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Weight loss chat

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.

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Original poster

Gastric band surgery.

19 replies

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 06/05/2019 17:11

After failing at every diet I have tried, I am at the point if considering gastric band surgery.

I was wondering if anyone on here has tried it, and if so, how well it worked, and what changes you had to make in what you ate afterwards.

I think I have reached the point of desperation - I am the heaviest I have ever been, and whilst I managed to lose over a stone, using MyFitnessPal, about 18 months ago, I have put it all back and more. My weight is restricting my life - I can’t walk more than a short distance and get out of breath very easily. Something has to change.

OP posts:

Bumpdebump · 06/05/2019 23:42

Hi op. I don't have answers for you but am considering weight loss surgery myself. heard a few negative things about the gastric band though - people are more position about the gastric sleeve

Original poster

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 07/05/2019 11:17

That is interesting, @Bumpdebump. Thank you.

OP posts:

Bumpdebump · 07/05/2019 14:27

That should of course have said more POSITIVE!

Omzlas · 07/05/2019 15:06

I'm in the process of starting my journey. I've always been heavy but this is practically the heaviest I've ever been and I'm struggling now. I believe the process takes approx 18 months from beginning to surgery but that may vary between areas of the country.

I've been advised by a friend who has had the surgery that the sleeve is much better than a band (part of your stomach is actually removed and they make a sleeve, as opposed to a band which sits around your stomach and makes a small pouch) as the band needs to be filled with liquid. It can take trial and error to find the most effective amount of fluid for you and the band can slip too. I believe also that it depends on your weight and other health issues as to which will be recommended for you.

It's my understanding that it's not a quick fix and you have to also address your issue with food to benefit fully from the procedure

somuchinfo · 07/05/2019 15:31

Try Paleo first. Be very strict. Research it online. You will loose weight. But you do have to stick to it. Means complete lifestyle change. And making sure that you always have lots of paleo foods in as to not fail and reach for crap. My dad had gastric surgery I wouldn't recommend it. He's now left with so much horrible hanging skin. If you are serious about loosing weight. Then research paleo. Clear out your cupboards and re stock learning new way of living, eating. Drinking. That's my best advice.

FreedomFidgit · 07/05/2019 15:51

Hi! I had a gastric sleeve 18 months ago - best decision I ever made. I had lost and gained 5 stones every few years over my adult life, and this was a huge decision. I have lost just over 6 stone with the surgery (BMI of 40 to BMI of 26), and am now in maintenance phase.

I was self-funded as I tried to talk to my GP about surgery a few years ago and she was very against it, but after a little research I discovered that in all the hours of training doctors spend very little time on weight management/ obesity unless they have a specific interest in it.

I was 7 weeks from my initial appointment to discuss surgery, through psychological and food counselling etc until I got my surgery.

The clinic I went to in Scotland no longer offers the gastric band as an option, but discussed sleeve and bypass as options. I decided on the sleeve as it involves less ‘re-routing’/ absorption issues post-op.

The one thing you have to remember is it is just a tool. I have around 1/5 of my stomach left (I think! It might even be slightly less), but I could still easily munch my way through a substantial amount of calories in a day if I chose high fat/ calorie dense options...you have to go for the change of mindset as well!

If you want any more info you are welcome to PM me.

Bumpdebump · 07/05/2019 16:18

@freedomfidhit who did you have your sleeve with? Would you recommend them?

WhoAteMyNuts · 07/05/2019 16:21

I agree with those that say it's simply a tool and you do need to change your habits as well.

I know someone who had a bypass and they lost a huge amount of weight but are now slowly putting it all back on as they didn't address the underlying issues which slowly crept back.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Original poster

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 07/05/2019 16:30

Thank you all for your time and advice. I’ve got a lot to think about, but the one thing that is clear is that, whatever I choose, step 1 is changing my habits and relationship to food.

I shall go back to MFP - I know it works, if I am honest about my food intake and exercise - and if I can make the changes stick, maybe I won’t need the surgery.

OP posts:

maxbabi · 07/05/2019 16:36

Hi I have posted recently on another thread as I have just had a sleeve here in London.
I went private as nhs waiting time was 2 years +. I agree that not many bands are fitted anymore as they tend to shift or stretch longer term.
There are some great fb groups you can join which are an excellent source of information.
I am nearly two weeks post surgery and apart from tiredness I feel really good. It is a tool to help with weight loss not an easy or straight forward fix.
You have to go on a liver reducing diet before surgery and after it's liquids and puree for a few weeks. I can't wait to start on food tbh but each day is a blessing and a pound or so down!!
Happy to answer any questions

Original poster

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 07/05/2019 16:45

Thank you. It is good to hear that it is going well for you - I hope your recovery is swift and the weight loss carries on for you.

OP posts:

Bumpdebump · 07/05/2019 17:08

Have you gone back to work yet @maxbabi?

maxbabi · 07/05/2019 18:03

Hi bump no not back yet. Was told by my surgeon two weeks. Its more I am tired not overly sore.
I am not rushing anything!!
Thank you SDT

FreedomFidgit · 07/05/2019 20:21

@Bumpdebump - it was through Weightloss Surgery Scotland ran by the Spires group in Edinburgh.
Would highly recommend them! They have a dedicated nurse Lorna who is just the most fab person - more than happy to answer questions (even texts) as things co e up. Aftercare was great too with lots of support.

UAEMum · 07/05/2019 21:12

How much does a gastric sleeve cost?

Bumpdebump · 08/05/2019 17:12

I've seen one consultant and the cost for everything there is £15k. Am seeing another and its £10k. I think the hospital for the former is pricier.

Bumpdebump · 11/05/2019 10:36

Hi op. How are you feeling about it? I have the option to go ahead in a few weeks and I am very conflicted. It feels like such a huge decision.

Sosayi · 11/05/2019 12:28

I had one abroad and it cost £3200 plus flights.

justilou1 · 11/05/2019 12:37

I wanted gastric band, but ended up having gastric sleeve as there are fewer long-term complications. I am very happy with my decision. It’s been five years now, and while it has been a bit of a ride, I have maintained my weight loss of 60kg. I can see how people easily fall back into patterns and put weight on, but I am not prepared to go there again! Weight loss surgery is hard. It is definitely not the easy way out. If you are committed to losing weight and changing your entire lifestyle forever to be healthy, go for it!

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