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2.5 Weeks since Gastric Sleeve in Le Harve, France - My Experience

Posted , 10 users are following.

DaveyE
DaveyE

It has been 2.5 weeks since I went to Le Harve in France to have a sleeve operation to reduce the size of my stomach. 

I am back home, and I'm starting to feel better. In that time I have lost almost 2 stone. Naturally, some of that will be tissue, but a majority of it is thanks to eating very very small portions of food.

You will be able to find the company in question by searching for Le Harve bariatric surgery. Their website is surprisingly old looking, but contains the information you need, including current prices. 

I am a man in my early 40s attracted to this service because they do not require a high BMI for surgery. My BMI was between 32 and 33, and they accepted me after discussions with the consultant.

I paid something in the region of £6,000 for the operation which included hotel stays and hospital treatment during the period. A British private hospital would not except me with a BMI of under 35, and their fee would be something in the region of £11,000.

Overall, my experience was positive even through there were some moments I'd not rather re-live!

I arrived at Paris airport and was taken by taxi to my hotel in le Harve. After two days of minor tests, I had the operation on the Wednesday, and arrived back at my hotel on the Friday for an overnight stay. On the Saturday morning the consultant visited me in my hotel room, undertook some checks, and explained various medicines, and I was taken by taxi back to the airport in Paris.

It is only 2 1/2 weeks since I've had the operation, but I think I am pleased that I've undertook it; only time will tell! 

I am happy to receive any personal messages through this site if you would like further details of my experience with the consultant, or any of the other staff from this firm. If you are in a similar position to me with a low BMI, I am pretty sure you would not regret bariatric surgery.

 

3 likes, 35 replies

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  • stacey73176
    stacey73176 DaveyE

    Posted

    Hiya DaveyE

    Congratulations and well done on the huge weight loss youve achieved!

    Has anyone told you what happens when you reach your target weight or how to maintain a good weight and not go too slim?

    Im at the very beginning of my journey, my dr has referred me to the bariatric team (nhs) so waiting to hear.

    Im 35 and have 5 children, ive always struggled with my weiggt after children but always followed a diet and successfully lost but now im diagnosed with pcos and hypothyroidism (it comes and goes- bizarrely- twice ive been diagnosed and twice its rectified itself but dr thinks it will return)

    Both of these conditions make it very difficult to lose weight and now last week i was diagnosed as pre diabetic.

    my fasting blood glucose was 6.5 instead of 5.5 (type 2 is 7.2)

    my bmi is 39 and i cannot shift any weight this time at all. im the biggest ive ever been and terrified ill be turned down on nhs as i wont be able to afford to go privately.

    Your story has inspired me x

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stacey73176

      Posted

       Hello,

      Thanks for your encouraging message. I am now well beyond five stone. I have been to see the Doctor who specialises in this area, and he is unsurprised after only just over three months, I am still losing. I am still well within my lowest BMI.

       I am keeping my fingers crossed for you regarding the operation. Most NHS trusts will consider a two comorbidity and high BMI as a really good reason to take the operation.  If you are committed to undertaking it, I’m pretty sure they will hear that in your voice; really make sure they understand that.

      With my very best wishes for advent, Christmas and the New Year.

      D

  • stephie2
    stephie2 DaveyE

    Posted

    Interested to know how you are getting on DaveyE and how much you have lost so far ............
    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stephie2

      Posted

      Hello Stephie2,

      Thanks for the message. 

      I've now lost almost 6 stone.  I look very different and I cannot walk into a room where someone does a double take.  I was in a restaurant only last week and a couple of people simply did not recognise me.  

      The problem is now finding a way to explain it all.  Nobody knows, not even very close friends or family other than my spouse.  I've started wearing clothes that fit me, so the change is really noticeable; really, really noticeable.  I have a flat tummy and a very pronounce jawline after having a very round face and fat tummy for many years.  I've not had too much problem with hanging skin.  I've simply told people that I've been eating much smaller portions; I'm not sure if they believe me... 

      I'd struggled to eat solid food for a while, but that is now not too much trouble.  I will typically eat a Weetabix for breakfast, soup or a small sandwich for lunch and a light supper.  I'll have a small drink in the evening if I fancy it.  I'll also eat fruit slowly during the day.  I have a calcium supplement to take, which has a nice taste.  I also take two multi vits.  That's all.  I can't and don't want to eat any more.  I like the taste of food, so that's not lost.  I'm never hungry, but need to eat because I'd forgot, otherwise.  Naturally, I'm drinking loads of water/squash/tea/coffee.

      I've stopped snoring.  

      I'm not doing too much exercise as I've not had too much time.  I used to find my tummy and chest wobbling when I ran, but that's all gone.  I'll make that this year's task.  

      It's all a bit too odd for me, after being so large for years and years.  

      I hope that helps?  Ask any more questions if you'd like.  How are you doing?

      Thanks 

      D

       

    • stephie2
      stephie2 DaveyE

      Posted

      That is an amazing story.  Well done.  I am very well thank you.  It may be something that I can consider.  I am around 6 stone overweight and although I am told I don't look it, it does bother me.  I have joined Slimming World for the moment but it is slow and I am only a couple of weeks in.  Will see how I go before I start to think more along the surgical route but I do keep getting drawn to posts and it is a tempting option.

