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GP's reluctance

(37 Posts)
pipdog Wed 13-Nov-24 09:22:14

Allsorts I have tried other ways to lose weight but as I can do little or no exercise because of the CFS it is extremely difficult for me. By joining such a programme I am hoping they can give me some hints and tips I haven't thought of.

pipdog Wed 13-Nov-24 09:08:18

The above links are for a different course, this one is called Oviva here is the link oviva.com/uk/en/how-it-works/ and is backed by the NHS but delivered by someone else. The GP might be paid to refer me so will not cost them anything. I am definitely in the obese category with a BMI of 37 and one glance would be enough to know I should loose weight and we have talked about it in the past but I didn't fit the very narrow criteria of the other course, this one is broader and does offer medication if needed, not that I would go down that route. I do understand that the GP hadn't heard of this as it does seem to newish but I gave her a letter that explained everything, (including the may pay £11.50 to the GP). She only glanced at this letter so I had to keep pointing out what it said. The tests she was offering had nothing to do with the referral and I was rather taken aback when she went down that route.

OldFrill Wed 13-Nov-24 07:58:54

NotSpaghetti

I was looking at this only an hour ago.
I don't know what's going on.
Do the surgery have to pay I wonder?

www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/

Is this the version in Scotland?
www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/12-week-weight-management-programme/#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20our%2012%20week,in%20a%20healthy%20weight%20range.

This link is helpful too
www.england.nhs.uk/2024/04/nhs-online-weight-loss-programme-highlighted-as-a-success-in-new-study/

NotSpaghetti Wed 13-Nov-24 07:57:01

Allsorts, I don't think the OP wanted an injection.
... I certainly don't.
I would be interested to know more about the NHS weight loss programme though.

Allsorts Wed 13-Nov-24 07:52:58

If you need to lose weight the only way is reducing the calories and cutting out anything with sugar plus restricting fat to a minimum and doing more exercise. I don't trust the injection it has to be a different lifestyle. There is no quick fix. I am overweight because I eat things I shouldn't, I know it but am weak and the extra weight causes me problems. No one can do it for me. Monday I started again, all the bad things out of the house, not easy with Christmas coming up. Not going up another size.
Pipdog, try to start today taking control. On the apples and pears thread, they are so supportive, even someone like me. No one finds it easy but the support really helps.

NotSpaghetti Wed 13-Nov-24 07:47:54

I can see why a GP may need to check if you need to shed any weight or not.

NotSpaghetti Wed 13-Nov-24 07:45:43

I was looking at this only an hour ago.
I don't know what's going on.
Do the surgery have to pay I wonder?

www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/

Is this the version in Scotland?
www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/12-week-weight-management-programme/#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20our%2012%20week,in%20a%20healthy%20weight%20range.

Marydoll Wed 13-Nov-24 07:45:23

Your GP was being rigorous and looking after your wellbeing, I would have taken up the offer. Losing weight is only one part of trying to stay healthy.

lemsip Wed 13-Nov-24 07:39:16

you are very fortunate that your doctor asked you about your bowel,urine even physio for hip!

was this 'referral' something you were going to pay for?
surely you can understand that any GP has to be cautious about something a patient brings them form an online source!

M0nica Wed 13-Nov-24 06:42:22

What course was this a referral to? I am only aware of referrals to Slimming World.

nanna8 Wed 13-Nov-24 06:25:02

She was probably trying to stop you going somewhere unregulated and potentially harmful. I would listen to her , she might be right.

pipdog Wed 13-Nov-24 03:07:17

I saw my GP to ask for a referral to an online NHS backed weight loss course and she was very reluctant to refer me. When I went in to see her she asked how I was and I told her I thought my CFS was worse than it has been and said why but that I was there about the referral. The weight loss course website had hinted that doctors might be reluctant to do the referral and had a letter to print off to give to the GP explaining all about it. (I had had to do a quick survey on the website to find out if I was suitable for the course and had had several emails encouraging me to see my GP). So was very surprised when my GP only asked where I had found the website and after a brief glance at the letter said I would probably have to do the 2 tier course not the 3 tier one that I was asking for. She had previously said I didn't fit the criteria needed for the 2 tier. She then went on about my CFS and did I want to see a physio for hip pain I had mentioned, err no thanks, how was my bowels and urine and should she test my urine for blood, no thanks, I would just like a referral please. After a few more questions and very reluctantly she did agree to refer me but didn't know how long it would take.
I fail to see why any doctor would be so reluctant to refer someone that wanted to do something about their weight problem.