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Man denied life-changing treatment

11:32pm Thursday 13th September 2007

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PETER Bentley-Brown urgently needs to lose weight, but fears health chiefs are denying him his best and final chance.

The 48-year-old, who lives near Abergavenny, believes bariatric surgery, to make his stomach smaller, represents his last opportunity to shed a significant amount of his 22-and-a-half stones to help improve his health.

He is willing to undergo the surgery having "tried everything else" over several years, but Health Commission Wales, which commissions specialist treatments, does not fund such surgery, and refused a funding application and an appeal against its original decision.

"It's my last option. I've been told by my physician that I fit the criteria," said Mr Bentley-Brown.

"But there are no facilities for this in Wales on the NHS and I can't afford £7,500 to have it privately."

Mr Bentley-Brown manages to work full-time but his diabetes and asthma are worsening, while his size presents difficulties in performing tasks such as bending down to put on shoes and socks.

"I've tried diets and weight loss programmes but they've not worked and I'm afraid my general health is getting worse," he said.

"Health Commission Wales says I must show exceptional circumstances but they cannot or will not define what these might be."

Monmouth MP David Davies called the case "another example of people being unable to access potentially life-saving treatment. Mr Bentley-Brown is just one of many people disappointed with the level of treatment from a service they are paying for," he said.

HCW does not comment on individual cases. It reviews specialist treatments and linked evidence before deciding whether or not to fund.

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Your Say YourSouth Wales Argus

john, npt says...
5:11am Fri 14 Sep 07

food is a wonderful thing,but come on you get to 12 stone then 19 then to 20 . ever heard of the word no more . at any point in time you could have stopped eating .now you want free surgery for being greedy . you got that fat yourself so you pay no one forced the pies crisps burgers in your mouth . like no one forces a smoker to smoke ..firm but fair .cut down on your intake and you'll lose the weight yourself .a long process you you will get there ..jilted john

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sue, blackwood says...
5:54am Fri 14 Sep 07

I would recommend putting less food into your mouth, nd getting a dog, nd going for gentle walks, twice a day. Not rocket science is it ???

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doug, Cwmbran says...
8:18am Fri 14 Sep 07

Come on Peter. Less food more exercise and something called willpower will get you back to a reasonable weight. There are people being denied life saving surgury and drugs because of stretched NHS budgets. Your case should not even be put on the waiting list.

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DG, Newport says...
9:17am Fri 14 Sep 07

Peter, I know it's hard, but you CAN do this without surgery. You may be suffering from self esteem issues or depression that makes everything seem too much effort. I suggest looking into the reasons why you feel nothing else has worked as well as rigidly sticking to a diet plan provided by your doctor. Think how fantastic you'll feel when you can look back and say "I did it". And find something to distract yourself from food and break bad food habits - e.g. if you're used to meeting friends for a couple of pints and a kebab, suggest doing something else instead. Identify where in your routine your weak points are, and work them through. And reward yourself for every week where you lose weight. Best of luck!

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js, cardiff says...
9:21am Fri 14 Sep 07

is the guy looking for sympathy because looking at the comments he aint getting it !!!

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John, Newport says...
9:44am Fri 14 Sep 07

It's a symptom of our age isn't it? We have cleverly engineered ways to make our lives easier and we don't use as much energy as we used to. Is it any surprise that a proportion of us fall by the wayside? Mr Brown couldn't have taken the decision to have a dangerous, life-threatening operation lightly. He has correctly concluded that dieting doesn't work. It's lifestyle that's got to change - permanently. And that's a bigger sacrifice than simply cutting down on the pies. I speak from experience, wich is why I won't be making any harsh, unhelpfull and arrogant comments. Good luck to you Mr Brown but I don't think surgery is the answer.

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Dood, newport says...
9:44am Fri 14 Sep 07

we need that curly haired guy who sorts out fat people. I can help him bring him round my place i make him do my work out with the right foods and exercise at the same time he could loose loads.

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free2b42000, says...
9:58am Fri 14 Sep 07

Hang on everybody, I don't see the smokers or the drinkers getting the same harsh comments or treatments. If this was somebody suffering from lung cancer would we say the same things...to this person. None of you know the whole story, their may be other factors, I'm not saying surgery is the right thing...but reading these comments he certainly won't be feeling very good about himself. By the way, being an overweight person just like to add my cholestral level is withing normal limits...as are all my blood tests...

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js, cardiff says...
10:05am Fri 14 Sep 07

free2b42000 - you asking would the smokers or drinkers be getting this harsh treatment - my answer yes they would and they already have numerous times on these boards

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Danielle, Spain says...
10:36am Fri 14 Sep 07

Give this guy a break! I have tried dieting and did so for 2 months, yes I lost alot of weight but I can tell you that it is really hard sticking to it. It is very easy to buy a burger if you got no money, being on a diet is more expensive, maybe if diet food was to be made the same price as junk foof, we would be more inclined to buy healthier food!

