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Lack of weight loss help and support

Posted By Wee Jean

"Lack of weight loss help and support"

About: Dietetics - East Ayrshire General practices in Ayrshire & Arran

(as a service user),

I have had four orthopaedic surgeries in the last year. I am 14 days post-op from a shoulder replacement at the moment. With all these surgeries and having mobility issues I have been overeating and have gained a lot of weight.

Last week I was informed I had emphysema and fatty liver. I don't smoke or drink alcohol. I was feeling very upset and very low emotionally so I contacted my GP surgery looking for help and support to lose weight.

I put in an econsult in to my GP surgery and I was called back and told by the receptionist to try Weight Watchers. I asked if there was any weight loss support and was told no.

I was very angered, frustrated and dejected by this response. I realise my weight gain is self inflicted and is my own fault, but so is smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. There are several NHS programmes and free products to assist smoking, drinking and drug use cessation, but obviously no help or support for weight loss.

My weight gain is affecting me both physically and mentally and all I needed was encouragement, information and understanding, but I received none of these things. I feel very alone and miserable at the moment and all I want is to become healthier by losing weight the healthy way. 

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Responses

Response from Interim Programme Lead, Governance and Assurance, Primary & Urgent Care, NHS Ayrshire & Arran 11 months ago
NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Submitted on 19/05/2023 at 14:04
Published on Care Opinion at 14:04

Dear Wee Jean

I am so sorry to hear of the healthcare issues you've had lately and appreciate this will have been a very worrying time for you. Sometimes making that initial call to seek support for weight concerns can be the biggest challenge to conquer and I'm so sorry you didn't get the support you were seeking from your GP Practice.

There are various multi-disciplinary members of staff within the practice and it may be that one of them would have been able to provide you with some support rather than the need to see a GP. For example, the Community Link Practitioner who supports patients with their wider wellbeing and can link to community groups or advise where to go for advice or information.

The NHS Ayrshire & Arran (NHSAA) website contains information provided by the Dietetic Weight Management Team around various resources for diet and nutrition support. Some are by referral from a clinician for specific health conditions however patients are able to self-refer for weight management support. If you visit https://www.nhsaaa.net/allied-health-professionals-ahps/nutrition-and-diet/weight-management/ you will be able to read about the various services on offer through NHSAA and NHS Inform. You can also contact the Dietetic team direct on 01563 554418 or email them for more information at: clinical_healthyweightayrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

Again, I am so sorry about the response you got from the GP practice staff. If you would like to send the name of your GP Practice by email to HSCPAdmin@eat-ayrshire.gov.uk we can link with the practice and ensure they are aware of the above information so they can share with patients in the future.

I wish you all the very best on your journey.

Best wishes

Marie

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