Debb

<p><p>Well I had the consultation yesterday and thought Dr Manuceau was really sound, and didn't try and sell it to me as a miracle solution, which I thought was good. Hi to Penny2 - I did the research about 2 years ago and then decided against it, at the time you couldn't have it done here and I thought the whole thing would be traumatic enough without having to travel back and forth to London or Belgium. However, I've been in constant pain with my lower back for the past six months, finding it difficult to even walk for any long period of time. So I've decided now is the time to go for it! You asked about the fills - they're done as part of the one year aftercare. When the band is fitted it is unfilled until you heal, usually about 4-5 weeks, and that provides enough restriction. Then it is filled with saline solution which tightens the band and reduces the entrace to the stomach so only smaller amounts of food can pass through. These adjustments need to be done a few times as you lose the weight and the fat content of the stomach wall decreases so that you retain that restriction on the amount you can eat. Hope that helps! Didn't think they did it anywhere else in the country apart from ACS in Dublin? I've checked out Dr Manuceau, and he has a good reputation. My sister-in-law works in James' hospital in Dublin and he regularly performs other gastric surgeries there. He is not a plastic surgeon, he is a gastric surgeon, so I think thats more reassuring than someone who does other 'cosmetic' type surgeries as well! Am gonna go for it, though not until October. I'm off on my hols for two weeks on the 30th August to Boston and New York so that will be my last hurrah, when I come back I'll do 3 weeks pre-op diet modification to help reduce liver prior to the op and hopefully get the band done mid-October. I'm really looking forward to it. Good luck with making your decision about it!</p></p>

Hi Loriha and Nikki, was just reading your posts. I have an appointment for a consultation with ACS with Dr Manuceau next Saturday 11th August. I've done a lot of research and was originally thinking about travelling to London or Belguim to have it done, didn't realise they did the banding in Dublin. Am scared but also looking forward to getting some control back. How are you both doing now? Was it very painful/uncomfortable?