I WAS eligible but now I'm not.

[Tiredallthetimeneedsleep]

For the weight loss injection on the NHS. I was referred to the weight loss clinic in March. Then, following a short hospital stay for suspected TIA, an MRI showed an abnormality in my pituitary gland so the weight loss injections had to be put on hold. Luckily the lump turned out to be a harmless cyst, so I rang the WLC to tell them this. However, in the meantime, the criteria for the WLI has changed. My BMI needs to be higher and I need 4 major contributing factors ( I only have 2 apparently). Feeling a tad miffed. Thoughts?

Are you sure you were eligible before?

I thought the NHS criteria had always been relatively strict? Even more so than it was before?

Fwiw , I will consider privately funding, just felt a tad safer doing it through the GP. ( I'd go back to them in a heartbeat, if I found out I could have the WLI but with a fee - just prefer it with GP)

I weight loss nurse said I DID meet the criteria before but now it's changed.....

I’d not be concerned about doing it privately. I don’t think the GP would be giving any more support than the private providers do

The, not I.

I get mine through Boots. It's still very strict, as long as you are honest, and they pass all info onto your GP. They give great support and aftercare and if you have any questions they usually reply on the same day. Much easier access and info than GP tbh

It's only dodgy if you buy off Ebay/hairdressers/dodgy websites.

Best wishes to you in your weight loss journey

Really? I suppose I'm just looking for reassurance and other people's experiences.

100%. Choose a regulated pharmacy and you’ll probably get better support! I’m with Oushk and they’re amazing. I’ve lost 7 stone in a year c

Concerned about doing it online due to my high blood pressure. I used to have to measure it at home, but the readings were way out and not at all consistant with the GPs ones ( I returned 3 via Amazon and just gave up in the end,)

What’s the concern regarding the high BP? I have high BP controlled by medication and have been taking Mounjaro for over a year. It’s not a problem.

I was 145/92 and 3 weeks on mounjaro dropped to 107/78. Its known to lower blood pressure so ideal for you. Oushk give more support than most other pharmacies with video consultations, Facebook lives where you can ask questions and a Facebook and website support group.

It was actually stricter on nhs before, prescribed only for diabetics and after trying other treatments like metformin etc, now its opened up to a high bmi and 4 comorbidities too on top of only diabetics being prescribed it.

Check out your local pharmacies. I’m doing the WLI through a local chemist and meet face to face with the pharmacist each month. I like that I’m being monitored by a local health professional, not a call handler.

If you have blood pressure issues and had a suspected tia im not sure even the private providers will accept you.

Their criteria are still based on the health impact to you.

However, as long as you use one of the big branded companies then the support is far better and ime far safer than using the gp from a weight loss perspective.

That said there is nothing stopping you paying privately and still advising your GP yourself so bp cam be monitored

If you’re under the weight loss clinic, what support will they give you? can you talk to them about paying privately but seeing them for regular check ups for the blood pressure and blood tests and any support they can give on the diet and lifestyle side?

I get mine from my local pharmacy so I visit in person to discuss things.
I also have had high blood pressure, but it is now reducing quite a lot three months down the line.

I much prefer in person check up and weigh ins. I can discuss any issues. I know the pens have been stored at the correct temperate and are straight out of the fridge without any delays in courier/postal service from on line pharmacies and hot weather etc.

Yes this is slightly more expensive but my preferred option at present.