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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Gastric band

79 replies

thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 16:55

Hello all

Aibu to consider this
20 years dieting
Lose some put it on
Same old same old
20 stone 5 ft 11 and bmi 40

My knees right now are so so sore

I walk one hour each day
Try to eat well

But trauma leads to overeating

What you all think?

Please be kind I know not everyone agrees with this

OP posts:
Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 20:58

MaryBary · 02/03/2023 20:57

I tried saxenda (wegovy) it worked well but caused me some scary stomach pains, weight piled back on as soon as I stopped. Literally within weeks.

If you're serious about bariatric surgery then do lots of research into the surgeon and surgery so you know what to expect.

I'm now transitioning back to normal foods, some things are harder than others to manage, but to give you a picture - I had a single slice of protein rye toast with peanut butter for breakfast, leftover tofu laksa for lunch (about 2-3 tbsps), a protein shake as a snack, a hummus mini wrap for dinner and 2 crispbreads with cottage cheese later on. Plus 2 bottles of protein water. At this point fruit and veg is hard to manage so supplements are plugging the gap for now until I can manage it. Right now the only focus is getting enough fluid and protein. Certainly not a diet of skips or whatever else the horror stories look like.

Interesting so what procedure did you have ?

Sorry if you mentioned this already I couldn't see it

Thanks all xxxxxx

OP posts:
MaryBary · 02/03/2023 20:59

I had a gastric sleeve in Turkey at the end of Jan

curlydiamond · 02/03/2023 21:04

There is risk with any kind of intervention - treatments like wegovy have sideeffects including all sorts of gastric issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wind etc) and apparently a marginally increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This is why it is only going to be licensed to use for obese patients and not as a quick fix for those who are only in the overweight category - being a bit overweight does not have any statistically significant increased risk of adverse health outcomes compared to healthy BMI range, but being very overweight/obese does, so for those patients the balance of risk makes the treatment a more attractive prospect.
But it can be also be stopped at any time if the sideeffects are too much, with a balanced diet and exercise weight can be lost at a reasonable rate under the supervision of your doctor who will increase the dose slowly, and you can stop at any time if you decide it's not working for you. Certainly less risky and less costly than surgery, but like surgery if you don't address the underlying cause (emotional eating, trauma, greed etc) you will regain the weight when you stop taking the treatment (can be prescribed for no more than 2 years).

It is incredibly hard to lose the weight once your BMI gets to a certain point, those that manage it though sheer will power deserve much kudos as that is incredibly impressive - but most won't manage it without help as it is hard to rewire our brains.

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:06

curlydiamond · 02/03/2023 21:04

There is risk with any kind of intervention - treatments like wegovy have sideeffects including all sorts of gastric issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wind etc) and apparently a marginally increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This is why it is only going to be licensed to use for obese patients and not as a quick fix for those who are only in the overweight category - being a bit overweight does not have any statistically significant increased risk of adverse health outcomes compared to healthy BMI range, but being very overweight/obese does, so for those patients the balance of risk makes the treatment a more attractive prospect.
But it can be also be stopped at any time if the sideeffects are too much, with a balanced diet and exercise weight can be lost at a reasonable rate under the supervision of your doctor who will increase the dose slowly, and you can stop at any time if you decide it's not working for you. Certainly less risky and less costly than surgery, but like surgery if you don't address the underlying cause (emotional eating, trauma, greed etc) you will regain the weight when you stop taking the treatment (can be prescribed for no more than 2 years).

It is incredibly hard to lose the weight once your BMI gets to a certain point, those that manage it though sheer will power deserve much kudos as that is incredibly impressive - but most won't manage it without help as it is hard to rewire our brains.

So so true

OP posts:
shad0wm00n · 02/03/2023 21:09

Do not get a gastric band, got for a bypass or sleeve.

The failure rate for bands is astronomical!

“The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years.”

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16839478/

shad0wm00n · 02/03/2023 21:14

”Conclusions: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used.”

bellac11 · 02/03/2023 21:14

shad0wm00n · 02/03/2023 21:09

Do not get a gastric band, got for a bypass or sleeve.

The failure rate for bands is astronomical!

“The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years.”

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16839478/

Is that higher or lower than the failure rate of losing weight without surgery?

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:15

shad0wm00n · 02/03/2023 21:14

”Conclusions: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used.”

So so useful !!!!! My god

OP posts:
bellac11 · 02/03/2023 21:15

The NHS dont do them anymore I think

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:28

I'm paying privately

I would never expect to get one on the nhs (not an extreme case I mean )

OP posts:
Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:29

MaryBary · 02/03/2023 20:59

I had a gastric sleeve in Turkey at the end of Jan

Ah I see

What have been the worse parts so far ??

