Gastric Band - Kent/London

[Nic318]

Hi Mark

Just want to wish you luck in whichever op you chose, I am having the bypass myself as feel the results are better and quicker but its all personal choice and what you feel comfortable with.

I agree with Mandy I will apply via the PCT first before investigating the private route. Ok, yes we got fat ourselves but as my consultant said obesity is a disease so why shouldn't we get treatment.

Anyway keep us updated xx

 

[shelbell]

In the long term you'll be saving them money though, the £7k or whatever it costs for the op is nothing compared to years of rheumatologists, cardiac specialists, prescriptions for joint pain etc.

 

[alliecat]

Hi there,

I noticed you said you were in norwich. I am in lowestoft and am currently looking into getting the band done but for places in norwich. Would you mind telling where you have chossen? I have looked in having the band for about 6 months now, and my husband seems to be supportive of me, so I am considering taking the plunge. I too like Mark had a personal trainer and was loosing weight, but not much. I was actually quite shocked. I worked out 3-5 times week, and was also using body chef which limited me to 1200 calories a day and it didn't do much. And most times my calories were less than 1200 a day as the evening meals weren't exactly to my taste.
Sorry to digress, anyway, any help on the norwich area would be great.

Thanks
J

I am going to Spire in Norwich (used to be Bupa) under the care of Mr Rhodes. I am going private, but he does do NHS work, either way you will need a GP referral. I saw him on June 16th for the first time and am being banded July 14th, and that was delayed at my request so not bad going. Any questions, feel free to shout, I have a thread going - one step nearer to WLS.

Sorry to hi-jack your thread Mark!

 

[Dann8786]

Hi,
1st evening reading posts / info etc - what a vast amount of knowlege/experience !

I'm 41 / 21 stone and about to embark on gastric band surgery. Typical yo-yo 17st-21st, recent years less success. In last 12 months I've attended gym with a personal trainer 3 times a week. Not lost an ounce, but for a fat bloke I sure can run fast now ! I've never felt fitter - but still cannot find clothes apart from the likes of stumpygeezer.com / ebay...

My Doctor has referred me for band funding and it's in the (alleged) final stages. However, after doing a LOT of research and now reading a ton of posts here, I'm decided upon this course of action, funding or not.

I just have a few questions to pose if I may :-

1) Can anybody recommend a surgeon/hospital in Kent/London plse. I'm paranoid about MRSA, poor surgery etc. Really would appreciate some advice.

2) What is "dumping" - 1st I've heard of it on here, I'm really naive sometimes - is it throwing up / eye of a needle ? (which end plse)

3) I want to exercise after surgery - clearly without my innards evacuating themselves - any comments on roughly how long before I can return to my trainer/Gym ?

4) With a band, will I REALLY lose the urge to raid the biscuit tin after eating my evening meal ? (I eat a good healthy meal - then spoil it with 4/5 bourbon creams..). I'm hoping I'll feel fuller for longer.. Naive again maybe ?

I've read LOTS of posts this evening - some are truly inspirational and I can "feel" the support here.

Apologies if I've asked lots of dopey questions, but I sure would appreciate any feedback.

Regards,

Mark

Hello mate,
Just joined this site and this is my first post!
Im 37 and like you been a yo yo dieter pretty much all my adult life. After a lot of thought had a gastric band fitted at the end of February and up to now have lost 3st7lbs. Got good restriction after 2 fills and am also more active going to the gym and swimming 4-5 times a week. Feel so much better already. If its portion sizes that are your problen then imo a band is a better choice than having a bypass. If you are a picky eater who eats bad stuff throughout the day then you are better off with a bypass. Its early days but i think having the band is one of the best things ive ever done.

You asked about hospitals in Kent/London. Had my operation done at Orpington Hospital on the NHS through Bromley PCT. Surgeon was Mr El-Hasani. I was extremely pleased with the way everything went.

I wouldnt do any strenuous exercising until your wounds have healed. Walking and cycling machine is good. Dont make the mistake of doing too much too soon like i did. I did too much bending and stretching the week after my op and broke my port wound open and it subsequently got infected. Set my recovery back a few weeks but nothing serious.

Dont expect to feel the restriction in the band straight away either. Although i couldnt eat as much as i used to its only after 2 or 3 fills when you get the right restriction and are eating the tea plate size portions. I had my 2nd fill last week and i tell you i can really feel it. Youve got to learn how to eat again really and its a huge change from the way i used to eat!

If youve got any other questions come back to me!

Dan

 

[georgina]

i agree with dan but i had a bypass 1 year ago i over done it and i burst open and had to have my stomach packed with a 12inch strip of gauze everyday for 6 months so i was very restricted to what i could do, but everything is ok now and just over 8 stone gone im chuffed xxxx

 

[shelbell]

Georgina did you have an open bypass then? Not laparoscopically?

 

[lovebug]

Hi Dan , what is your typical daily diet like now ? ie breakfast lunch dinner etc. I'm having my band done on the 7th July and am curious to know what things you are finding easy to eat and those which cause you any grief? Cheers Lovebug

 

[georgina]

no shell i had the keyhole bypass xxx