TrendyWendy's Pre & Post Op Diary

Hi everyone, I've been reading on here for a few weeks now and have been inspired by Florabell (& others) to start a pre-op diary.
Here goes, I'm 49, had birthday on sunday and my husband has booked us an amazing cruise for my fiftieth, in a year, so I have been determined not to be fat and unfit when we sail.
I've always struggled with weight but since starting menopause, and probably a bit before, I have eaten too much and piled on the pounds. Cartledge ops on both knees curtail physical activity, although I am probably lazy as well, as I could row - I digress, I do that a lot) and a recent shoulder op, have lazied me up, lets be honest, eating less moving more = weight loss, but nboy do I struggle. I love food and I am not active enough, desk at work, so not much calorie burning there!
So, after a gazillion joins at slimming world, Cambridge diet, 3 stone off for wedding 4 yrs ago, followed by five back on, more slimming world, I thought about a gastric band.
Being an intrepid internet researcher I set about looking into it. Hours later, I looked at Belgium/Czech republic etc and came across this fabulous forum. I read all the pages on Belgium surgery and the amazing posts on there convinced me, it was right for me. Hats off to you all on that post for your information and support, you are all ace.
Anyway, not one to dither, I talked to my husband and initially he was worried, so I produced all my new found information and being a nurse he is well aware of the risks, so organised the cash, and I booked with Belgium surgery services. I see Bart in Manchester on friday, and will make a decision with him, sleeve or MGB.
Had a last great weekend as it was my birthday and soon start my pre op journey on the pre-op diet.
This site is amazing, I've followed 2 wonderful ladies though their pre op experiences and their trip to Belgium and there posts on here and these have been really inspiring and helpful, along with everyone elses, so hope I can help someone earlier on in the journey than me

Wendy x

part 2

thought it was a bit long so done a part 2
I have swollen ankles and this has been an issue for about 3 weeks. Went to GP, who said being overweight might be the reason, see how it goes. I started with pins n needles this morning so rang for emergency appt. I saw another GP I haven't seen in a while, her words on my entering the room, "Wendy how have you put on so much weight?"
Wonderful bedside manner, but she is quite right.
Water tablets prescribed and she asked what I was doing about my weight - so I told her about my WLS, which is booked by the way for sept 10th 2015, whichever surgery I am having, it's happening then.
She was happy I had made this choice and if its the MGB, has agreed regular blood tests and vitamin injections if needed. She was very impressed with my knowledge (thanks to all you guys on here) and confirmed I am doing the right thing.
She then checked when I last had a blood test and has ordered full bloods, inc a fasting one, which I know checks for diabetes. This is one of my fears and why I have opted for weight loss surgery, before I get it, now can life be so cruel and reveal I am too late? Fingers crossed no, but I have my tests tomorrow and hope to have results for my consult on friday.
So my next birthday, I will not have trouble getting my hips in the odd shaped chairs, and I will be slim and healthy!

Wendy

Great write up, Wendy!

I'm so excited for you going to Belgium and you will be in excellent hands. It's great your husband is a nurse, that'll come in handy for you post op. Also great your GP is behind you.

i hope your bloods come back ok, but I've read these ops can reverse diabetes so maybe all is not lost if you did have it xx

Just wanted to say good luck with it all

Thanks and well done you, looking at the figures under your details, amazing, brilliant

Just popped up to say hello and welcome and good luck with everything

Hi Wendy

Hope your consult with Bart goes well and whichever op you decide on the best of luck hun.


Hugx

los in it said:

Just popped up to say hello and welcome and good luck with everything

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Awe thanks Los x

weegie said:

Hi Wendy Hope your consult with Bart goes well and whichever op you decide on the best of luck hun. Hugx

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Thanks weegie

I'll update after. Had my bloods done this morning at gp's, I'm hoping I haven't got anything wrong
Leg still swollen but if it is diabetes it might be the mgb
I'll know soon enough

Thanx x

trendywendy said:

Thanks weegie I'll update after. Had my bloods done this morning at gp's, I'm hoping I haven't got anything wrong Leg still swollen but if it is diabetes it might be the mgb I'll know soon enough Thanx x

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Yrs MGB has a pretty high resolution rate for diabetes.

Good luck x.

Well went to didsbury this morning to see Bart from Belgium surgery services to discover he isn't coming and Frederick is coming sat 22nd instead
I rang Bart who apologised for missing me out when ringing people
I'm seeing Frederick tomorrow and pretty sure after chat with Bart I'm going for the MGB
Better long term success
then I'm taking a friend for a gastric balloon
I've advised her differently but her decision and choice
So excited for tomorrow, bloods not back but not to worry
It's getting closer and real now

trendywendy said:

Well went to didsbury this morning to see Bart from Belgium surgery services to discover he isn't coming and Frederick is coming sat 22nd instead I rang Bart who apologised for missing me out when ringing people I'm seeing Frederick tomorrow and pretty sure after chat with Bart I'm going for the MGB Better long term success then I'm taking a friend for a gastric balloon I've advised her differently but her decision and choice So excited for tomorrow, bloods not back but not to worry It's getting closer and real now

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What a shame. Tell him he owes you big time. I only went to Didsbury once in November for an emergency unfill, I never booked an appointment or told them I was coming.

