lincsminx

Thanks, yes Im in the UK. We are really lucky to have the NHS, but we still pay for it through our taxes. I would be terrified to go abroad for surgery, Ive heard too many horror stories...

Hi all, Does anyone have any experience of having revisional surgery performed through the NHS post April 2013 and without medical urgency? I have had two failed lap bands (the first was unsuccessful and leaked). I have had the approval of our local funding body but Luton and Dunstable are saying that my GP cannot refer until I can prove 12 months of dietary support in the community. I have argued that I have been fighting for revisional well before April 2013 when the NICE recommendations changed. Does anyone know if other hospitals referral system is different? Any hospitals East or Central that would offer revisional surgery without this 12 month hoop jumping? Im nearly 50 years old and been dieting for 4 decades in one form or another. I have lost 20 or 30 stone in my life time and gained the same. Getting under that magic 40 bmi would render me not suitable for surgery, seems ridiculous as I know it will bounce right back on again.

Hi hun, I dont know if you are doing anything wrong, however, if you are following advice and drinking fluids only then its not suprising you are hungry. Stomachs are designed to take food and at this stage its not getting any. Did you get everything expained to you after surgery? It was explained to me that when food hits the nerves surrounding your pouch, this will send messages to your brain that you are satisfied. As we are only at the Fluid stage, this response is inactive as fluid passes straight through. So I reckon being hungry is quite a nrmal response. I suppose in a way I am lucky to have had complications as I havent felt real hunger at all, Ive been too much in pain. I have been craving textures in my mouth though. If you are worried, Im sure your Bariatric Nurse will advise you- thats what they are there for. I got a call from mine this morning to see how I was getting on- fantastic service from the NHS! (sorry if you are in a different country as your system will be different) Are you managing to drink plenty of liquids? Slim fasts etc. Protein shakes are good too as Protein sends messages to your brain that you are satisfied, so in this respect, bovril, chicken soup (without bits) or strained ox tail would be a good option. Try Heinz. Neither have much meat in anyway and are good for protien. I added a bit of milk to mine today as I thought they were too thick otherwise. Dont worry the week does go quickly. Only 2 days before some mash! The thought of mashed potato has never been so appealing. Hope this all helps. Good luck. Let me know how you are getting on. We are both on an amazing journey, WE CAN SO DO THIS!!! Diane

Hi All, I came out of hospital on Saturday after having a band taken out and a new one fitted on Wednesday. I had a urinary tract infection while in hospital and so was pretty much in agony, high temperature etc and everyone nagging me to walk! So cruel! But now 5 days later I am starting to feel better and am 7lbs lighter. One thing I didnt expect (and cant remember from when I had the op previously 6 years ago) was such honking breath. Is this just me (Oh god I hope not) or has anyone else experienced this on their first week? Im doing great with milk and Water but up until today havent been able to tolerate Soup. Not that it made me sick, it just felt to heavy on my stomach. Anyway Ive had a whole tin of Heinz today so Im relieved. Does anyone have any tips on the best way to inject? It bloody hurts!!!! And Im such an unbelievable wuss!!! Di.x

Hi Claire, Thanks so much for your encouragement. I would love to come to the September meeting, but dont think I will still be in the area then. Would it be ok to phone you if I need to when I get out of hospital? I have been reading on the internet different takes on the post op diet, some state a clear liquid diet for a week and then going onto other liquids for another week before moving onto puree, and others state a liquid diet for a month. Im so scared of doing the wrong thing, I dont want my band to slip or anything. Im sure it did last time because I could very soon eat a normal sized meal although when I went back for fills I was assured the band hadnt moved. I didnt understand why I could eat the way I could and wasnt given an explanation. Ive been overweight all my life and I think that if it doesnt work this time, then Ive lost the battle. Im worried also that as I havent stuck to the pre op diet (Ive had celebration after celebration over the last few weeks) that my liver wont have shrunk and my op will be cancelled. If sticking to a rigid diet was so easy for us then we wouldnt be needing such a drastic operation would we. But I dont suppose Mr Leeder will see it this way!!!! Anyway thanks again for your reply. Its good to know that there are others who know how I feel. I often feel so alone. Diane

HI Claire and everyone! Im having my lapband taken out and replaced at Derby Royal on Wednesday. I had the original fitted by My Leeder about 5 years ago. It wasnt a success and I all but gave up. About 6 months ago I contacted the hospital and they agreed to see me and it was found that my band had a leak and was offered a replacement. I have also had severe pain these last few months ( I believe its has a recurring port infection). I havent mentioned this to the hospital as i am afraid they wont replace it. Mr Leeder gave me info about your support group (IM in Boston) and I wish I had of had the motivation to turn up. Im one of lifes copers (even when Im not!!!) However there are a million questions I have and would appreciate any advice anyone can give me. I really do want to do it right this time. Everything about my life is soon to change, new job, new area, new house etc I would really like a new bod and new me to go with it..... Thanks Diane