Long story- sorry 😞 this is all NHS btw.
In July 2021 following years of gynae issues I had an op to remove some very large ovarian cysts (41 at time and thinking this would then be my last chance post op to try and conceive) op didn't go to plan mainly due to my size/existing health conditions causing complications and they discovered one 12cm cyst was attached to my bowel. Upshot, need a bowel surgeon and to loose significant weight quickly before they can try again. Gynae surgeon requested bariatric surgery, took 6 months for that to go through GP etc, lots chasing on my part. Starting bariatric route early 2022, spent 8 months having various tests, meeting surgeon etc to be told due to covid backlog there was a 2 year waiting list. So I waited patiently, by January 2024 I decided to chase, it'd been 15 months with no contact at all (during this time I'd lost 2 stone through diet). So I chased, was given a phone app - i was never phoned at app time, I chased again and eventually given another phone app for March 2024 only upon having to discover was just with dietician (completely not at that point who I should be talking too, needed surgeon or doctor). Obviously I questioned delay, to be told (she was apologetic but still) that some time in the previous 15 months I had been dropped off the list due to admin issues, when pushed she cited lack of staff. I was very upset, frustrated but not the dieticians fault. She told me she'd entered me back in the system as fast track, would take around 6 months as opposed to a year plus which was current wait times (that was 8 months ago now). Had 3 apps with this dietician (so could get myself ready diet wise for surgery). Last year in prep I made significant changes to my diet as a result of this specific surgery advise and I also joined a gym. I was told that my case was being discussed and awaiting surgeon app. Between April 2024 and September I lost a further 1 1/2 stone. I'm now 45 ( and during this time have had to come to terms that all these delays to the gynae surgery i actually need means I'm running out of time - also last year i started peri menopause so the psychology aspects of all time have been drastic and devastating to me and husband) in August 2024 still no app so I chased again, told they were waiting for apps to become available. September 2024 received letter for app in December, I complained about the wait (considering it was then approaching 3 years in total) I was told I'd missed an appointment- i bloody hadn't! They said they'd sent me a text- they didn't! But they moved the app to end of October 2024. Then 2 weeks before got a letter to say unfortunately they needed to move it (ffs) and this was then January 2025 (this Thursday 16th ) I didn't have energy to complain again so thought I'd wait till now. However, since September last year and now, I started Mounjaro, mainly as I'd started loosing weight previously but very slow and as I just couldnt trust when ill get this op. I'm doing this privately as to be blunt, fed up of the waits and bureaucracy of NHS in my case. I've lost 2.5 stone on Mounjaro. So since January 2022 when first approved surgery and January 2025, I've lost 6 stone. I'm still 17 stone so very large. I now, do not want that surgery after all that, I know I can do it on mounjaro by myself but it's obviously very expensive and a struggle. I've now given up all hope of having a family. I'm scared of all the massive changes the surgery would mean. I'm scared of all the huge vast side effects associated with bariatric surgery. It's a hugely beneficial surgery but it does come with an awful lot of things to consider, for example, gall stones, hair loss, 75% of patients regain 30% of loss stuff like that, and of course it's big surgery. Apps next week, Ive said im going, but i don't think I want this surgery anymore, I think I want to stay on mounjaro. I'm a 'slow responder' and that's great, I'm don't want to loose super quick- which brings so many health issues, and is very common with the surgery. I know there are potential side effects with mounjaro, I've had very few and I'm using it as a tool. I've completely changed my relationship and association with food, diet, exercise and wellbeing over the last 12 months. I don't see it as anything but a tool. I've never been healthier or fitter. I gym 5 times a week. I was an emotional eater, I've worked very hard on controlling that with the help of mounjaro - this is something the surgery doesn't do - you can still eat slider foods and emotional eat on that.
But i can't shake 'would i be stupid not to have this op' ??
I phoned the hospital yesterday just to make sure app was going ahead, as now that whole situation just gives my so much anxiety, was told yes and if goes OK I will go on surgery wait list - so surgery would be in approx 3/4 months.
I need to decide what to do. I don't want to waste NHS resource if I don't have too, I don't want major surgery, I think I can do it with Mounjaro.
Also if I have surgery, they would make me wait 2 years for weight to stabilise before going back on gynae wait list for the surgery I actually need...all the while walking around with huge cysts inside me and by then I'll be 48, it's over and for me all I'm concerned about now is being healthy and fit.
Do I just cancel the op and go it alone or go, see what the surgeon says? Do I just right now say no, not having surgery or am I silly to consider not having it?
Sorry it's so long, please be kind, this has been an awful long stressful fight and would appreciate advice