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stephie2

      Posted

      Dear All,

      Just a quick update to say I am at 6 stone weight loss.  I had a BMI of about 33.  I now have a BMI of 20.   I have a complete change of wardrobe as my smallest clothes are FAR too big for me.  I have not been this weight since I was a teenager.  

      I’ve had some trouble with hair loss, which is not unusual in males, but it’ll grow back.  

      I’m stable at this weight, but trying to eat much more, as I never quiet fancy eating anything at all.  I’ve got to eat, but can only eat smaller portions.  It’s a little tricky in social settings, but I’ve now stopped caring!  

      Please contact me if you need any further advice.  I don’t work for the French firm, but I can speak with experience.  I’m only happy to answer questions.

      Thanks,

      Dave

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      congratulations that is amazing, you must be elated at the results!

      im still awaiting my 1st endocrinology appointment, counting down the days (46!)

      My bmi is 42 and i am now classed as pre-diabetic so hoping i will be cleared for surgery.

      With results half as good as yours ill be over the moon!

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stacey73176

      Posted

      Great news.  Keep us in the loop so we know how you’re doing over the next few months. 

      Dave

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stacey73176

      Posted

      Hello,

      How are things going with your preparations?

      Dave 

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      Hi Dave ☺

      My appointment is on tuesday- fast approaching now.

      Ive written a list of symptoms

      and a list of questions to ask.

      ive written a food diary to show the dietician too.

      I keep getting brain fog on what i need to say/ask/do!

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      i wont know if i fit their criteria until the appointment- and after looking at their information pdf i will have to commit to alot before i see a surgeon who will decide if im suitable.

      It said i would have to lose some weight myself and keep it off for 6 months, join groups and attend meetings, see a therapist and other thjngs too.

      if i do all that in 6 months i will then be put on a waiting list for surgery... im guessing it would be a substantial wait

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      so, i walked 3 miles to my appointmwnt today- to be told it had been cancelled and someone else was in with my dr in my appointment slot.

      I was very upset and cross... told me it was because im just a routine patient and someone needed it more than me. I was cross that they didnt bother letting me know... they lied n said id had a letter on 15th feb but pals confirmed no letter was sent to me.

      I know have to wait until the 3rd july to see them.

      So disappointed and deflated.

      still... only 77 more days to go...

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      I have news!

      I finally had my endocrinology appointment today- my dr was amazing.

      He advised that i have graves disease and after discussing my health issues

      (pcos, diabetes, gallstones, hypothyroidism) he asked what i was hoping for.

      I said i would like to be considered for gastric surgery and he said that i fit the criteria perfectly and that itd be a very sensible option for me.

      He said im young and not overly big compared to his other patients (my bmi is 42 but i hide it well) and i would definitely get funding.

      He is referring me to the surgeon to discuss my options as i will most likely have to have my gallbladder out separately 1st.

      It has been a long wait but im finally at the start of my journey.

      How is everything going with you now dave? x

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stacey73176

      Posted

      Superb news! Well done.  It’s the start for you.  Keep on top of them; they need to see you’re serious!

      I’m very well.  7 stone lost and feel loads better.  Eating very little compared to before, but fine with it.  I look totally different.  

      Keep us all updated

      Thanks,

      Davey.

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      youve done so well, you must be very proud.

      Have you done before n after pics? would be fab to be able to see them x

    • DaveyE
      DaveyE stacey73176

      Posted

      Dear All,

      I wanted to update you as I have just turned one year post operation.

      I am now at 10 stone 2lb.  I was 17 stone 7lbs.  I am MUCH slimmer.  I look TOTALLY different.  I cannot eat NEARLY the food I once ate.  I am just getting to the stage where I can eat small portions of ANYTHING.  I can now, also, drink a pint over a one hour period.  

      I cannot, however, eat a meal without feeling STUFFED.  Imagine you’ve eaten so much you feel like bursting, I mean Really bursting.  That’s how you feel when you’ve eaten a really tiny meal.

      I am starting to get hungry.  It’s not the same as before by any stretch, but I get a slight feeling of acid in my tummy which reminds me it’s time to eat.  However, I can get rid of that feeling by drinking a glass of water.  

      I had a problem with hair loss (read backwards in my threads) but this appears to have stopped.  Thankfully!

      I’ve gone from being the fat guy to being the skinny guy.  People STILL do not recognise me in casual passing.  I moved house a few weeks ago, and my new neighbours do not know the fat me, but only that I’m really slim.  

      I still feels untrue.

      If you are considering an overseas bariatric surgery please look back at my posts as I’ve tried to help people with my experience.  

      If you have any questions that cannot be answered in my two threads, Personal Message me on this site.  I’ve spoken with a number of people who’ve had the same op as me, andit’s been great to hear how well they’re doing.  

      ​Davey. 

    • stacey73176
      stacey73176 DaveyE

      Posted

      Hiya Dave I've been following you and think you've done incredibly well!

      I've been seen by my endocrinologist and I am currently working with my dietitian so I can get the sleeve. I am also lucky enough to be able to get my gallbladder removed at the same time, so only 1 op instead of 2.

      I saw the surgeon who told me it'll be around a year from appointment to op so hopefully I'll get a date in the new year for around may time!

      I really can't wait.

      Thankyou for sharing your experience as it's been really helpful x

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