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Original poster

Fat and ugly. Gastric band

79 replies

Vanishbanish · 28/12/2022 20:24

I'm really ugly and over weight. Because I hate myself I don't really make any effort with my apprence.

But I am trying to change things. I have had all my bottom teeth removed and having my teeth replaced. The next step is to get my top teeth removed. So with that side of things I'm going in the right direction.

I'm very over weight my BMI is 32. But I really wanted to have a gastric band. But im not over weight enough to have a band. The only other option is the balloon but that just seens pointless.

I'm not diabetic or anything like that so I can't have it on medical grounds. I'm not in a position to be able to go abroad

If I'm paying for it I feel like I should be able to get it done . But it seems that's not thr case

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 28/12/2022 21:21

Surgery can go wrong though. It can leave you exhausted and also, unable to absorb all the nutrients you need in some cases.

I wouldn't chance it. Just get yourself in a weight loss class, throw out everything you aren't allowed and only buy in the stuff you are. Make sure to eat before going shopping. Plan your meals so that you aren't left hungry and tempted to cook rubbish just for the sake of speed. Hunger is the enemy when it comes to weight loss.

Roominmyhouse · 28/12/2022 21:28

Jesus, my BMI is at least 32 (probably higher after Christmas!) and I wouldn’t consider gastric surgery at this weight. That seems very drastic!

Eyesopenwideawake · 28/12/2022 21:28

Why is your 'inner child' tormenting you? Understanding what got you to this place would help reverse it.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Weight management
Pinkbonbon · 28/12/2022 21:29

Also just a thought but, if you're eating in a way that is leaving you overweight then it's not healthy. You'll be at risk of several diseases as you get older and a result and may age prematurely too. The gastric band isn't going to make you suddenly crave healthy foods.

A large part of being good looking is being healthy. That and self confidence. Which eating right and exercise will help with longterm. Instead of surgery which at best is a temporary plaster.

jtaeapa · 28/12/2022 21:33

Gastric band is not an easy option - it's a really drastic option. Have you tried intermittent fasting? You eat only 2 meals per day - one at about 11am and the other at about 7pm so the fast between them is 16 hours (that includes overnight). How old are you?

Feckthehallsagain · 28/12/2022 21:34

I'm not here to advocate for one but I can tell you that it was life changing. Yes I'd tried everything else including psychological therapy.

I think a gastric sleeve is the preferred choice now?

Any threads like these will often pull up tes about friends who have had it done and it's been a disaster...

3 people know I have one. My husband and best friend. Oh and me.

That's it. I never told anyone else. The point to this is that sometimes people don't shout about it - like a successful marriage? - so there are many who can tell you disaster stories but sometimes the successful people just fly under the radar?
People probably thought my weight loss was diet and exercise.

I now run marathons so it led me to a much healthier way of life.

I did an AMA ages ago and actually posted at the time under a different name.

happygertie · 28/12/2022 21:37

Have you tried gastric balloon, there's no invasive surgery and apparently excellent results. Someone I worked with lost quite a bit of weight with one.

Butterflywing · 28/12/2022 21:39

I don't think you have taken into consideration the psychological side of why you are fat op. You will need to address this first or you will pile the weight back on even if you lose some .

Why are you so mean about yourself and calling yourself ugly? You need to be kind to yourself to start the journey to a new positive you, new positive attitude.

Being kind to yourself means treating your body as a sacred temple. Looking after it, nurturing it, not killing it and filling it with toxins.

The same as with thoughts about yourself and your face. Being kind. Seeing the good side. Seeing the positive side. Concentrating on being gentle, smiling at yourself in the mirror.

When you have a positive attitude you can start by making little daily improvements to your life and goals. One positive step at a time.

Self loathing is connected to self sabotage.

It's a self destruct button you need to turn off op but only you know where and how and when you will make that decision.

Mayhemmumma · 28/12/2022 21:39

Blimey I feel porky but not that bad with a BMI of 31!

Original poster
Vanishbanish · 28/12/2022 21:45

To be honest I probably would not be a to have the gastric band anyway as I don't reach the criteria even if I am paying for it. And then there's the financial side of it. I'm still saving to sort my teeth out. So it works be a long tone before I even have the money for a gastric band. So I'm probably not being realistic.

I do have some orlostat which are still in date so maybe it's worse giving it another go.

OP posts:
Peridot1 · 28/12/2022 21:51

I’ve lost almost 3 stone on Ozempic. Highly recommend it. The injections are really easy. Honestly. But if you REALLY can’t do injections then the tablet form is called Rybelsus. It’s one tablet a day. The injections are weekly.

Original poster
Vanishbanish · 28/12/2022 21:51

Feckthehallsagain · 28/12/2022 21:34

I'm not here to advocate for one but I can tell you that it was life changing. Yes I'd tried everything else including psychological therapy.

I think a gastric sleeve is the preferred choice now?

Any threads like these will often pull up tes about friends who have had it done and it's been a disaster...

3 people know I have one. My husband and best friend. Oh and me.

