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Gastric band procedure coming up! Want to hear your stories

Posted , 8 users are following.

gastricity
gastricity

Hi everyone. I am going in for my procedure on 1st April. I'm starting my pre op diet in 2 days. I'm really very excited and also nervous about it all.

I'm worried about how quick I'll recover. What the pain will be like. What I will actually be able to eat immediately and coming months post surgery. I haven't been able to tell my family or friends as they don't agree with weight loss surgery so I'm feeling pretty anxious about going through this alone.

I've read a lot about people vomiting after the procedure and I'm also wanting to know roughly how much I can expect to lose in the next 3 months... 6 months.... 12 months etc....

Can I get your stories guys? Any tips or advise?

0 likes, 19 replies

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  • Serendipity2015
    Serendipity2015 gastricity

    Posted

    Hi I have my gastric band op on March 25th. 1 wk into pre op diet! Lost about 4lbs so far - yippeeee!! What's ur diet, seems to be different ones that people are doing, mine is low fat, moderate in protein, 100g carbs per day!! Basically lots of veggies and salads, small portions of meat and carbs. I could kill for a nice meal or bar of chocolate but I'm determined not to cheat !!!

    ive told my close family and a few close friends who have been really supportive but am anxious of telling a few too as not sure what they're reaction will be. Have u got a close friend u can confide in for support?? How will you explain ur hospital admission to ur family?? 

    Ive found this website helpful, good to know the good and bad that some have experienced.

      

    • gastricity
      gastricity Serendipity2015

      Posted

      Hi. Your a week before me! How exciting! Do you mind be asking what your bmi is? Mine is 40.7. Which sounds awful but I don't think I show it too bad. My gp was shocked when he weighed me and told me I didn't look it, same with my bariatric surgeon (he made me get off the scale and back on again!). Haha. But i certainly feel it, in terms of my health.

      4lb weight loss is massive! Well done!! smile my pre op diet is basically no more than 1000 calories per day for 2 weeks. I'm pretty free to use those calories as I see fit, they did recommend 2 weight watchers meals per day (300 calories each).This is convenient for me. Well done for not cheating! I'll be joining you in 1 more day. It's good to know you'll be going through this with me (albeit 1 week ahead of schedule). I'm doing mine in Leicester, but the clinic is based in London (where I live). Where are you having yours?

      Your lucky you have people in your life who you know will understand. I don't really, I've now told 2 friends, who I think are happy for me but still think I don't need to do something so drastic. I'm only staying in for 1 night so can get away with keeping it from them, I live alone. How long will you be in for?

  • Iamgreg
    Iamgreg gastricity

    Posted

    Hi, I'm having mine done on Thurs 19th March can't wait, I have been following a 2 week prep op milk diet, yoghurt and slim fast shakes, I've lost 20lb so far and ive not even had the op yet ! I'm having my procedure done at Dolan park in bromsgrove
  • Iamgreg
    Iamgreg gastricity

    Posted

    Ps,   I haven't told anyone that I am having it done, although I have told them I am dieting so that they understand why I'm losing weight
    • gastricity
      gastricity Iamgreg

      Posted

      Oh wow! Only a few days left to go for you! 20lbs is astonishing! My gosh! Well done! You must feel so proud...

      Yes I've told people I'm dieting as well... I'm not sure what to expect in terms of the rate of weight loss.

      Keep us posted on your progress and how your feeling. It really is reassuring to hear your experiences, makes me feel less isolated with it all smile

  • Iamgreg
    Iamgreg gastricity

    Posted

    Hi, I will keep you posted,live from my sick bed, I don't know what time it will be done yet, expecting a call today or tomorrow, my bmi was 40.5%,  just shows how much I eat for me to lose so much, I can lose weight really easy but keeping it off, no chance, I am excited, but I know it will be hard work I understand all that,  30 % band, 70% determination and it could be a couple of months before the band works due to the adjustments, I'm happy that im on this journey and it's not a sprint race for me I will make it to the finish line, but I don't know when xx
    • gastricity
      gastricity Iamgreg