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Owain Vaughan, Newport Monmouthshire says...
11:01am Fri 14 Sep 07

Don't you just love the judge, jury and executioner mentality of people here? Non-one here knows all the facts, but you're all willing to judge this man. There are medical conditions that can cause obesity you know?

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Mary Peck, U.S.A. says...
11:27am Fri 14 Sep 07

Oh what a sad bunch of people on here today. As has been said, No one knows the whole story and for those of you who holler DIET, DIET, DIET. Go to the store, buy a weeks groceries or regular everyday food, Then buy weeks worth of food you need for a Healthy Diet and compare the cost. Unless things are very different there, You will find a vast difference in the cost and I am not talking about fancy special diet foods.
Have compassion, people.

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Gill Shutt, says...
12:00pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Well said Owain.
Good luck Peter.

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clairelou, pontypool says...
12:10pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Keep up the fight Peter,My dad had a problem with his genes and the constant intake of steroids for chronic asthma and treatment for a back injury he sustained when he was younger didnt help his weight. Always had healthy meals (small portions may i add)and he was very active. By the time they found out the extent of my dads health problem re hereditary diseases. My dad passed away earlier this year from respiratory failure, obesity and diabetes mellitus. DONT JUDGE PEOPLE. I wish you all the luck and health peter, dont let these people put you down.

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Emma, says...
1:08pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Danielle wrote:
Give this guy a break! I have tried dieting and did so for 2 months, yes I lost alot of weight but I can tell you that it is really hard sticking to it. It is very easy to buy a burger if you got no money, being on a diet is more expensive, maybe if diet food was to be made the same price as junk foof, we would be more inclined to buy healthier food!
You don't have to buy the expensive 'diet' foods, salad, vegetables & fruit can be bought on the tightest of budgets.

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DG, Newport says...
1:21pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Many people very close to me have had problems with weight loss and once they addressed the underlying issues of why the dieting wasn't working, their lives were happier as a result and it was easier to keep the weight off. I'm concerned that if he goes ahead with surgery without going through this process, the weight will slowly creep back on and that would be disasterous for both his health and self-image. It was meant to be a supportive post - I'm truly sorry if it didn't come out that way.

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LESLEY, newport says...
1:23pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Oh well Peter, maybe if you were an illegal immigrant or on the social you might have better luck.I cant believe the negative comments of some people, not everyone is perfect.Goodluck peter and dont give up the fight

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oatley, says...
1:26pm Fri 14 Sep 07

sue wrote:
I would recommend putting less food into your mouth, nd getting a dog, nd going for gentle walks, twice a day. Not rocket science is it ???
I suggest you walk in his shoes for a day and see how you would feel, how do you know how this man is feeling, he maybe eating very little and still unable to lose any weight. And by the way dearie I also believe that you should read a good dictionary.

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oatley, says...
1:28pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Gwenty wrote:
IF I WAS PETER BENTLY BURGER , I WOULD STOP EATING. ALL THE MONEY WASTED ON FATTIES IS DOING MY HEAD IN. IT SIMPLE DONT EAT , GO FOR A RUN
You digusting person, you need to grow up and have some empathy for other people in life.

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rich2007, newport says...
1:53pm Fri 14 Sep 07

it doesnt matter if they are overweight or smokers - if they pay their taxes or if they are british citizens then they are entitled to free nhs treatment.

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oatley, says...
1:57pm Fri 14 Sep 07

oatley wrote:
Gwenty wrote: IF I WAS PETER BENTLY BURGER , I WOULD STOP EATING. ALL THE MONEY WASTED ON FATTIES IS DOING MY HEAD IN. IT SIMPLE DONT EAT , GO FOR A RUN
You digusting person, you need to grow up and have some empathy for other people in life.
Sorry should have been written as disgusting

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free2b42000, says...
2:08pm Fri 14 Sep 07

http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/pages/live/ar
ticles/news/news.htm
l?in_article_id=4816
17&in_page_id=1770&c
t=5
Sorry it's a long link, but after mentioning smokers in my original post I thought it only right to address the balance....

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Emma, . says...
3:39pm Fri 14 Sep 07

oatley u need to shut up, who do u tink u r? how can u be so nasty 2 people, if u read it says bout his full time job so how does he have time to sit and watch jermay kyle if he workin SOMETHING I CAN SEE YOU DONT! U SEEN TO SPEND YA TIME CHATTIN ON ERE AND SPENDING TIME IN TH "DOC" WHY DNT U GET TO WORK! N GIVE DA GUY A BREAK:

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Gwenty, bed says...
3:54pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Emma wrote:
oatley u need to shut up, who do u tink u r? how can u be so nasty 2 people, if u read it says bout his full time job so how does he have time to sit and watch jermay kyle if he workin SOMETHING I CAN SEE YOU DONT! U SEEN TO SPEND YA TIME CHATTIN ON ERE AND SPENDING TIME IN TH "DOC" WHY DNT U GET TO WORK! N GIVE DA GUY A BREAK:
WELL SAID THAT OAKLEY BLOKE NEEDS TO GROW UP!!

