Hi everyone. This is my first thread on minimins!!

[Shamzi71]

Afternoon everybody. You seem like a friendly bunch! I have been on the phone to The Hospital Group today to talk about getting a gastric band. Can I presume that a lot of people on here have had surgery through them at Dolan Park Hospital? Is there anyone who got the basic £4950 package that wishes they had gone for the £7450 package? An extra 2 and a half grand for around 4 fills or so (which only add up to £500) seems like a lot. I know you get free access to the nutritionist, which is normally £100 a time, but how many times would you really need to see them in a year, also, does one really need the helpline thing when there are so many knowledgeable people on forums like these?

 

[Shamzi71]

Anyone there?! Can somebody help me?!

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

hi sorry i cant help you i was nhs banded, just wanted to welcome you to the site.

liz x

 

[Shamzi71]

Hi Liz. Thanks for the welcome!
S x

 

[Shamzi71]

So Liz, how long ago did you get the band? How much have you lost so far? You must have lost a heap of weight cos you look wee in your pic!

Shamz x

 

[hopelesscase]

hi and welcome i cant help but im sure some one will be along soon.
HC

 

[charliegirl]

I cant help either but wanted to welcome you to minis....someone will be along real soon to advice you as there as a few folk on here been to that hospital if I remember rightly...x

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

So Liz, how long ago did you get the band? How much have you lost so far? You must have lost a heap of weight cos you look wee in your pic!

Shamz x

hi i was 1st banded in march 2005 i lost 7st 7llbs at that point in that picture, i had a faulty band and i regained just under 2 stone since then, i was rebanded 9 weeks ago and im looking to now re loose the bit weight that ive gained back.

 

[shelbell]

Hi Shamzi welcome to Mini's I had a bypass so can't help with the band issues.

You can get aftercare from other places aswell as THG, a lot of ladies on here use WLS Group as they do a complete aftercare package a lot cheaper.

It's all well and good saying there is great support on here, and don't get me wrong, there is. But none of us are medically trained bariatric specialists and if you do have any complications or hiccups you can't take advice on here as accurate unfortunately. Personally I think aftercare is crucial to surgery being successful, but that's just my opinion.

 

[cheryl]

hi, i had my band done with the hospital group at dolan park, one week ago today. i have lost 1 stone. i need to loose another 2 1/2 -3 stone. hope to have another stone by nov 29th.
as for the cheaper package ,i think it depends on how much you have to loose. there is a guy in dolan who lost 4 stone in 3 months. i think it works different for different metabolisms, and how much work you put in yourself. the and is not a magic wand. its a portion controller.
i dont regret it. it excites me to know that i have got my weight problem sorted.

 

[lovebug]

I wouldn't have been able to get where i am without the support of my clinic. I have seen and heard of people who have no support from a clinic and i personally think its paramount to achieving success. Yes like Shelbel says were here to help but this is more support than the type of help the nurses and dieticians, support groups and a proper clinic can offer which i think in my opinion was the only way i could do it and so far so good. Your choice of course but the other side i always felt was what if i do need 10 fils, Defills, Support of a Dietician , someone to call if there is a problem etc etc This is your health and if u can afford the best service it is money well spent. peace of mind and takes away the gamble that isn't worth playing with your health. Of course people are different and only u can decide . this is just my experience of what i have done and why .xx

 

[Shamzi71]

Morning everyone. Thank you so much for all your advice. I am now looking into surgery with the WLS group as their after care package seems so much more extensive and also a lot more reasonable. Good luck to all that are having their surgery today, and I'll let you know how I get on.
Shamzi xx

 

[shelbell]

Morning Shamzi,

It's good to shop around sometimes, you could always make consultation appointments with more than one place and see where you feel most comfortable.

How much weight do you want to lose?

Shel

 

[Shamzi71]

Morning Shel sweetie. I ideally want to lose between 6 and 7 stone. Do you know of any of the other ladies that have used the WLS Group? It would really help me to know someone who has actually had experience of the particular hospital and the after care package they offer?
I am just looking at your weight loss chart. Flippin ec girl, I can't believe you're half way there in just over 3 months. How amazing! Congrats!

Shamzi x

 

[shelbell]

Thank you, it's an amazing feeling!

I know a few use the aftercare, including Alice, and I think e.green. I'm not sure about for the surgery, possibly Lovebug Liv? She uses the aftercare but can't recall where she had the surgery.

 

[shelbell]

Aha Liv had hers at Highgate under the WLS group, her thread is at http://www.minimins.com/surgical-we...band-diary-before-after-pics-my-album-xx.html and the first post tells you all about what it was like.

She says it cost £7500 and includes 2 years care unlimited fills.

 

[charliegirl]

Hi better you feel better now you have made a choice, good luck to you and we will monitor your progress closely....lol...xx

 

[e.green69]

hi shamzil
i had my op 9weeks ago at dolan park and i went for the WGA pakage and had all my aftercare with WLS i pay £85 for a fill and their care is great and they will give you care all the way through.. mr sigursdon did my op and the care at the hospital was 1st class.
hope that helps you
emma

 

[thinkslim]

hi shamzi

i had a band fitted at dolan park on the 9th oct and paid for the wga rather than the thg.
i have been to my doctors and asked to be reffered to the dietician for help and advice as it is free and couldn't warrant paying extra for a nurse and my fills.
I am struggling at the moment but not had a fill yet.
I am sure when i've had a fill and seen the dietician i will get back n track!!
hope that helps
claire
xxxxxxxx

 

[tammy]

Hi shamz and welcome to minis. can't really offer any advice on the band i'm a bypasser. i too have around 7 stone to lose and can honestly say it's the best decision i have made to have the surgery. good luck xx