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

Gastric Band - Operation Buddies Required!

Posted , 14 users are following.

rebecca2015
rebecca2015

Hi All

Today I had my consultation for a Gastric Band operation, having struggled with my weight since childhood.

I have around 10 stone to lose, although have been told it's likely the band will only assist me with 6 stone (being 50% of my excess weight)

I am obviously nervous about the op, and have been given a provisional date for mid February for my operation. I wondered if anyone could shed some light on their weight loss journey, and what I should expect.

Secondly, will anyone be having surgery around the same time as me that would like a Band Buddy for support? I'd love someone to share experiences with.

I look forward to hearing from you xx Becky xx

1 like, 61 replies

61 Replies

Next
  • shelley12077
    shelley12077 rebecca2015

    Posted

    Hi

    i go on Monday for mine I am a total wreck to be honest having major regrets and anxieties but like you Rebecca I've always been overweight and yo yo dieted for years n now for health reasons enough is enough. I'm also looking for support and am happy to share with you my journey smile and offer support if I can, I've got 4 n half to five stone to loose 

     

    • rebecca2015
      rebecca2015 shelley12077

      Posted

      Hi Shelley 

      Oh wow, so not long for you then? 

      Who are you having your op with? I had my consultation yesterday and the consultant was very honest with me about success rates and working with the band etc, made me feel a little unsure about the op and money side of things tbh, but still prepared to give it a shot - for me it's about changing my mentality towards food and iv heard the band will do just that! 

      Are you currently on your pre op diet? How's it going?

      Becky x

    • shelley12077
      shelley12077 rebecca2015

      Posted

      Hi

      hg I'm going to the dalton under mr li rolleyes he was exactly the same with me and told me to consider the sleeve due to problems but that seemed far too final and a lot dearer lol I've had friends who have been banded n yea they have had ups n downs but in general look n feel great n all have no regrets, I've read all the horror stories n accept it's going to be hard but then a life time of dieting n starving is also scary x least with the band it will help challenge my thoughts n feelings towards food and diet, yep on pre op but doing low fat low carb mainly shakes n no alcohol which is killing me lol that's probably my biggest fear not being able to drink alcohol smile

    • rebecca2015
      rebecca2015 shelley12077

      Posted

      Haha, I was the same. My thoughts were that they are likely to up sell the sleeve as it's 3k dearer! I have done the exact same thing, have probably read every article on Google about the band and know it's not going to be an easy ride by any means, but like you also know people who have had it and they look amazing and dropped way more than the 50% excess weight they tell you to expect. 

      How are you finding the pre op diet, my consultant told me to stick to slim fast for 2 weeks as you get the best results for shrinkage. I think its gonna be a good way to ease myself into the post op diet also!

      I'm very jealous you are going in next week, your new you journey begins real soon smile lovely to have someone I can share the experience with, I think it's gonna help xx

    • shelley12077
      shelley12077 rebecca2015

      Posted

      Ditto smile

      who r you going with ? I was told a week on the pre op by dietician but consultant said 3 to 5 days so I've done over a week as a compromise lol

      im sure we will be fine ( I bloody hope!) xx

    • rebecca2015
      rebecca2015 shelley12077

      Posted

      I am going with WLS Kent at Benenden Hospital - it's part of BMI Healthcare.

      Oh that's ok then, lucky you I have 2 weeks to endure haha! 

      New Year, New Me - although I have to wait ages for mine yet, iv got a provisional date for mid February xx

    • shelley12077
      shelley12077 rebecca2015

      Posted

      It will soon come round biggrin)

      keep in touch x I'll let you know Monday how it is x

    • rebecca2015
      rebecca2015 shelley12077

      Posted

      Oh please do - best of luck lovely! You will be on your way to that goal before you know it xx
    • Rebecca02
      Rebecca02 rebecca2015

      Posted

      Hi Ladies!

      Well done in making the first step to changing your lives!

      I had my gastric band fitted on the 24th October this year! I honestly don't regret it at all!

      I had/have about 10 stone to lose, I've lost over 2 so far, gradual but in the right direction!!

      I also had to do a pre op diet, mine was a milk only diet for 2 weeks before, because I knew it's importance I stuck to it 100% which was so hard! 

      My only option was the band as my surgeon said I was too young (23) for more permanent solutions, but I'm so glad I went for the band! 

      If I can answer any questions then do feel free to ask and il try and help if I can! 

    • rebecca2015
      rebecca2015 Rebecca02

      Posted

      Hi Rebecca

      Oh wow, so your all banded and losing as we speak! Well done you!

      Have you had any fills yet? I'm so curious with it all! 

      Xx

    • Rebecca02
      Rebecca02 rebecca2015

      Posted

      Yes banded and happy!!

      Had 2 fills so far! Have them every 4 weeks!

      Getting used to them now, just takes adapting after each time as you can feel the restriction slightly more every time! 

      Can tell you more about what you want to know, just fire away!

      X

    • shelley12077
      shelley12077 Rebecca02

      Posted

      Aw thanks ladies this is really helpful x giving me the boost I need xsmile oh happy new year to you x
    • Rebecca02
      Rebecca02 shelley12077

      Posted

      Thanks and to you :-)

      2015 - the year I will actually stick to my New Years resolution and lose weight! Hooooooray!!

      Xx

  • jebo2106
    jebo2106 rebecca2015

    Posted

    Good Luck with your Op.  Im sure you will find someone here who will be your band buddy.  I had my Op the 20th November and so far have lost a Stone and a Half.  The Op is the easy bit!  Afterwards is when it takes time to recover take the pain killers even if you dont think you need them, and get the windeze in to help with the trapped wind you get after your op for a few weeks.  Dont know why it aims for your left shoulder - but it does!  but you also stick to soups and yoghurts etc when you start to want to eat again ( first couple of days I didnt feel like eating) so is especially good to start your weight loss journey as the weight will fall off!  Once you are back on solids is when the hard work will begin and you need self control to try and keep yourself in check.  

    There will always be lots of people here who will be able to help you with any questions so dont be shy! And Good Luck! x 

    • Rebecca02
      Rebecca02 jebo2106

      Posted

      I agree with jenni! Windeze on standby as the trapped wind in chest/shoulder is more painful than the operation itself! Also I would get benefibre supplement to keep you regular! It's just a tasteless powder that you add to your drinks!

      How are you doing jenni? How much have you lost so far? Xx

    • jebo2106
      jebo2106 Rebecca02

      Posted

      just over a stone and a half - stopped over christmas but hoping to start losing again this week and get back on track

      x 

       

Back to top
Next

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.