Hi

I am a 54 year old man with 2 young kids who is now registered disabled and can no longer work.
I have chronic mobility issues and constant bad pain (daily) after multiple major intestinal surgeries since 2007, and I also have chronic osteoarthritis (mainly hands, knees, ankles, hips).
I had a gastric band fitted in 09 when I was working (had to quit working 5 years ago) to help me since I got bigger due to the intestinal surgeries and my declining mobility, but the tube detached from the band and is now free-floating in my body.

As a result of this and my other complications, my BMI shot up to 48 (=26 in 2010) and worsened my health, creating additional serious issues. Dieting doesn't work since I have restricted movement and can hardly do CV exercise (even walking)

This is rare and can be fixed with a fairly straightforward procedure to reattach the tube to the band or the band can be replaced - the cost is the same.

This is an unusual request and is classified as an exceptional case for NHS funding and has to go through a consultation and appeals process that could take TWO YEARS OR MORE (+ appeals delay on top if needed) BEFORE YOU EVEN GET ON THE WAITING LIST and then the wait for a surgery date.

This is thanks to Tory cuts to the NHS

This was diagnosed in July 2016 - and due to cuts/delays/problems between my GP and my consultant HAS STILL NOT EVEN BEEN SUBMITTED FOR FUNDING APPROVAL.

Feel really ashamed doing this but I have NOWHERE else to turn....my health is getting worse and my GP says it's unlikely I will reach 60 unless this is sorted.

It knocks me out nowadays for a few days a week at random; on top of all my other issues - I wake up with stabbing cramps and nausea from where the detached tube is sticking into me.

All I can do is wait, bedridden, until it passes (hours later).

Please help - I would REALLY love to watch my kids grow and see them in adulthood.

Thank you and God bless.

Mark F.