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

Gastric band decision.

Posted , 5 users are following.

kerry34330
kerry34330

Hi, I am new to this forum.  Been thinking about a gastric band for a few years due to getting nearly 40 and really struggling with all the diets on the market and pills.  I broke my elbow last year in 3 places and that didn't help either.  I am struggling and have been yo yo dieting for a few years with no real success, now my health in many ways is detoriating joint problems etc.  I am going for my consultation soon and if I do decide to go ahead just wanted to hear from anyone with the pro's and con's/successes, I have about 5-6 stone to lose, I guess its looking at my risks now against the op etc.  I also wanted to see if anyone wanted a support buddy as I think that would really help me on my journey.

Thanks for any useful information would be greatly received.

K x

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • jebo2106
    jebo2106 kerry34330

    Posted

    Hi Kerry, I had my band done a year last November.  I had just turned 50 and thought enough is ennough/  I wanted my life back!  and wish I had done it when I was 40 x 

    Its hard going and a lot of determination - its not an easy fix.  But if you work with the band it will be your friend.  I have lost just over 4 and a half stone.  I have since christmas put half a stone back on so to get to my goal weight and size 10/12 i still need another stone off.  Christmas and easy slider food (chocolate) are my downfall - but not the bands fault.

    Look carefully at the band and sleeve to find out which will be best for you/  I know a few people have gone straight to the sleeve.

    Good Luck with your journey Im sure you will make the right choice and remember its the start of the new you! x

     

    • kerry34330
      kerry34330 jebo2106

      Posted

      Hi

      Thank you very much for your reply and well done on your

      amazing weight loss thats fab. That's where I need to be too. I am so

      Determined as hoping to get married mid next year so have a

      goal to work towards x

      I am a trainer so I drive to customers, I know everyone's different

      however, how long will it take me to recover roughly please?

      It feels good to speak to someone else who's already had the

      op. I know there are some risks but I think I have more health risks

      now Really.

      Thank you x

    • jebo2106
      jebo2106 kerry34330

      Posted

      I stayed in overnight after my Op - due to diabetes for them to monitor.  Once home it was 10 days before I went back to work (office work) If you can take 2 weeks off work that should be ample x 
    • jebo2106
      jebo2106 kerry34330

      Posted

      theres also a couple of Gastric band facebook pages (all private and no one else of facebook can see you)  These groups are very helpful and a mind of information. x 
    • kerry34330
      kerry34330 jebo2106

      Posted

      Hi,

      Thank you for the information about how much time off required etc that's not too bad.  When I broke my elbow I was off for 2 months as I couldn't drive either so that's not bad at all on comparison.

      Thank you too for the information around the facebook pages too.

      K x

  • Benfield
    Benfield kerry34330

    Posted

    Hi Kerry, my name is Ben I have heard a gastric band is quite invasive and once fitted the hunger pangs still remain the same, so will power still required. Also once removed if your mind set is not there you can go back to issues. I was nearly 19 stone at 40 years old. I had to do something about it so after finding fitness pal I started. Also I did not realise that the years of being overweight was also due to me never feeling full. I mean other people could eat a small breakfast and feel full whilst I would look at my seriously full English and think at least I've got a roast later. Anyway I gave up the ciggies started the fitness pal zig zag and tried a walk in and around town (Brighton) 3 times a week and only alcohol once a month. A year later I made 11 stone. Now after this amount of time I have conquered the never feeling full but the reality is I still mix my life with a bit of exercise and watch calories. You do feel good for the exercise too. Whatever you decide you still must accept that you must strengthen your mind.

    • kerry34330
      kerry34330 Benfield

      Posted

      Hi Ben,

      Thank you for your e-mail and well done on your amazing weight loss too, that's great in a year.    Thank you for the advice I will have a look at fitness pal that sounds very interesting.

      Kerry

       

    • Chivey
      Chivey kerry34330

      Posted

      Hi Kerry,

      After years of issues with my weight I've decided the gastric band is for me.

      My surgery is on the 7th April.

      I would love a buddy so feel free to keep in touch x x

    • kerry34330
      kerry34330 Chivey

      Posted

      Hi,

      Thank you for your message.  That would be great to have a buddy, I have my consultation on the 30th March.  Good luck with the op on the 7th April.  Are you on a liquid diet? I read something about that before the op. 

      Keep in touch as I would love to find out how it all goes for you.

      Speak soon xx

  • lisa-1969
    lisa-1969 kerry34330

    Posted

    Hi Kerry im new to this forum, i dont want to be the downer regarding gastric banding but i'll tell you my story, i had a band done privately in july 2008 i lost 5 stone by the time mine had to be removed in an emergency operation in nov 2011  ias it had slipped, i wasnt able to even tolerate water at the point of removal, i never seemed to find the (sweet spot) as some ppl call it, my band was either too tight, or too loose, i suffered with terrible acid reflux and was on nearly every med going for it, i had to sleep sitting up because the acid would errupt from my mouth causing recurring chest infections from inhaling stomach acid, i had it removed on the nhs and have since been referr d for bariatric surgery on the nhs....i researched everything before i chose banding, i did everything by the book, i had a 10ml band and never ever had more than 5 mls in mine as it just didnt agree with me and i would have to have an emergency defill within 24 hours, i know there are thousands upon thousands of successful banding stories out there, but i just have to share the other side to banding...good luck with what ever you choose. Lisa x
Back to top

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.