I've just had a gastric band fitted

[WikiSpeaksagain]

(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.

Hi Ladies, I'm new to this site. I stubbled axross it whilst researching WLS. I've been wanting this for years but my husband as only just reluctantly agreed to me going ahead. I've got a meeting with a nurse, dietician and consultant on Monday, at a private hospital. I've been overweight most of my life, (age 47). I have health problems ( type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, bipolar, ME, IBS) to name just a few lol! My only worries with the surgery is that I am a chocoholic and an emotional eater. I was wondering if any one who had had surgery can relate to this? If so how do you feel with it? Many thanks x

Ok I'm a chocoholic. I can (and do) eat more than most. Especially in the evenings.

I don't drink alcohol, so it's my only vice really.

I exercise a lot (now) and try to eat small balanced meals so the chocolate doesn't seem to cause me any problems.

Thanks for that. I'm hoping to quit the choc (maybe I'm kidding myself) but I keep thinking that I'm not going through all this, just to carry on as normal😏x

Want2beThin there's a lot of autoimmune disease going on with you. Diabetes, fibromyalgia, ME, and I'm sure I read recently that recent research with bi polar is pointing towards it being exacerbated by sugar consumption.

Do you think your issue may be what you are eating, rather than how much?

I've just finished doing a Whole30, and lost over 7 kilos in a month, but Whole30 is about much more than weight loss. It is basically an elimination diet which seeks to remove problematic foods from your diet for 30 days so that your body can start to heal and reduce the inflammation which drives a lot of these diseases. The idea is that after the While30 you do a structured reintroduction, but I'm continuing on to make it a Whole60.

I'm still overweight, but less so, and whilst I'm still considering WLS, I'm prepared to stick at this for a bit longer.

My joint pain has reduced, my asthma has completely gone, and my mood is more even. Resources are free on the Whole30.comm* although there are also books you can buy. My favourite books are The Whole30 and It Starts With Food.

Might be worth considering, even whilst you wait for your WLS?

Thanks for the advice, this is something that I will definitely look into, whilst I wait for the wls. X

I personally wouldn’t reccomend a band as they can slip

Also chocolate is known as a slider food it slides down like ice cream and other soft stuff so if you like eating chocolate and stuff and continue to do so you will just put back on the weight .
Even with a band or weight loss surgery if you eat the same shit and crap as before then it’s a waste of time and money
You will lose weight initially because of the band and surgery but once it’s settled if you slip back into your old habits you will be back to where you were at the beginning

It would be really pointless in my opinion and I’ve had WLS and it’s pretty much the same for all types of WLS surgery

If your diabetic ask your doctor about Vitoza
A family friend has taken vitoza and lost over 7 stone this year and two other friends have taking the same version called Saxenda with similar results

I will talk to my go and see what he recommend. I haven't heard about that before. Thanks for the advice. X

If your spending that much money on a band consider a sleave instead it’s permanent and cost wise not much more and much easier to get back on track if you over eat by a bit

Hi Ladies, well the decision is made. I'm booked in for a sleeve tomorrow. I've been on the yogurt and milk diet for 6 days and lost a stone!! Apparently this is to shrink the liver ready for surgery. Obviously the diet is very short term for lack of nutrient!
So I'm excited and nervous and £8000 lighter, but here goes😱🤗

£8000 bloody hell 😂😂😂
I paid £4000 for My sleave although it was abroad and I thought that was expensive

Good luck

Good luck OP. Will you let us know how you get on?

@BerylStreep I'm the op and it's been 7.5 yrs now  it's great!

@Want2bthin good luck and yes, do let us know how you get on!

Wiki good for you doing this for yourself. I did the hypnosis gastric band and it worked for me. Can only eat so much and then I get a strong feeling in the top of my tummy that says "your done". I do mindful eating too so have all my favourite foods but only eat them if I really fancy them. Took years of disordered eating to get to a point where I stopped dieting because in the end, they don't work long term.

Sorry AlterEgo I was having a senior moment. So glad it's still working out for you.

Well all done, 6 days post operation!! What can I say, The pain for 3 or 4 days was pain like nothing b4 and I've had 3 children!! I thought I was dying and I like to think that I have a strong pain threshold. No one prepared me for that.
However that been said, I am still so pleased that I've had it done. It's still hard work because you have to be mindful of everything that goes in your mouth, even water! But I somehow feel prepared for it. After raising a family at the age of 46 I feel ready for a bit of me time. So fingers crossed. To anyone thinking about surgery my advice is go for it but just be prepared xx

Well done!

Yes it's so worth it.

Interestingly I'm trying to compete more now (triathlons)

Trying to carb load is REALLY difficult!

Never thought I'd see the day.

Will post more later.

I'm coming up to 4 weeks post band. Feeling good, mostly recovered still a little tender at times. I'm so looking forward to getting my first fill! I'm hungry now and able to eat solid normal.foods so it's hard....I've not lost anything in the last two weeks ,but not gained either so I'm kinda pleased with that.. wish it was flying off but slow and steady will be fine! I hope....

Op here.

I wonder if @mnhq could make all my posts under the same name

Anyway happy new year all

I'm just bumping this as it's come up elsewhere on the boards

I'm still 10.7lbs. Had my over 40s health check recently and it's all good (blood pressure etc)

Now training for half marathon after doing 3 triathlons and 5 10k races in the last 6 months

As always, not saying it to boast but it's completely attributed to the band nearly 8 years old . Life changing.

Thinking of gastric band in the early stages of research ...long history of yo yo and being ruled by being overweight! Advice appreciated... wanting a long term solution but have some questions - what scars are you left with, where does the fill portal sit and can yo see it/feel it? How long before you feel the restriction and see the weight loss. What typical weight loss should I expect? Thanks for anyone who can reply!

Test

Ok so I've just seen your message. Stood up and taken a photo.

Ive had 2 c sections pre band and appendix removal post band.

My belly button looks odd from appendix surgery.

Scars are visible if i look for them.

My port is below my left rib. I think you might see a lump there. I can feel it anyway.

Im the op BTW although there have been name changes!

If you can read my posts / scan through i think i answer your questions?

Its been so long I honestly dont remember the detail about the original op and immediately post op.

Oh and i ran a half marathon yesterday

Thanku for the pic I will scan on through the posts 😀. Can’t see scars from the pic, think I am convinced this will help me. Well done on the Marathon that’s amazing!

Nee I'm looking at the endoscopic gastric band (esg). It's more expensive, but they go in through your mouth, so no scars. No refills to consider either.

Might be worth investigating? It's quite new, and to my knowledge there are only 3 surgeons doing it in the uk.

Oh, and Alterego1965 well done on the maintenance and the marathon! I've been on this thread under a different name for ages.