jo_jo

I understand you can get it done in Belgium for a bout $ 8000 us ( sorry I do nt know equivenent English pounds or euros)

This post is quite old now but I did go on to have my surgery about 21 months ago by Dr chris in Belgium and not the company recommended by ms law.

It cost me roughly $5685 if google converter is correct

Sorry this was posted by mistake, I can't delete on my phone so will remove shorty

Please see post below

Hi pixie_lilly, I was never asked where I wanted mine, it was just put on my left side below my ribs. But I know that some people have it on there chest between just under the cleavage area but I don't know of anyone having it there that's been to dr Chris

Thanks wannabeslinky and biggerthanaturkey, ive booked a fill for next week so hopfully ill get one.

And i agree, we need some men!

Hi everyone, hope you are all ok, everyone has been so quiet lately.

Was just wondering if anyone help me out, is it right that you can not get a fill after 12 months post op untill you have an x-ray?

I really need a fill but cant really afford to have both done at the moment.

Hi everyone, looking for some advice, was banded June last year and had my second fill in November and haven't had one since.

The past few days I keep getting what can only be described as a stitch at my port site but tonight it's really hurting, like a stabbing pain. Im not sure if its actually my port tonight tho because when i press on it it doesnt hurt, it feels a bit higher up under my rib. Does anyone know what this could be?

The only other pain I ever get is shoulder pain when I'm hungry

Hello!

Been 3 months tomorrow since i last heard from you hope your ok x

Hi mini,

I never heard anything back after payment and started to get a little worried so sent them an email and they got back to me within a couple of days to confirm that everything went through fine :-D

Good luck x

Thank you Tee and Slinky You've all been so supportive and allowed me to make the decision that I probably knew the answer to already.

Just to let you know that I have booked in for 29th March at Dolan Park (although I've been offered 22nd March which I'm still debating. I really didn't fancy the thought of being uncomfortable in a hotel room. I'm a big lover of my own bed when not 100%. Plus I've heard and read that you need to keep moving for your circulation, and I fortunately have plenty of nice parks where I live - so home op it was!

I'm going to get started on the pre-op diet today. Any suggestions to add a bit of variety?

Good luck with your decision, I've heard a lot of bad things about Dolan park and also The WLS Group, they both have really bad reviews on another site, an English one.

Anyway let us know how you get on :-)

So its been nearly 2 months since i last heard from you. I hope your ok.

I expect you met your target weight now and buffer than ever

Ive lost 5 stone now, i still cant see it but my trousers keep falling down so the scales cant be lying lol they are the same ones i had before my band and i was busting out of them really need to get some new ones. Keep putting if off tho, i keep thinking that im gonna go to the shop and i will have to buy a bigger size because ive just streched them or something, silly i know. Oh sod it, when i get paid on friday im going to do it! You've convinced me and you dont even know it

Anyway i know your probably really busy but it would be nice to hear how your getting on now xx

Hi

I'm new to this forum so not sure if I'm doing this right... please re-direct if necessary.

I've been considering (and researching) a band for two years now on and off, always being put off by what could go wrong and not having the money. I'm now able to afford the surgery, but I keep going through bouts of being on the edge of booking a consultation, then thinking I must be mad to actually put myself through this procedure and worry about the future with a band.

I'm 28 and have a few illnesses which are all related to my weight including severe clinical depression, PCOS, asthma, eczema and intracranial hypertension (pressure on the brain). Every time I see either my GP or neurologists, they "remind" me that I need to lose weight.

I've been overweight since I was around 10 years old, so that's nearly two thirds of my life which I find so sad. I'm even too scared to look at how much I weigh as it gets me into really low moods for weeks at a time.

I've tried appetite suppressants, Xenical and Metformin with no real success. Also been to see a dietician a few times which to me isn't very helpful as I'm a vegetarian and don't tend to eat conventionally "fatty" foods.

New years eve was particularly hard for me as I tend to assess where I am in life, and to be honest 2011 was a really crap year, particularly as I had split with my partner of six years because I couldn't stand him touching me the way I am.

I really want to lose this weight for myself. My ideal situation is allowing friends and family to take a single picture of me! The last picture of me was from when I was in school!!

I'm sorry that I'm rambling and probably giving too much information! I guess I'd just like to know if anyone else went through these same doubts or personal problems that I have?

Thanks

S

OMG i just wanted to say this could have been me that wrote this! I also have severe clinical depression, PCOS, asthma, eczema.

The only difference between me and you is, im 26 and i dont have intracranial hypertension... as far as i know lol

I was diagnosed with PCOS when i was around 15, at a family planning clinic. I kept going to get pregnancy tests because my periods had stopped, where before they had been very long and heavy. They did my bloods and it was confirmed. I never really knew what it was and never thought about it and any implications it would have on my life untill i started trying for children. (18 ) I started to research it and then everthing started fitting in to place. It explained the sudden weight gain in my teens, the erratic periods and the severe depression and mood swings. I went to my doctor and they just told me to go on the pill. Obviously i didnt take it because i was trying for a baby, and now im glad i didnt, ive read many things about the pill actually making PCOS worse.

