know why Im soo stressed about it and i makes me even more hungry!! But this is all I ever wanted so I need to give it my all! <3

[Blondyboo]

I did Cambridge diet to get a bulk of my weight down. It’s really strict but works. Did SlimmingWorld once I stopped it x

[BECIO]

I’m in the same boat!!

[Manooo in reply to BECIO]

I feel you! Its driving me crazy! Good luck with it! When is your transfer?

[BECIO in reply to Manooo]

I don’t know! Should be April but don’t have exact date. On the NHS and there have been delays so I won’t know until the first day of my period if I will start that month! It’s my first cycle so new to it all.

[Jen_jen]

Hi Manooo,

My first round mine was 28 and I remember getting weighed every appointment. I’m the same as you bmi is 30 now (lockdown eating) and I’m hoping to do my frozen transfer around May/June and they said my bmi even though I’m paying for this transfer has to still be 30 or lower.

I’ve decided to try and lose weight now.

[Ranchu90]

I was on the other end on BMI (too low) and they were very strict. The nurses were checking my weight all the time I had any appointments. At some point I had appointments booked only for weight check, it become so stressful for me. Even when I was very close to BMI of 19 they still didn't let me go ahead with the treatment. I don't want to scare you but please be prepared. I cheated at some point 😂 I had a tonne of clothes put on me. I remember the nurse asking me if I would like to take them off and I was NO😳 🤭. Good luck 🤞♥️

[Manooo in reply to Ranchu90]

Its funny how none of us think of people on the other side which being under weight cause that soo common as well. I hope you got what you were looking for!

[AnneMarieBlue in reply to Ranchu90]

Hi Ranchu90, Was it private or NHS funded, not sure if its the same rules for lower BMI limit? Thank you🌷

[Ranchu90 in reply to AnneMarieBlue]

That was NHS funded, is the same rule for low BMI I am afraid. BMI must be between 19- 30, no any lower and no any higher this has been explained to me 🥴😤 and they been very strict with that. I had no option but to go on NHS dietician and she prescribed me milkshakes with tonnes of calories and sugar. If the cycle is not funded then BMI doesn't matter private or NHS.

[AnneMarieBlue in reply to Ranchu90]

Thanks for reply! We are waiting for the follow up with the fertility specialist, but were told in the first appointment that we will most probably need IVF/ICSI, and will have to be private due to my age. My BMI is below 19 and I have been trying to put weight on since mid-Jan, but its not easy 😔 can I ask how did it go for you, have you managed to gain some weight?

[Ranchu90 in reply to AnneMarieBlue]

Tell me about how easy is to gain weight 😤😵 Geez is the worse nightmare for me. Yes I managed to put some weight by having 2 milkshakes per day that dietitian prescribed me, one milkshake had around 400kcal (like a full meal) and also I didn't miss any of the 3 meals per day plus in between my meals I had to snack a lot 🙄😣. This is all I did but after my IVF cycle I lost back all the extra weight that I managed to put on. Even now I might be slightly below 19. I asked my private clinic in Spain about my weight and they told me if my hormones levels are fine and I am ovulating and having regular periods than should be any issues. I stopped stressing about it but when I go close to IVF cycles I always try to put some extra weight.

[AnneMarieBlue in reply to Ranchu90]

Thank you for the reply 😘I’ve been trying to eat my three meals and snacks and bought some protein bars/shakes, but still struggling to gain weight😣 will see what happens in the follow-up appointment and will ask the doctor whether my weight could be an issue for starting IVF

All the best to you on your journey xx🌷

[Ranchu90 in reply to AnneMarieBlue]

Try to not stress that much, if I am stressed I am losing weight so hope you are not the same 😁. Interesting bit is the diagnosis from NHS for my infertility is low BMI 😂 I find it very hilarious when I read the reports. In reality we have male factor infertility. In my opinion lower weight is not an issue, if you respond or not to the drugs is more related to your hormones levels not BMI. Thank you for the kind wishes I need them as my FET is booked in few weeks time 😬. All the best 🤗❤️

[MomaJoni]

I was initially referred to the fertility clinic when my BMI was 45. They asked me to lose weight so I got a gastric band and got my BMI down to 29, since then I have not been weighed by them and the IUI/IVF was approved on the same day as the last weigh in. I am scheduled for my IVF in May so fingers crossed they dont need to weigh me again because my BMI is at 32 now lol damnit. I should hopefully be back down to 29 or lower by May though. Fingers crossed.

[Manooo in reply to MomaJoni]

Hi MomaJoni!! Good luck with the IVF! Are you going through the NHS?

[MomaJoni in reply to Manooo]

Hello, thank you so much I am. I have 1 free try with the NHS and then we are out of options.