Where is your friend having a balloon fitted? Aren't they normally used for very high BMI as a pre op measure for more complex surgery like bypass? Don't quote me on that lol.

weegie said:

What a shame. Tell him he owes you big time. I only went to Didsbury once in November for an emergency unfill, I never booked an appointment or told them I was coming. Where is your friend having a balloon fitted? Aren't they normally used for very high BMI as a pre op measure for more complex surgery like bypass? Don't quote me on that lol.

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Yes they are
She has gone with national obesity surgery and paid just shy of what BSS would do sleeve for
I've told her but.....
She isn't that big size 18 ....
But what when it's removed???
Anyways Frederick tomorrow! Then it's send the cash and pre op diet
Getting closer
Had last girls night out tonight ??
Wimpy home and ready for bed tho
Don't think I'll miss drinking I'm getting rubbish at it!

trendywendy said:

Yes they are She has gone with national obesity surgery and paid just shy of what BSS would do sleeve for I've told her but..... She isn't that big size 18 .... But what when it's removed??? Anyways Frederick tomorrow! Then it's send the cash and pre op diet Getting closer Had last girls night out tonight ?? Wimpy home and ready for bed tho Don't think I'll miss drinking I'm getting rubbish at it!

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I do understand why people choose the least invasive surgery, its a big decision and for many the thought of being re-plumbed is a step too far. my first op was a gastric band and that is one of the things that persuaded me and I was researching for a whole year. Never thought I would need to have a revision but things happen. No regrets.

Good luck tomorrow.

How long is her balloon in for? I'd be worried too about what happens when it comes out. That's why I liked the sleeve, MGB etc..no going back

florabell said:

How long is her balloon in for? I'd be worried too about what happens when it comes out. That's why I liked the sleeve, MGB etc..no going back

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Not sure florabell, I'm sat waiting for her at the moment so will ask. She came to my consultation with me but stayed in waiting room, for less money she could've had a band. I tried to persuade her to get a refund but she's sticking with it
I'll try and support her to stick healthy eating when it's out
I'm going MGB
saw Frederik this morning who went over all options and think it will suit me best
Also long term better as I might stretch sleeve etc
Can't wait now
Just money to send then roll on sept 10th

weegie said:

I do understand why people choose the least invasive surgery, its a big decision and for many the thought of being re-plumbed is a step too far. my first op was a gastric band and that is one of the things that persuaded me and I was researching for a whole year. Never thought I would need to have a revision but things happen. No regrets. Good luck tomorrow.

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Thanks weegie
Frederik was lovely explained band sleeve full and mini by pass
Going straight for the MGB as think I'll get best results
I like the bit that's by passed is the but that absorbs fat and sugar
So extra bonus
Pay then fly then done and 2 weeks pre op fiet
The new Wendy will be here soon ?

trendywendy said:

Thanks weegie Frederik was lovely explained band sleeve full and mini by pass Going straight for the MGB as think I'll get best results I like the bit that's by passed is the but that absorbs fat and sugar So extra bonus Pay then fly then done and 2 weeks pre op fiet The new Wendy will be here soon ?

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Congrats on making your decision, no regrets with my MGB. The variety of food once you get past the early stages is really good after having a band.

A sleeve wasn't an option to me as a revision, due to my reflux, but I would have struggled with that I think as it is really easy to be tempted by the things that got me here. It is best to steer clear of too much sugars and fat as you cannot predict the predict the outcome with a bypass. The MGB is essentially a sleeve and bypass combined. Nothing mini about it, its a full 2 metre bypass.

Best of luck on your journey.

weegie said:

Congrats on making your decision, no regrets with my MGB. The variety of food once you get past the early stages is really good after having a band. A sleeve wasn't an option to me as a revision, due to my reflux, but I would have struggled with that I think as it is really easy to be tempted by the things that got me here. It is best to steer clear of too much sugars and fat as you cannot predict the predict the outcome with a bypass. The MGB is essentially a sleeve and bypass combined. Nothing mini about it, its a full 2 metre bypass. Best of luck on your journey.

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Thanks
That was another reason to choose it
Frederik explained about eating more variety and socialising etc
It's good to have the support on here as others share experiences and advice etc
I've learnt loads already

Blood test results today
Have to see nurse for dietary advice
So advised having MGB ...
Also need repeat bloods for diabetes - borderline
Not for much longer
Exante shakes n bars arrived today starting pre op tomorrow
Positive attitude at mo
Raring to go ?