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raebeth, Cwmbran says...
3:59pm Fri 14 Sep 07

I really can't believe that there are so many narrow-minded, un-educated bigots out there. Peter has 'my' full support in his quest to get this surgery on the NHS, I mean why not?, they'd give him a breast reduction if he were a woman suffering with back/neck problems, they'd put him on a Methadone program if he were a Heroin addict costing thousands of pounds...what's the difference, we all have the right to ask for help from our GP's and the support of those around us. You go for it Peter and good luck to you my darling !

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clairelou, pontypool says...
4:00pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Gwenty you are the most abusive and vile person i have ever come across.

GROW UP YOU LIGHTWEIGHT!!

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raebeth, Cwmbran says...
4:04pm Fri 14 Sep 07

I really can't believe that there are so many narrow-minded, un-educated bigots out there. Peter has 'my' full support in his quest to get this surgery on the NHS, I mean why not?, they'd give him a breast reduction if he were a woman suffering with back/neck problems, they'd put him on a Methadone program if he were a Heroin addict costing thousands of pounds...what's the difference, we all have the right to ask for help from our GP's and the support of those around us. You go for it Peter and good luck to you my darling !

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Mollyjean, Newport says...
4:48pm Fri 14 Sep 07

Ever heard of a little exercise? walking, swimming, there all good for weight loss. Stop eating so much & have control..dont be lazy, you can do it!

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js, cardiff says...
5:16pm Fri 14 Sep 07

i dont know the guy but it does say somewhere on the report that he suffers from diabetes and asthma so perhaps he isnt able to walk to far and that being the case u aint going to lose a lot if you cant walk to far.

Although its easy to sit back and call him names the guy is obviously desperate and needs help. It would be easy to go on living like he is but he wants to change so I say lets help him. If after the help he then goes back and puts on more weight by over eating etc although we are not sure how or why he is so big then and only then should people criticise

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swales, cwmbran says...
6:20pm Fri 14 Sep 07

You really have to giggle at the narrow minded resposes to this topic. Drug addicts get treatment cos they need help.To assume that this guy just spends all day watching jeremy kyle all day, when it says he works full time is sick. Would you be denied a heart operation cos you ate to much fatty foods or you never walked a mile a day or you never ate your 5 a day. Grow up people and show some compassion for a man whos health is at risk for what ever reason!!!

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Corpa Flash, Newport says...
6:29pm Fri 14 Sep 07

There is no arguement for unhealthy eating. If people are prepared to go to the indoor markets that the majority of towns have, fresh fruit and veg is available at a fraction of the price that the big supermarket chains charge.

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oggy, newport says...
6:35pm Fri 14 Sep 07

swap the tv for some exercise!! would be a great start

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tracenco, newport, gwent says...
9:58pm Fri 14 Sep 07

The majority of us overweight people try hard to lose weight! It;s the ignorant, rude low life who critise who are scum. Not all of us curvy respectable HUMANS are greedy. Take a look at your faults before you judge others.JON, SUE AND DOUG YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES AND EARN SOME RESPECT YOU LOW LIVES!!!!!!

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swales, cwmbran says...
10:33pm Fri 14 Sep 07

tracenco wrote:
The majority of us overweight people try hard to lose weight! It;s the ignorant, rude low life who critise who are scum. Not all of us curvy respectable HUMANS are greedy. Take a look at your faults before you judge others.JON, SUE AND DOUG YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES AND EARN SOME RESPECT YOU LOW LIVES!!!!!!
Here here,, Im a person that runs 2 miles every morning and 2 miles in the evening back n forth to work,, i class myself as fit, dont watch much tele, but yet im 5ft 7 and 18 stone.. I dont eat junk food, i only eat healthily, so if all you people who got nothing better to do than put big people down, you REALLY need some counselling.

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Chris, says...
8:32am Sat 15 Sep 07

After a serious illness, I (and my wife) decided to lose some weight. I was 14 stone. We didn't buy "diet" foods. We bought more fruit and veg and less junk. We bought healthier foods and cooked our own meals rather than go out all the time. I lost 3 stone, my wife lost 2, and our weekly shopping bill went down too, by £20. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this guy's weight problem - those who say that healthy eating is expensive are talking pure nonsense.

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Jacquie, gwent says...
9:02pm Sat 15 Sep 07

IMO those with self inflicted diseases should NOT be treated on the NHS

an important point to note I believe, just because a person has asthma, doesn't confine them to a chair for evermore never to get out of breath ever again.... in fact one of the WORST things that an asthma sufferer can do to is to turn into a static person, never walking, swimming or running in fear of getting puffed.

and Healthy food costs FAR less than processed high fat high sugar high calorie rubbish. Try shopping at Lidls. My son & I (and our dog) eat very well for £23 a fortnight supplemented with veggies grown in our small back garden in pots & hanging baskets. It is possible

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red army, Newport says...
2:06pm Sun 16 Sep 07

when he said he has tried everything, what does that mean? By having your stomuch made smaller it means you have to eat less. Does that mean he hasnt tried eating less???

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