Gastric Band

[marj1]

I've been on and off diets for as long as I can remember, tried weight watchers, rosemary connolly, slim fast, slimming world, lighterlife, cambridge diet, atkins, you name it I've done it. I have a very unhealthy relationship with food, either none at all or binge eat. My most successful diet was lighterlife where I lost 8stone but put it back on and more.

I'm seriously considering a gastric band - does anyone have any experiences they can share? Where they got it done, how much it cost, how they felt afterwards, how much did they lose. Have they managed to maintain their weight.

Any comments gratefully received, thanks, Marj1

Not yet but livving in hope. Nhs have agreed to fund gastric surgery for me, am waiting for appointment with CHelsea and Westminster hosp but have to then see if they have funding left for this year or if i have to wait for next financial year.

There are a few people on here who have had it but i have ad trouble flushing them out recently LOL

Thanks QOD,

What's the criteria for having it done on NHS? I just thought I would have to pay privately and take some money out on my mortgage....

I had one five years ago and lost 6 stone.

I went to Brugges in Belgium for the op and it cost £3500.

The only reason I have not maintained weight and put half of it back on is that I am on pregnancy number 3 since having my band. When pregnant you are advised to have it loose, so it is just sat there dormant at the moment.

Once I have had this baby I will have it tightened up again and loose what I have gained.

One of the best side effects of having it is it reduces my appetite.

Its the best thing I ever did.

Please feel free to fire any questions. I adjust them for a living, so have learnt a fair amount over the last 3 years and meet many people that have them.

Thanks on edge - I have read all the info and I am thinking I probably needs to focus on bypass not band as I fly around 6 times a year and it seems you have to reduce the saline when you fly, is this right?

Marj1 - i went to www.bospa.org

The criteria would need to be met according to your bmi and your area, why don't you see a sympathetic gp in your practice and see what they think... If your bmi is over 50 then you have to meet less criteria.

tia

Well, its all happening, funding is ready but op wait about 6 mths as they have to book extra theatre time.
Am going for the bypass, I'm 41 and been fat for 20 yrs, this is for good.
Scared but positive

QOD, did you have it done? How did it go?

Oh 'allo!
Yes was "done" on 14th April, lost 2 stone before op and 2 stone since - down 2 to 3 sizes in clothing. Bought a cheap little summer dress in Primark today in a size 16 .............
It's not easy, I feel sick a lot, it's hard to find anything you can eat, but it works!

I am having a band on the nhs. I have attended the first appointment. I feel scared and excited. Is there anyone else around with experience to chat?