That's it. I never told anyone else. The point to this is that sometimes people don't shout about it - like a successful marriage? - so there are many who can tell you disaster stories but sometimes the successful people just fly under the radar?
People probably thought my weight loss was diet and exercise.

I now run marathons so it led me to a much healthier way of life.

I did an AMA ages ago and actually posted at the time under a different name.

I have know 2 people that had it done . And have done well . But their bmi was heigher than mine.

So my bmi is not quite heigh enough. Just feels hopeless 😔

OP posts:
Climbles · 28/12/2022 21:53

Sounds like you have bigger issues than being a bit overweight. I’ve had WLS (weight loss surgery) it’s not a magic pill. You don’t suddenly look like Beyoncé. I’m just a slimmer, healthier, saggier version of me with all the same flaws. I was much bigger than you and I never felt the self loathing you are talking about. Many many people have WLS and lose all the weight and still have issues. Maybe you need a chat with the GP about low mood?

Original poster
Vanishbanish · 28/12/2022 21:58

happygertie · 28/12/2022 21:37

Have you tried gastric balloon, there's no invasive surgery and apparently excellent results. Someone I worked with lost quite a bit of weight with one.

I have looked at them. But I don't understand them. I mean they inflate in your stomach. So you feel fuller. But don't actually shrink your stomach. As soon as the balloon deflates your stomach will no longer feel full and will be back to its original size. So surely the weight would go back on after ?

OP posts:
RNBrie · 28/12/2022 22:03

My BMI was 32 and I lost 35lbs on Saxenda in 4 months. Saxenda is daily injections (they are the same tech as diabetic injections, a tiny needle which I barely felt). I think Ozempic is only a weekly injection so maybe a better one for you but don't let the injections be a barrier, it's much less invasive than surgery!!!

I really rate saxenda and its much cheaper/easier to use than surgery for a gastric band.

Good luck OP, I know how it feels to hate how you look.

happygertie · 28/12/2022 22:21

@Vanishbanish I'm not sure, but I should think your stomach shrinks.

Violinist64 · 28/12/2022 22:32

Have you spoken to a doctor about feeling the way you do? It sounds to me as if the problem is not as much about being overweight, although it is always a good idea to tackle a weight problem for health reasons, but your self-image and self-esteem. You speak of yourself as ugly and are having all your teeth removed. Are your teeth really so bad that this was the only option? I feel that spending money on a course of counselling might well be far more beneficial than paying for weight loss surgery that you do not need.

AnnieSnap · 28/12/2022 22:40

Vanishbanish · 28/12/2022 20:46

I would pay for it privately. So not on nhs . Why is it nor effective long term?

Show quote history

Reputable Surgeons won’t fit them these days, in the NHS or privately. A gastric sleeve or a bypass is much safer and more effective. However, with a BMI if 32, you are not particularly fat. People naturally come in different shapes and sizes. Your self imagine is poor, but it sounds like you have a psychological problem, not a physical one.

Bestcatmum · 28/12/2022 22:45

Gastric bands are a complete waste of time OP, I have one I paid for privately and I put on weight. And I'm sick a lot.
I'm having it deflated next week.
I've learned there are no quick fixes to weight loss you just have to concentrate on taking one day at a time until you've lost the weight.
i use pinch of nom recipes and I'm finally losing weight.

Stomacharmeleon · 28/12/2022 22:54

I am not being judgemental and this is meant as an observation but I am shocked the amount of people using paid for meds designed for diabetics to lose weight.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 28/12/2022 22:58

All teeth REMOVED? Why? Why has no one asked this? Sorry to detract OP but that sounds horrific.

Stoptalkingdepfeffel · 28/12/2022 22:59

Can you start with compassion? If you're going to talk to yourself the way you've written about yourself here, no amount of surgery or anything is going to make you feel better in your own skin. Meet yourself where you are. I would recommend reading atomic habits (or listen to the audiobook). I also really like the fabulous app for just generally feeling better about yourself all round. It's a paid app but I personally love it, it made a massive difference to me last year. I've stopped using it for a few months and I've nosedived so I'm going to resume using it again in the new year. You are worthy of more than you are giving yourself.if you do want a haircut you could book someone to come to the house and request that they don't put a mirror in front of you? Read books on self kindness and compassion. You really are deserving.

declutteringmymind · 28/12/2022 23:02

Have a look at the allurion balloon. It looks amazing. I went for a consult but wasn't suitable. It's a great alternative to a gastric band/sleeve and you will definitely qualify.

declutteringmymind · 28/12/2022 23:03

Sorry I've just seen someone has suggested this, the whole thread hadn't loaded before I'd replied

BIWI · 28/12/2022 23:03

Why are you having your teeth removed? Shock That sounds incredibly drastic, not to say painful.

And also, as you haven't mentioned it at all, what is your diet like? To be brutally honest, if you're overweight it's most likely because of what you're eating - so surely the first place to start is there? Looking for surgery - on top of the dental surgery you're already having - seems so unnecessary.

I appreciate there's probably a whole lot more going on than you've posted here, but sometimes it can be helpful to go back to the basics.