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 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 and offer support if I can, I've got 4 n half to five stone to loose
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?
hg I'm going to the dalton under mr li 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
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 lovely to have someone I can share the experience with, I think it's gonna help xx
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
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
well it's here the night before my op my husband and I are travelling down to Birmingham in the morning, still can't believe it's real!? I'm finally going to get my band!!! I'm now having loads of regrets and still anxious but it's changing, I'm starting to feel some excitement and anticipation regarding the journey I'm about to take
how did others feel? Guess I'm normal x
ill hopefully chat in morn before I go to theatre x
Good Luck Shelly x I drove down the night before and stayed in a local B&B went on my own. Was so nervous. Drove the next day about half a mile to the hospital and my Hubby got the train down the following day to pick me up and drive me home. (I stayed a night for them to monitor my diabetes) I was so nervous going in. But once you check in answer questions to the nurse then a visit by the anethetist and a visit by Dr Super who puts you right at ease. Im sure you will be OK x Its normal to be nervous but just think this is the start of the new you!
You will be fine! You would be abnormal of you weren't petrified!
I was the same, I almost bottled out when I was lying on the table in theatres waiting for anaesthetic to kick in, quite a few people said they had to actually walk in and lie on the operating table, I wish I had been prepared for this, which is why I'm letting you know!
It's such a relief when you wake up the other side though!
Nerves are completely normal but just think of the long term you!
lovely to have someone I can share the experience with, I think it's gonna help xx