NHS funding criteria

[Toni Russo]

Several people have asked about funding policies for plastics. They do vary from PCT to PCT but most are a variation on the attached government policy.

Please note that PCTs are not obliged to follow this document-it is there for guidance.

[jules]

would like to know what the criteria is for post surgery operation is,cant seem to get info

[Bigsister]

Hi Toni,
I would be very interested to read the guidelines but can't seem to open the link. Could you please post it again somewhere?
Thanks

[stilltryingsohard]

This is the sadness of my life.
i HAVE GONE through so much as i HAVE had BOTH surgeries Lapband(Private) and RNY Bypass
I have NEVER CHEATED as I really believe I am in the last chance saloon.I have lost almost 10 stones and i AM 14months post op.I had a 4 month plateau which was really difficult to cope with as Im restricting my calories excersizing and (since my op) am making wise food choices for the first time in my life.
I have worked ALL OF MY LIFE and do not expect the NHS to fund surgeries and i UNDERSTAND THAT severe cutbacks have to be made and this surgery (if you dont have any mobility issues because of loose skin folds etc) is considered non essential,but I have just been put onto a 3 day week at work due to reccession and so now all my hopes are dashed as I definetely can not afford this surgery priveately.
I am very sad as i have so much loose skin my inner thighs and stomach and most embarrassinglt my pubic area has such a terrible overhang THAT I CAN NO Longer have an intimate relationship with my husband as the sheer mechanics make intercourse impossible.
So I am left in a mess I actualy look far worse naked than i DID BEFORE I lost all this weight.
I cant find clothes as the size i need for my tummy skin needs to be much bigger than my bum or legs need as they are so much smaller now
I have written to the PCT and was refused and now do not know where to turn.
Ihave tried so very hard to help myself but i FEEL SO UGLY and am so worriedi will lose my husband
Can you imagine going through all this and BOTH BARIATRIC surgeries to feel this bad about myself?
I need a total body lift but obvioiusly not until 24months post op as iM still losing weight
my inner thighs have become discoloured now as the skin hangs down so much.I have stopped swimming due to the comments and stares i GET IN a bathing suit-I do walk and work out for other excersize but i loved swimming so guess I feel very low
my self esteem is at an all time low
and I keep wondering
omg why did i DO THIS TO MYSELF?
Sorry but I am soooooo sad

[Doodah]

Link doesn't open Toni x

[Bigdave]

I think this is the proper link Toni was trying to offer

http://www.library.nhs.uk/GUIDELINESFINDER/ViewResource.aspx?resID=187540

[dodiesmate]

Hiya stilltrying
I know how you feel. Been there got turned down by nhs.I ended up beggin and borrowing the money from familie and friends. It seems to be impossible to repay such a large amount but but little by little I am managing. I hope you will find a way. Good luck

[Webster]

I also know how you both feel.

I have come back in floods of tears from seeing my doctor tonight after asking about funding for a bypass. She told me there was no point applying to the PCT as my BMI is not above 60 and I do not have anything like Diabetis, Heart problems etc. My BMI is 46 and I am finding walking up stairs and general getting around very difficult, my legs, hips and back get very painful. I didn't realise that her saying what she did would get to me so much. I am at my wits end.

I don't expect it as a right to get this paid on the NHS as I can afford to pay about £300 per month but I do not have enough money up front and to save it would take me a good couple of years and I cannot wait that long. I don't have relatives I can ask and unfortunately as my husband was made redundant a few years back it affected our finances for a while until we were able to sort it out but it affected our credit rating.

[Toni Russo]

Which is your local PCT Webster?

[Cheeky Chicken]

Hi, I Had new boobs after I lost 8 stone in 2007.
I was very lucky because my mum and dad bought them for my christmas prezzy:).
While I was there I got a BMI credit card just in case.
The APR wasn't as bad as a normal credit card.
There are lots of BMI hospitals where you can use it.

http://www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/paymentoptionshome/bmicard

I hope this helps
Diane x