Hi all... well I have just had my first consultation today with the surgeon (Martin Richadson) & clinic co-ordinator (Sally Price) at Dolan Park in Bromsgrove.
Dr Richardson was very nice & very understanding/easy to talk to. He certainly knows his stuff & has lots of involvement in this operation for the NHS aswell as privately.
I didn't really know what to expect & I took my husband with me who was not sold on the idea. The good news is now that he has seen the place, met the surgeon & had the opportunity to ask questions he is now supporting me.
I was worried that I would not be accepted as my BMI is 37.7 & not the required 40. However he informed me the NHS put the 40BMI limit due to cost so because I am private anyone over 35 BMI can be considered because testing shows they are suitable & it can help them.
The surgeon answered all my questions & explained the procedure in full and the aftercare... he also showed me a gastric band which is much smaller than I thought it'd be! I also have a blood condition called Thrombophilla (Factor V Leiden) and we talked at length how there is no evidence that I would be any higher risk than someone without this clotting disorder. He also said that the gastric band procedure is on one of the lowest risk operations, its even lower than a gall bladder removal!
We then met with Sally Price who is an advisor who answered questions about aftercare & diet etc.. she has also had the procedure done 18mths ago & already lost over 7.5 stone! She showed me how small & unnoticable the scars are.
I can't fault the process so far... I am going for the WGA package which is £4950. I am booked for my operation for Sat 12th July so can't wait for my new start & smaller figure!
Hope this helps ease anyone elses anxiety when going for the consultation its nothing to worry about! Dont have sleepless nights like i did!
Yippeee...... i'm so excited!