      Posted

      You have a really great attitude towards this. I'm excited for you, you've lost so much already! I'm wishing you the best of luck now just in case we don't speak prior to your op! xx
  • joanna75773
    joanna75773 gastricity

    Posted

    I had my band fitted in January 13th, so I'm just over 2 months post operation. I've lost 2 stone so far on the fist few weeks pre and post op diet and have had my first band fill last month and due my second next week. The first few days post op can be a little sore. I took 2 weeks off work and glad I did. I'm eating normally now. Have some windeeze with you post Op as you'll need it for the trapped wind that makes your shoulder ache. The hospital should give you pain killers to go home with. When you in regular food, eat small prices and chew it lots, if you dont, you'll know about it ....it's called "dumping".

    All is fine and I've had no problems. Good luck in your journey 😊😊😊😊

    • gastricity
      gastricity joanna75773

      Posted

      Hi Joanna. Thanks so much for the advise and sharing your story with me. I'm expecting some discomfort and I have added windeeze to my grocery delivery. I'll make sure I chew really well. Whatever dumping is it don't sound too great, not sure I want to experience it!

      It's reassuring to hear you've lost so much and not had any problems. xx

  • dianne91970
    dianne91970 gastricity

    Posted

    Hello, I had a sleeve (80% of the stomach is removed) 4 years ago. Pre op diet was weight watchers soup and yoghurt for two weeks before the procedure to shrink the liver. I didn't think I could do but I did. I was 26 stone and lost 6 over a year then put one back on and have stuck there ever since. Post op pain was negligible but do take your painkillers. Liquids only for a while then mush then gradually gettingback to normal but tiny portions. Ear slowly and chew thoroughly. Although I am still huge by some standards it is the best thing I did for myself. My family were not at all supportive but now realise what a positive impact the surgery has had. Good luck and do keep in touch.
    • gastricity
      gastricity dianne91970

      Posted

      Hi Dianne, thanks for your message. It's interesting to get your perspective, especially as you've had a more permanent procedure. I'm really pleased to hear that you are happy with your decision. 6 stones is sooooo much and you must feel so much better after losing that amount!

      I will definitely keep you guys posted on my progress. Pre op diet starts in the morning for me. 14 days to go and counting xx

  • alan46279
    alan46279 gastricity

    Posted

    You will only be able to eat small amounts after your surgery. You may expect to vomit a lot, this is because your body has a foreign object in it and is trying to reject it. Your consultant or dietician should give you helpful advice.
    • gastricity
      gastricity alan46279

      Posted

      Hi Alan. I'm not happy about the vomiting bit. I really don't like the idea of vomiting and I'm worried about the damage it could cause to the band and my stomach. Let's hope I get lots of advice. Thanks for your input smile
  • Serendipity2015
    Serendipity2015 gastricity

    Posted

    Hi my bmi is 41! But will be goin dowwnnnnn !! My surgery is in central London, on the Nhs. They told me (providing all goes well) it's day surgery so goin home the same day. Had to arrange for someone to be with me to take me home and stay overnight (part of the conditions from hosp!) so mum coming to stay as I also live alone. Really hopin I don't stay overnight!!

    Good luck with your diet, sounds better than mine!! Am bit disappointed with just 4lb loss so far considering I've cut ALL the crap from my diet, 1wk without chocolate is a miracle ! But shear determination to stick to this so the surgeons don't freak!! Haha

    Keep in touch, good to hear from others at the same stage as me

    • gastricity
      gastricity Serendipity2015

      Posted

      Hiya again. We are not too far off from each other in terms of our bmi. Your so lucky you got funding for yours on the nhs. My gp wouldn't even refer me! So I'm paying privately! sad I'm having a chauffeur collect and drop me off as the hospital is over 2 hours away! Not looking forward to the drive home! I'm sure the surgeons won't freak and will easily move that liver of yours out the way! smile

      I start my pre op diet in the morning and to be honest I'm not expecting to lose any weight eating 1000 calories a day! I often eat around that amount and have been dieting most my life.... let's see how it goes. I hope I do. I'm counting down the days now and can't seem to think about anything else!

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