So since then i have been trying to reduce my weight, only managing a slight decrease and then it piles back in plus some and the facial hair is worse than ever. The doctors just kept sending me away with stronger and stronger anti depresants and ive tried just about every slimming pill and diet.

So this time last year i was 25 stone and enough was enough. I started my research about surgery. I already knew that i wouldnt qualify for NHS funding and i wouldnt be able to afford it in this country so i started googling different places abroad. I read very good reviews about DR Chris, so started doing more research about him and i never ever came across a bad review about him. My mind was made up. I sent Fredrick an email and booked in for June, giving me enough time to save.

20th June i flew out and had the op on 21st and it was honestly the best thing ive ever done (mind you i dont think that while im hugging the porcelain ) The hospital puts ours thoughly to shame, everyone was so nice and it was so clean.

I had my first fill in london in September 3ml and my second fill in wales in October 2ml. I dont think ive found my sweet spot yet but i dont want to rush to total restriction as many have done because i still like to enjoy my food but i have gained control. But due to the PCOS i need a little extra help so im doing slimming world as well since the begining of this year. Its coming off and staying off, i dont get hungry beween meals and i am satisfied with what im eating.

I lost 3 and 1/2 stone in 6 months just with the band and i have lost 1 and 1/2 stone with slimming world. Im sure i will need another small fill soon, as the fat comes off from my internal organs the band will loosen. But at the moment im happy as i am. I lost 5lb this week

Good luck on your journey but please remember that the band is a tool to help you its not a cure, you still have to work very hard and its definatly not a quick fix

Jo x

I've met Bart he's lovely, yes he works for Dr Chris, I met him the first night over in Belgium, he came to the hotel and explained everything and took the money. He was also in the oporating room and he was the last face I saw before I drifted off to sleep, he lent over me and said "your going to sleep now, sweet dreams" :-D x

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone knows the address of the Cardiff clinic?

Went on the website to book an appointment in Newport but it says its in Cardiff now so guessing its moved and the addresses are not on there any more xx

Just thought id let you know, i have been to London and Cardiff for a fill because they are both about the same distance from my house. London is £80 and Cardiff was £100 They said something about it costs them more to travel to any where other than London so thats why its more expensive.

Hope this helps x

LOL Cheeky x

I do know what you mean tho, i would love to put a before and after pic up and be proud of my achevments. I got my self in a right state before i had the op, i was over 25stone, discusting It would be nice to feel womanly and feel attractive again.

My profile pic is a few years old now, that was taken before i got with my hubby. Ive put all the weight on since we got married. 6 stone just in the first year. I wasnt happy, shouldnt have got married and the more depressed i got the more i found comfort in food. It didnt help that i worked in Costa coffee, all them Latte's and chcolate muffins on hand didnt do my figure any good LOL and every time i tried to diet hubby would come in with kababs, chinese ect and eat it in front of me, no wonder i gave in so easy.

So anyway, today is weigh in day after my first week at Slimming Slimming world, got a few hours yet tho, Im so excited to find out how ive done. im hoping for around 5 pound, will be happy anywhere between 4 and 6 or more of cource

Im sorry to hear about your experience before xmas, its good that she saw you so quick and in her own how as well. How come you didnt just go to your local hospital, they have an obligation to look after you, although they might have done a total defill and that wouldnt have been good.

Did you find out about the change of location for the fills? Cardiffs good for me anyway because i can get return train tickets for a fiver just abit annoying that i know where the newport office is now and i will probably get lost looking for this new place. Unless i get a personal escort of course

I was given a paracetamol drip and injection in my bum when I woke up and that was all I needed, they check on you all the time to see if you would like more. When they discharge you they give you a bag with co-codamol, anti-sickness and cleaning Fluid for the op cuts. I also bought some dissolvable co-codamol and some chewy windeze type things when I got home over the counter at the chemist but never really needed them, the only time I ever got gas pain in my shoulder was about 4 days post op I decided to play Just Dance on the wii I just took a couple co-codamol and it was gone Good Luck!

Hey hunny,

How you getting on now? Your doing so well!

Im thinking of getting my 3rd fill now xmas is over, i currently have 5ml and it still isnt making a big difference.

Actualy, it has made a difference, but only if i eat fast. If i take my time and chew chew chew like they tell you to, i can get a large plate of anything down. Not sure if im wanting the band to preform miricles or something. I seem to have lost all enthusiasm with the band, i forget its even there most of the time. I drank coke with my vodka at New Years, ooops!

So anyway im joinging Slimming world tomorrow, im hoping it will keep me on track and i can use my band as a tool like its suposed to be, instead of relying on it.

Do you know whats going on with regards to fills? I was looking on the booking site and its saying there is no appointments in Newport but Cardiff's on there now with appointments at the end of the month. So im thinking maybe the office has moved or something but there isnt an address on there like there used to be, the website has had a make over.

