1. Community
  2. Health promotion
  3. Weight Loss - Intentional

GASTRIC BAND

Posted , 30 users are following.

leanne08738
leanne08738

Hi all,

Im 4.5 stone over weight and im looking into getting a gastric band,

i may sound drastic but i have tried eveything and i cant seem to get anywhere, all i think about is food and weight it takes over my life and i have had enough,

Anyone on here had a gastric band and how has it changed things for you? are you happy you did it or do you regret it?

Thanks

2 likes, 300 replies

300 Replies

Prev
  • sarah24466
    sarah24466 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi

    Jus wanted some advice please

    Im 31 n have struggled with my weight the last 6 yrs more since i had my 2 children ive tried diet and exercise and it works short term but i dont seem to see great results i want to lose 3 stone and ive heard people with a low bmi lose weight alot slower than people with a higher bmi?i

    I know some people will say thats not much weight to lose but i have really struggled to shift the weight since having my children n my weight gets me so down i cant wear what i want i hate going to socail events because of my weight its jus so depressing, so i recently looked into getting a gastric band ive booked a consultation with the hospital group im not worried about the surgery its some of the stories im reading online about after the surgery things like productive burping which is like vomiting but alot more painful and also people eat with baby cutlery or even cant eat any solid foods etc and some people havent even lost weight with the gastric band

    I just wanted to know what its like after you have the lapband as i have 2 small children and i wouldnt want anything to affect me being a mum if that makes sense as in no energy etc which is what ive read online

    The reason i looked into a lapband is because i want to lose the weight and keep it off which i really struggle so want a longterm sokutiin rather than a short term solution

    If any one has been banded for a while coukd you please share your experiences as now im in 2 minds of getting banded

    Thanks

    Sarah

  • salma73394
    salma73394 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi if you want the GB its totally up to you. im 2st overweight had the gastric band last April, and ive lost 1st without exercising or eating right. What the GB does is reduce your intake, and cuts out over eating on junky foods (if you this then you will vomit). I rather lose weight slowly to prevent saggy skin which will occur even though im not that big and skin removal surgery cost alot.

    I have spent £7000 on the GB in Spire which is a private clinic, i had a 1 incision procedure which goes through the belly button (which is unoticable) as i have a belly button there now smile

    goodluck!

     

  • jo06561
    jo06561 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi Leanne, I've had my first consultation.  I'm going to go for it GB.  Can I ask how much you needed to lose, how has it affected your life? do you still go out for meals and drinks etc?

    I'm going private and have been informed I will have 5 incisions.

    Jo

    • Rebecca02
      Rebecca02 jo06561

      Posted

      Hi Jo!

      I had my band fitted last October and have lost just over 5 stone so far, I have 5 incisions so I think that is quite usual!

      I can still go out for meals and drinks, you just can't have as much food obviously but I manage to find something on every menu!

      Xx

  • jo06561
    jo06561 leanne08738

    Posted

    Brilliant, thanks for your response.  Really helpful.  :-) 
  • Balfin
    Balfin leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi, I’m brand new to this site and have been following this thread – which has been VERY useful – I wanted to say thanks to all for the info and helpful advice within.

    I am at the start of this journey –made the decision to have bariatric surgery about a month ago and since then have been speaking to the National Obesity Surgery Centre – they have been very helpful and I had more-or-less settled on a gastric band. I’m fit and healthy – just very over weight – about 20stone and BMI of 41.

    Yesterday I had my first consultation with a surgeon and sadly it was very disappointing. His first question was ‘why a band and not a sleeve’. Then followed a power point presentation about why obesity is a worldwide problem (errr – thanks I kinda know all that already!!) and a helpful run through the band surgery and the sleeve surgery – with some rather gory – but interesting videos of his work.

    The surgeon is a sleeve evangelist and was very negative about the band. He explained that it is has a 40% success rate compared to 89% with the sleeve (this doesn’t really feel correct) and that there are lifelong complications with the band. He also said the NHS do not offer the band due to the low success rate.

    At the end of one hour – he quickly ended the meeting – saying he was needed in surgery – leaving me no time to ask questions. I am left in a total state of confusion.

    Is the sleeve a better option for me? I had discounted the sleeve previously because I feel it is so much more extreme and invasive. I have a little girl, so risk is a very big factor for me (as I’m sure it is for many on here). Will I fail with the band and/or have lots of complications – or have I just had a rather one-sided, biased consultation for a surgeon who has made up his mind that bands are not a good option?

    I haven’t spoken to the Obseity Centre councillor yet, but though I would ask a few questions on here first.

    I can see this is a thread is about the band – but did anyone else face a similar dilemma – Band or Sleeve? Has anyone had a band, but wishes they had a sleeve?  Also- how did my first consultation compare to your meetings with doctors – I thought I would be coming out of that better informed and with the next stage of my plan – instead I am more confused than ever and somewhat disheartened. Although I do of course feel that I need to consider all my options carefully before a final decision.

    Many thanks again for all the contributions here - which have helped me a lot up to this point - I d be very grateful of any advise that anyone can offer. 

    Thanks

    • kristy23766
      kristy23766 Balfin

      Posted

      My GP recommend me the band because I haven't had children yet. I went private looked around and read reviews. My visit went really well and they encourage me to have the band. They spoke about the sleeve but advise band would be better and didn't force me. Be carful because the band the cheapest and may wanted you to go for the sleeve as it's more expensive. The band is reversible. I can alway have the sleeve if the band does not work. I know you have to put a lot in for the band to work.

      Don't let it out you off!

      Did you decided what you're having?

      X

  • leen75
    leen75 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi all, this is all very interesting. Im due to have my GB in Belgium (fills will be done in the uk) middle of October.

    Rebbecca and KB1975 how are you both doing? How much weight have you lost? I am so excited.....xx

  • kristy23766
    kristy23766 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi Leanne, this has really helped me. I'm hahaving my op in Saturday 8th Aug. I'm so excited scared never been in hospital and never been put to sleep. never really suffers from pain. Just nervous about the after op and the pain.

    Any advise would be great!

    Thanks

    Kristy x

  • Hannah2593
    Hannah2593 leanne08738

    Posted

    Hi, I recently found your discussion and I have read every single post! I am currently on my NHS path to a gastric band. I am both very excited for my new chapter and nervous! I'm 22 and very overweight (4ft 10" and 17St). I came to this option after diets that would work short term, a rare thyroid condition and being very depressed over my weight and both my doctor, my family and myself want me to not only enjoy life but due to servere depression to actually live and not take my life. Yet as the time comes closer I feel more nervous. How are you guys coping after living with the band long term? Thank you for your friendly group! X
    • kristy23766
      kristy23766 Hannah2593

      Posted

      Hi Hannah, I had my done honestly can say I made the best decision. I had it done in Aug and lost just 4 stone but I have been going gym. I've had no problem what's so ever after the op didn't find it painful more uncomfortable such us laying down or getting up or down. I did get the pain in the left shoulder but I drunk lots of mint tea and they gave me Codamaol. Which I didn't really take as I weren't in much pain. I've had my band adjust once. I do find it hard to eat bread, rice, some meats like pork, beef. As it's hard to go through the band. It not easy and took me ages to adjust eating slower and chewing my food. It does work and just make sure you follow everything the say. Any question please ask. All the best xxx
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.