siepie

I had mine done in Belgium May 08 with Chris De Bruyne, best thing I ever did!

Hi Anna I was operated on by Chris back in May '08 and couldnt recommend him more highly. Very skilled and very professional surgeon, hospital in Vilvoorde is great (if that's where you are getting it done) You cant predict how long it will take you to lose weight, depends primarily on how much you have to lose initially. Just remember it's a tool, not a magic cure I've had good weight loss which has been a combination of good food choices and exercise - but the band wont stop you putting chocolate in your mouth - that bit is up to you ! Feel free to PM me if you like Siepie

Hi Big Bones Who is doing your surgery in Belgium? I had mine done by Chris De Bruyne and couldn't recommend him highly enough Siepie

Hi Karen Things that have changed for me: - I can buy jeans in a regular store now as opposed to the 'fat girls store' - I am off both diabetes medication and blood pressure medications I was on - I am no longer fascinated with eating as I once was Siepie

Hi, I'm looking for a no nonsense buddy/mentor to help me get the most out of my band and support me on the path to success. I was banded on May 6th 2008 in Belgium - starting weight was 114kg and I've managed to lose 15kg since the band was fitted. I'm Australian living in Ireland, have a SO, work shift work, no kids and I have an unhealthy addiction to food I believe. I currently have 3.5ml in a 10ml band, I have virtually no restriction and I really struggle with exercise and making good food choices. Convenience seems to factor in the most, given I work awkward hours. Would really appreciate the opportunity to work with someone and provide support in whatever way I can as well. TIA Siepie

Hi All, I was banded on May 6th and since surgery have lost the best part of 30 pounds. In the last month or so I have totally fallen off the wagon from a food choice and portion size perspective. I've a 10cc band with a 2.5cc fill from back in June, I'm due a fill next Wednesday which I am looking forward to. My doctor never gave an indication of the volumes of food I should be eating and now it seems like my head is playing game to see how much I can fit in to my pouch. I can eat pretty much anything I want to in pretty much whatever quantity I want to though I try to make sure my portions aren't huge (though sometimes I fail!) I've not vomited though twice now chicken and salmon have gotten stuck slightly going down - basically because I ate too fast and didn't chew. My question is basically how would i know if I've stretched my pouch? I'm scared that I have stretched it though I've read that reverting to liquids for a period of time may help it 'shrink' back to its original size. I've only had a few odd pains in my left shoulder when I've eaten too much but apart from that everything seems to be making it through my mouth a ok. Any advice most appreciated- I'm hoping to get to a pysch to work on why I sabotage myself so much TIA Siepie

Hi Ma, I am booked to have surgery with Dr DeBruyne in Belgium on May 6 and would agree with Elsie entirely. I met with him last Thursday and he explained everything thoroughly and clearly and has also answered every email I have sent him within a day. My GP is supporting me 100% - I gave him information to read and he is going to support me post op should anything happen that requires any urgent attention. Good Luck with your decision making! Siepie

Hi Just thought Id drop a note saying hi to all the Aussies back home who have bands - Im currently living in Ireland and looking to have a band fitted in March in Brussels . Hope you are all doing really well with you journeys, Australia is leading the way with the use of the band, doctors here in Ireland hadn't heard of it till I printed off research from back home Simone

Hi All, Ive been investigating lapbanding for a good few months now and I have my first consultation with Dr Chris DeBruyne in Dublin on April 3. I'm 5'10 and 244 lbs which makes my BMI around 35. I've battled with my weight most of my teenage and adult life and I think that lapbanding will be the tool that will finally let me be successful in managing it. Not sure how many Irish people use this site, I'm actually Australian but have lived here 5 years now. Hi to you all, I'm sure Ill have a bunch of questions as I go on. Look forward to getting to know you all better Simone