OP posts:
bellac11 · 02/03/2023 21:29

thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:28

I'm paying privately

I would never expect to get one on the nhs (not an extreme case I mean )

Well I meant that they dont do them anymore which indicates that they've moved on from seeing them as effective.

hockeysticks89 · 02/03/2023 21:30

Go for a sleeve, instant start to weight loss whereas with the band you are fannying around for months trying to get the saline level correct, and one day you'll probably have to have it removed at the same cost as it was put in for

Nap1983 · 02/03/2023 21:32

I have 2 friends who had a gastric sleeve last year. Both were extremely overweight to the point I was very concerned about their health. Both of them have lost vast mounts so far 8 & 5 stone and both say it’s the best thing they ever done. But… it’s not the easy option people think and still takes an enormous amount of work and change. Good luck if you decide to go got it op

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:32

Ok so so useful

OP posts:
Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:39

Nap1983 · 02/03/2023 21:32

I have 2 friends who had a gastric sleeve last year. Both were extremely overweight to the point I was very concerned about their health. Both of them have lost vast mounts so far 8 & 5 stone and both say it’s the best thing they ever done. But… it’s not the easy option people think and still takes an enormous amount of work and change. Good luck if you decide to go got it op

Thank you so so much

I'm probably not educating myself enough on the hard parts

Yes the surgery
The pain
The restrictions

Vomiting if I over do it?

The need for long term counselling also along side it ??!

OP posts:
MaryBary · 02/03/2023 21:39

@thisisasurvivor the hardest bits:
-Waking up from surgery was tough, felt like I'd been hit by a bus - but they don't give any pain relief in Turkey before you wake up, only when you're back in your room.

  • I was alone for the 5 days and did feel a bit sorry for myself for that reason
  • the gas pain after surgery was unpleasant for about 3 days, but everyone has a very different experience of it, some barely register it and some are really bothered.
  • I'm cold all the time! I just don't have enough calories right now to stay warm.
  • it's tricky getting used to not eating and drinking at the same time, you can't drink for 30 mins after eating and that's a hard habit to change
  • chewing food really thoroughly made me realise there's some food I thought I liked that I don't , I guess I must have been swallowing it whole and not realising! Not really hard, but quite eye opening.
  • I had a tough few days in the second week where I had no energy, felt miserable and questioned my choice. That's very common and a bout of depression can be normal, which I was prepared for.

By week 3 I was feeling myself again. No problems with low energy, no issues with the restrictive diet and I've dropped just over a stone and 2 dress sizes so far. I'm in the very common weight loss stall at this point which can last a few weeks, but even though I haven't lost anything for 2 weeks, I've still got smaller. Very odd. I am still cold though! Apparently that sticks around!

MaryBary · 02/03/2023 21:40

Oh and I've not vomited from over eating yet, but possibly have come close. Its a learning curve for sure!

ScienceDragon · 02/03/2023 21:59

Depending on the specific procedure, you will need to be annually monitored for nutrient deficiencies, and take the relevant supplements for the rest of your life. You have to be absolutely committed, because if you don't lose the weight, or you regain it, then you risk further health issues. Including increased mortality risk.

Be mindful if having it done privately, that at some point, your GP will have to take over annual monitoring, and most of them are not familiar with UK bariatric guidelines on post procedural management. Which is fair, because they are GPS, not bariatric surgeons. When done through the NHS, the relevant bariatric department will write to the person's GP, and advise them on ongoing monitoring needs for that specific patient. You will need to make sure copies of your private medical records are given to your gp, because they will need them in case of something going wrong.

If you can afford to go private, have you considered speaking to a specialist weight management dietitian first?

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 22:54

ScienceDragon · 02/03/2023 21:59

Depending on the specific procedure, you will need to be annually monitored for nutrient deficiencies, and take the relevant supplements for the rest of your life. You have to be absolutely committed, because if you don't lose the weight, or you regain it, then you risk further health issues. Including increased mortality risk.

Be mindful if having it done privately, that at some point, your GP will have to take over annual monitoring, and most of them are not familiar with UK bariatric guidelines on post procedural management. Which is fair, because they are GPS, not bariatric surgeons. When done through the NHS, the relevant bariatric department will write to the person's GP, and advise them on ongoing monitoring needs for that specific patient. You will need to make sure copies of your private medical records are given to your gp, because they will need them in case of something going wrong.

If you can afford to go private, have you considered speaking to a specialist weight management dietitian first?

