Globetrottermom

Hello Dubai Bandsters! Are there any Bandsters who live in Dubai or the UAE? Is there a support group with organized meetings? I know that Gastric Band Surgery is performed in Dubai at the Emirates Hospital. I'd love to get together with fellow Bandsters while I'm in town. I'll be visiting several times / year. Best regards, Debbie

Hi everyone! Thanks for your replies. Murples, please send me an e-mail to let me know when you'll be in Dubai. I just spent a couple of weeks there in April and am planning my next trip for late Sept- mid Oct. Otherwise, I've planned a trip for late Feb. Thanks for the tip about Desertmom. I wrote her an e-mail before my last trip and she didn't respond. I do know that Emirates Hospital offers weight loss surgery, including Gastric Band surgery. Dr. Christiaan de Bruyne from Belgium is a visiting surgeon at Emirates Hospital whose in charge of banding. Consequently, there must be Bandsters in the UAE. I'll write the hospital and ask if them if there are any organized meetings or support groups. To the gal in Saudi Arabia, please let me know if a support group starts up in the Gulf area. Do you ever drive down to Bahrain? I was just there a few weeks ago and crossed the bridge over to the border crossing, but didn't enter S.A. We just took pictures from the view tower. Apparently, Bahrain is the playground for rich Saudis looking for a good time. It's much more liberal in Bahrain, as you know. Best regards, Debbie in Norway

Great idea! Just loved it. Perhaps you could do a world map as well to include us Bandsters who live outside the USA? It might be fun to see how international our support group is. Best regards, Debbie in Norway

Hello fellow Bandsters! My name is Debbie and I'm a 45 yr old Am. woman living in Norway. I'm married to a Norwegian and we have 2 teenage sons. I'm originally from San Diego, but have resided in Oslo since 1982. Back home every year. I was banded 11.29.04 in Copenhagen by the Swedish surgeon, Dr. Lundegårdh. I have the Swedish Adjustable Band. At present, after 6 fills, I'm up to 3.75cc in a 10cc band. I've lost 84 lbs in less than 9 months. My starting weight was 244 lbs and my present weight is 160 lbs. I have 16 lbs to the goal my doctor set for me, but 26 lbs to my ultimate goal. I attended the Seattle Splash in Feb. Did anyone else attend? I am very interested in receiving info about other Bandster conferences. I had planned to attend the Chicago Bash, but it was cancelled. Are there any conferences planned this Fall besides the conference in Toronto? Best regards, Debbie in Norway Globetrottermom 244 / 160 lbs banded 11.29.04 in Copenhagen