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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

I've just had a gastric band fitted

202 replies

WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 13:44

(Back after a break)

That's it really - had op on Friday. Home yesterday.

Still can't believe I've done it.

If anyone wants to know more then come and talk to me about it.

OP posts:
Nancy66 · 10/04/2011 16:02

Good luck Wiki

so do you really, genuinely feel stuffed after just a couple of tablespoons of food? I can't imagine that!

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 16:56

Well I think it's too early to tell really. I don't want to 'push' it and risk stretching the pouch or being sick.

I won't bore on about how little I've had to eat, but yes it is pretty minimal without feeling hungry.

Long may it last!

OP posts:
mankymummymoo · 10/04/2011 16:59

go on... what have you eaten?

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:00
Grin

ramekin sized dish of greek yoghurt
ramekin sized dish of soup (x2)
ramekin sized dish of rice pudding

and it's 5 o'clock and I'm stuffed!

OP posts:
Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:01

That doesn't sound terribly healthy but in my defence I can only have 'sloppy food' at this stage.

OP posts:
TitsalinaBumSquash · 10/04/2011 17:02

Do you mind me asking what weight you were/are and what you hope to be? Also did you have it done on the NHS or private and if private how much (roughly) sorry to be nosy don't answer if you don't want to, I have a friend who is considering it. Smile

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:07

no fire away - thats why I was posting!

OK I had a BMI of 33 so not MASSIVE. I am 5'8" and was about 15.8 stone. That does sound massive doesn't it, but NHS wouldn't even consider funding unless I was much bigger, so I paid 6k to have it done privately.

There's obvioulsy a big back story involving years of yoyo dieting and losing the same few stone ten times over.

It just got to the point where I wanted a permanent solution.

I look at my MIL (early 60s) and she is always 'on a diet' but never really gets anywhere but is miserable in the process. It hold her back from doing so many things. I knew that would be me in 30 years time.

OP posts:
Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:08

Oh and I have no timescale to lose the excess weight.

About 11 stone is right for me (I reached that weight for a split second a few years ago), so it's a good chunk of weight that needs to go.

OP posts:
TitsalinaBumSquash · 10/04/2011 17:08

Thanks Smile

I must say well done to you for taking control and changing something you were not happy with. I hope it works well for you.

Nancy66 · 10/04/2011 17:10

Actually that really doesn't sound that big at all

is your plan to eventually have the band removed?

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:13

It is big for me though.

I have a long list of things I could no longer do becuase of my weight. It is/was really hindering me. It wasn't even a vanity thing.

No I don't plan to have the band removed. It's a lifelong commitment now. If I had it out I'd over eat and be back to square one. It'd just be like an expensive diet.

OP posts:
MollieO · 10/04/2011 17:16

Hope you don't mind me saying so but I'm quite shocked that you've had this done at your size. I'm a little bit taller but weigh the same. Clearly overweight but not (at least I think) not on the gastric band scale.

Of course if it works for you then good. What weight would you have had to be to get it done on the NHS? What dress size are you? I'm mostly a 16 at the moment and would be happier being a size 12.

Good luck.

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 17:23

I thought long and hard about it. The surgeon talked me through risks/possible benefits and I definitely felt no pressure to go through with it.

I have size 18/20 clothes. My work uniform (NHS) is 22. I don't know what weight I'd have had to get it done on NHS as it was never something I wanted to pursue with such cash strapped PCTs. It was my choice, and not something the country should foot the bill for. They go by BMI I think, and have long waiting lists, so it was never an option.

It was a case of having so much in daily life affected by my weight, and my inability to shift it despite numerous exercise/diet regimes.

OP posts:
chocolatespiders · 10/04/2011 18:27

Good for you- i hope you get the results you want... I am roughly the same weight and would consider myself addicted to food, can lose weight if i go without ie Cambridge diet but really struggle to keep it off.

Wouls you say you are addicted to food? if so I would like to keep in touch to see how it goes over the next few weeks to see if the desire goes to eat a lot of food.
ATM i dont know what hunger feels like as i eat do much i dont get hungry Sad

ArthurPewty · 10/04/2011 18:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheVisitor · 10/04/2011 18:35

My cousin's wife has lost 10 stone after having a band fitted. She looks fabulous. She was considerably heavier than you to start with.

stillbroody · 10/04/2011 18:35

How much would a kidney fetch on the black market? :o
I could probably find this with some intense googling, but how is this going to work nutrition wise?
Supplements?

foreverondiet · 10/04/2011 18:36

Does sound quite extreme at a BMI of 33 but if you aren't able to control how much you eat otherwise then good for you for dealing with it in this way.

Did you try hypnotheraphy first? I know of someone who was addicted to crisps and was hypnotised so he now can't eat anything containing potato....

I think the food you've eaten does sounds relatively healthy considering you have to have sloppy food.

My friend had a band and overate so much and it burst.... it was on the NHS though, but £6k is a lot so be careful....

TheMonster · 10/04/2011 18:36

What did they say the risks were?

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 18:41

Yes I think I am addicted to food. I think about it all the time - and yes weight dropped off with Cambridge. I can do the diet, it's just afterwards it all fails. Long term I'll build up to normal food. Pasta and bread is likely to always be a problem. Yes big attention to supplements. I have dietician support and there's support from her about what to expect and how to build up gradually to a more normal lifestyle.

OP posts:
Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 18:42

Yes I did try hypnotherapy. In fact I honestly don't think there's anything diet related I haven't tried!

OP posts:
Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 18:45

The risks the surgeon talked about were about the op itself - general anaesthetic, internal injuries, bleeding, DVT etc and then living with the band - breaking, slipping.... Loads of risks really! He didn't sugar coat it!

OP posts:
IWillCountToThree · 10/04/2011 18:52

I'm very envious.

I've spent the last 9 years trying to loose about 7 stone and never even come close. I don't seem to be able to shift it no matter what i try.

DH thinks the way i look contributes to my depression and has now offered to look into Bupa helping as it seems the NHS can't until i weigh far more.

I'm 5'7" and 17.4 stone.

Please let me know how it goes!

Original poster
WikiSpeaksagain · 10/04/2011 18:56

Yes Im also on citalopram and in my case think weight and depression is all linked. Thing is, I don't think this is an easy way out. It's a permanent one though. Mashed sardines anyone?

OP posts:
IWillCountToThree · 10/04/2011 19:02

Sounds revolting! Grin

I've been on Atkins and excersising regularly (4-5 times a week) since Christmas. I've lost 3lb. There is nothing more disheartening so at this point i'm willing to try anything!