Again so very helpful

Am I cut out for this 🤔

OP posts:
bellac11 · 03/03/2023 08:12

thisisasurvivor · 02/03/2023 21:39

Thank you so so much

I'm probably not educating myself enough on the hard parts

Yes the surgery
The pain
The restrictions

Vomiting if I over do it?

The need for long term counselling also along side it ??!

Show quote history

What you will find is that in your head you build up the operation, the pain, the discomfort. Once you have it, you think 'my god, that is nothing compared to the hard work now'

You need to prep like a military operation. You have a number of phases to go through, for the first 8 months or so you'll be eating around 600-800 calories, you'll have to portion out your food carefully and you wont know what your new stomach can tolerate or what tastes you can now tolerate becuase it all changes. You have to be on high level supplements and time everything, your liquids and foods cant be taken together. I have a timer when I can eat and drink. You have to time each mouthful. Then you need to think about constipation and how to manage that. I wont say too much about that as it will bring tears to my eyes.

I have developed indigestion, it might even be GERD but Im not sure. Im just hoping it goes away over time, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt

I lost 2.5 stones before the op as I got myself in the mindset of above pre op, very small portions focusing on protein first, veg second and carbs last or not at all. I have been focusing on the nutrition that I eat rather than the calories per se but was still on a low cal diet in order to get used to that.

Theres much more to be said but ultimately if I genuinely thought I had any chance of losing weight a different way I would have been able to do it that way, but having been overweight since birth virtually, at my age and my weight it is highly unlikely. So do I carry on with 'I'll start next Monday' every bloody week or do I do something about it and take control. So I decided to take control.

bellac11 · 03/03/2023 08:17

MaryBary · 02/03/2023 21:39

@thisisasurvivor the hardest bits:
-Waking up from surgery was tough, felt like I'd been hit by a bus - but they don't give any pain relief in Turkey before you wake up, only when you're back in your room.

  • I was alone for the 5 days and did feel a bit sorry for myself for that reason
  • the gas pain after surgery was unpleasant for about 3 days, but everyone has a very different experience of it, some barely register it and some are really bothered.
  • I'm cold all the time! I just don't have enough calories right now to stay warm.
  • it's tricky getting used to not eating and drinking at the same time, you can't drink for 30 mins after eating and that's a hard habit to change
  • chewing food really thoroughly made me realise there's some food I thought I liked that I don't , I guess I must have been swallowing it whole and not realising! Not really hard, but quite eye opening.
  • I had a tough few days in the second week where I had no energy, felt miserable and questioned my choice. That's very common and a bout of depression can be normal, which I was prepared for.

By week 3 I was feeling myself again. No problems with low energy, no issues with the restrictive diet and I've dropped just over a stone and 2 dress sizes so far. I'm in the very common weight loss stall at this point which can last a few weeks, but even though I haven't lost anything for 2 weeks, I've still got smaller. Very odd. I am still cold though! Apparently that sticks around!

I didnt see your post just now! Yes its so different for different people. I didnt have any pain from the surgery and limited gas.

No vomiting or nausea. However I am COLD. All the time. I was such a hot person before.

I also really struggle with energy at the moment but I think I am a couple of weeks later than you, mid Feb I had mine.

I have put my scales away Im not weighing until April. I wouldnt be able to see a stall it would upset me. I dont seem to have dropped dress sizes, I cant really work it out if Im honest, my work trousers still fit me and feel the same, however other things are big round the waist and legs but still fit me.

Original poster
thisisasurvivor · 03/03/2023 08:18

I can't do it

I need to attend overeaters anonymous

And get back to the gym even just twice a week

I'm not cut out for it
I thought I was

This has been hugely helpful

All the useful info

OP posts:
bellac11 · 03/03/2023 08:21

thisisasurvivor · 03/03/2023 08:18

I can't do it

I need to attend overeaters anonymous

And get back to the gym even just twice a week

I'm not cut out for it
I thought I was

This has been hugely helpful

All the useful info

I was thinking this morning about my OH and thought 'he wouldnt be able to cope with what Im doing'. So its not for everyone at all. Good luck OP

MaryBary · 03/03/2023 08:27

@thisisasurvivor it's not for everyone, that's for sure, you have to feel 100% committed to your decision because there's no going back and it's a big big thing to do. Wishing you all the best in your journey!

@bellac11 it's funny how different people have such a different experience, it's such an individual thing. What's so weird is that the first difference in my clothes I noticed was that my sleeves are all now long. What's that all about???? The stall has broken today thank goodness, but it's exactly why you're right to wait until April!! No one needs to be worrying about stalls at this point, and it was silly for me to weigh!