Jo x

I would just stick with what chris recommends the low fat diet, I guess low fat milk would be ok but you are meant to be reducing the price of your liver by going low fat before the operation. do you know why they are drinking the milk??

Ive seen a lot of people on this diet, its what most clinics recomend as a pre op diet even in UK

Its just 3 pints of semi skimmed milk and 2 low fat yogurts a day plus a multi vit.

I found this link that may explain better..

http://www.dbh.nhs.u...hurt%20Diet.pdf

Hi Ya Bigwelshguy,

How you doing?

Sorry ive been very quiet, been so busy at work the past couple of months.

So im nearly 4 months post op and have 3ml in my band, Having my second fill at the end of the month in Sunny Newport

Ive managed to lose 25.8 pound so far, Im going down slowly but at least its in the right direction

Hopefully things will speed up after my second fill.

Its been strange, since ive had my first fill, ive become more hungry, tummy rumbles ever so loud and the evil cravings have returned

Before my fill i was hardly ever hungry and i never thought of the naughty foods.

I know they say that the first fill doesnt make a difference but mine seems to have but in the wrong way.

I dont think i was still swollen or anything because i was 12 weeks post op.

So how is your journey going?

Jo xx

hi im considering having a gastric band and after reading all your posts ive decieded to go direct with dr chris and his team. does anyone have recent contact and cost details for him. thanks very much geni x

Hey,

Ive just stumbled across this, I hope im not to late lol

I was banded by Dr Chris on 21st June.

The best person to contact is Fredrik, he is Dr Chris's assistant. his email address is frederik.serneels@ecfs.be

The current standard package is 4150 euro - this includes the op, hotel for 2 people for 3 nights and taxi transfers

You pay 500 euro in advance to secure your chosen date, this must be at least 2 weeks before you travel, to ensure they can arrange everything. Then the remaining amout is paid when you see Fredrik or Bart on the night you arrive.

I hope this helps

Jo x

Jo-Jo, why have you been banded again, or are you a different Jo-Jo ?

So sorry about your leak Sara, but so glad its being fixed and not involving removal of the band.

How are you feeling, hope you're doing well. Did Chris tell you what had caused the leak?

Hello Freckles

Are you talking me?

Im first time banded so must be a different jojo your thinking of

well done , that step is the hardest !!!!!!! crakers where and still are a god send , started using them as soom as i left hospital , and still have stock in my kitchen cuboard ........

Thanks, thats good to know. Hubby bought a big box off 10 packs but im glag to know i can use them now

Jo x

Hi everyone!

I'm back from Belgium and banded WAHOOO

Everything went well, i had the op at 9am on tuesday, i was back up in my room at 12 and was up walking around by 3. The nurses kept telling me to get back in bed

The other 2 lady's in my room slept all day so i was a bit bored, glad hubby come to see me for a few hours.

Not sure why i wasn't in as much pain as everyone else, i must just be lucky. I even walked to the x-ray, one lady went in a wheel chair and the other 3 went in their beds, they really didn't look to good. I hope they are ok now. I only had one lot of pain killer and that was given to me when i first come around.

I got home on thursday and had a bit of pain at the port site but that was only when i get up from being sat or laid down. I had a little bit of left shoulder pain yesterday and stupidly decided to play Just Dance on the wii and after 1 song it was killing so i had a couple of co-codimol and it hasn't come back

Every now and then i get a funny feeling in my tummy, its like really bad hunger pains and then all of a sudden it shoots up to my chest and then its gone. It happens a couple of times an hour and only lasts a couple of seconds but I'm guessing its gas or something.

I was naughty and had a yogurt yesterday, i didn't realise i wasn't aloud them yet lol I'm not struggling, all liquids are going down fine, no sickness or anything.

Does anyone know if we are aloud Dutch crisp bread in the liquid faze, i know they are not liquid but i though maybe we might be as they give us them in the hospital.

Ive just made some jelly, i poured it in to silicone cupcake cases, they are a lovely size and feels like in having a little treat.

Hubby eating in front of me hasn't even bothered me so far, he keeps offering to go in another room, but its been ok. Had a few cravings tho, thursday it was pizza but i think that was because there is a Pizza Hut in Belgium airport. Then on friday it was apple crumble and this morning it was Peanut Butter on toast.

Just cant wait for the weight to start coming off now, I know i have a long path ahead of me and its going to be a hard one but i just cant wait till i am slim for the first time ever

Jo x

Thanks very much mmm that's fab

Jo x

Thanks slinky!

I have another question hopefully someone can help me

Is there a supermarket or shop near the hotel because im sure hubbys not going to want to go out for dinner on his own, so i thought maybe there might be some where we could by a few bits so he could have something in the room, bread or pies, i dunno.

Also what are the prices like in the resturant, just incase he does want to ventre out. Just wondering so i can plan how many euro to change up, dont want to run out of money Are there any other resturants or cafes near by?

Thanks

Jo x