I self funded a gastric band 10 years ago. AMA

[GastricBland]

I wasn't actually that big (BMI 33) but I was miserable. My weight was hindering normal life.

I had the op, lost weight and it changed everything for the better. I think it was about £5.

I am now an endurance runner. Funnily enough the fueling side of running is still tricky!

Anyway AMA (and no - I have never liquidised a Mars bar!)

@Avarua

I'm overweight but not mahoosively so. BMI of 28. Could someone like me get it done anywhere, for vanity reasons rather than health reasons? I remember Sharon of Sharon and Ozzie fame got it done and she wasn't that fat. She looked so much better afterwards though.

I'm not sure. I went to an information evening where the surgeons explained the options.

Tbh I wouldn't do it for a BMI that low though. Although I have no idea whether the surgeons would do it

How old were you? I'm a similar bmi to what you were, I am 46 and have yo-yo dieted my whole life, it never bothered too much because I lost weight as easily as I put it on. Until I hit 40, and I've struggled to lose any since, and just continue to put on.

Do you feel you still have issues around food?
Could you ever end up secretly bingeing, or obsessing over food?
Or has the fact that you just physically can't quashed all of that?

@Thisseatisnotavailable

How old were you? I'm a similar bmi to what you were, I am 46 and have yo-yo dieted my whole life, it never bothered too much because I lost weight as easily as I put it on. Until I hit 40, and I've struggled to lose any since, and just continue to put on.

I was 32. Had 2 small children. Got bigger with each pregnancy and when my 2nd child was 18 months old I got it done.

@RobertSmithsLipstick

Do you feel you still have issues around food? Could you ever end up secretly bingeing, or obsessing over food? Or has the fact that you just physically can't quashed all of that?

Yes I still have issues around food. When I had it loosened I was really bloody greedy and put weight on. Actually I'm honestly just greedy.

I never purged or had disordered eating but just couldn't stop. Obviously this was set amidst years of yo-yo dieting. Since a teenager I don't actually remember a time when I wasn't worrying about my weight.

I know I have this for life and I'm bloody glad about it. It's like a prosthetic limb. I don't function as well without it.

But no I don't really obsess over it now. I don't really have the hunger signals.

I do still enjoy my food but it's not a problem. I don't think about binging as I wouldn't be able to.

It would be like trying to down 2 pints of water. I would just look at it and see pain!

Thank you.
Can I ask another, please?

Is the gastric band for life?
Do you get a choice whether to have it removed, or is that not an option once it's done?

Sure ask however many questions you like!

I always thought it was for life. I mean I guess it could be removed but I honestly don't know whether that happens often? I guess it must do.

I have IBS and a cystocele and rectocele so keep fit choices are really limited but have got to the stage where I am pretty desperate to loose weight and not put it back on.

Do you have any regrets?

None whatsoever.

I'm just reading an article in this months Womens Health about dieting and how problematic it is.

I don't have to follow a diet again

I have to think and plan what I'll eat (would do that anyway with children) so it's much more of a lifestyle than diet.

Did you have loose skin? I’m about 6 stone overweight and have just had a second baby - I’d be worried about further ops to get rid of skin

No loose skin. I know people do but maybe age was a factor? Not sure.

What size did you go from and to? Do you have any before or after pictures you could share?

Definitely no pictures! I absolutely despised what I looked like!

I was about size 20 I think? All stomach and bum. Now a size 10-12.