anitahug

Hi Shellangel sorry to hear u have shingles and so soon after op, u could do without that...take it easy ! Lischa good to hear from u, poor u with flu, has John quarintined u? hope ur feelin better soon. Good on u gettin tattoo. Good luck for first fill mine is booked for 25th really hope dr says it's ok to go ahead - I have my doubts. Lischa I haven't got the hang of facebook.

Hi everyone Best wishes to Gary and girls flying out today ! Can't wait to hear ur biz !! Bobo had to have a wee duke at ur pics u look fantastic. Well Done :w00t:

Hi everyone Bobobaldy - Ur day sound Brill' and I'm sure it's give u a gr8 confidence boost, a day like that does ur heart good. It's so much more fun to be participating than waving at others enjoying themselves, and I'm sure the kids had a ball :thumbup: When I lost 2.5st 2yrs ago we took the kids to Salou - Portaventura I had fantastic 2 wks going on all the rides, really felt young and energised and even lost 2.5lbs on return to weight watchers. We all need good times like that. Now I've put it all back on and more... BUT... I'LL B BACK !!!

Hi mmm My "shape ups" r a 5 like urself I vary anything from a 4 to 5 depending on design of shoe. All my trainers are 5 so therefore I think they are true to there size. Were as mbt's are sized differently I'm a 4 1/2 in them or is it 4 3/4 I got mine from amazon for £80 free p&p which I found to be cheaper than in shops and as they are quite new shops just don't have alot of designs and sizes. Hope this helps My hubby says I'm walkin like a chicken in them !! :laugh: Best Wishes to those gettin op this week. :thumbup:

Good afternoon all, Thanks for all ur kind comments & tips, Doc has given me higher dose and doubled meds, touch wood this seems to be helping she feels I need further investigation so has made urgent ref' to hosp' (WHY does this flare up when I'm on A/L ????) fingers crossed this works as I am concerned how this will affect future progress with band. Anyway, postie arrived this this morning with my skechers "shape ups" so I'm wobbling about, I've grown 2" in height these are suppose to improve posture,firm muscles etc.... they are big in America and r similar to originals - mbt's. Does anyone else use these ? Someone mentioned Bio oil I got this to fade scars. A few of my friends used it during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks and swore by it, I starting using it about 10 days after op apply morning and bedtime it only takes a very small amount and will last for ages.So far so good.

Hi I'm struggling again I was unable to keep any food down yesterday. I'm going to doc this afternoon she said I may need to be hospitalised for IV fluids ( I don't think so !!) I assured her I can still manage sips and have been trying to sip alot and I'm fine with liquids - it's just food ain't goin no where. I'm now taken double dose of nexium (which u guessed it r in tablet form). Can I assure those concerned with swallowing difficulties that I was first diagnosed with oesphagitis (grade d) in Jan' and this condition was being managed pre op. Dr C was aware of my condition and agreed that losing weight may take pressure of hernia and L/T I would see improvement. This problem goes back to 2 of my pregnancies were I had severe sickness for the full 9 months causing burning scarring to gullet. I just want to make it clear I'm not blaming any of this on band. I'm a little scared how this will effect fills etc. I'll Report back soon !! ps. I'm starvin :wink2:

Hi Dr Cdb Will give u a discharge pack Containing 5 injections I think it's heparin (to prevent clots) u will also pain relief and anti sickness tabs. Injections r no big deal( it's alright saying that when ur past that stage . No honestly the needle is really thin and small u inject into ur tummy,thigh or bottom I didn't even feel it . It will leave a small bruise due to blood thinning. I only did it for 3 days :tongue2:

Hi YES !! I did it, I did it !! I think I've got a ticker for someone who is IT illiterate this is a major accomplishment. Freckles really sorry to hear ur Mum won't b able to return, u must b so disappointed as u obviously care for her very much. I work for social services and often have to manage decisions like this and it's seldom easy - It means alot if ur happy with the standard of care the home is providing, and I'm sure u will continue share great days together. Best wishes for girls going tommorow ur probably already in bed. For me it was a totally surreal experience and I still have mornings when I waken and have to rub tummy (scars they are tiny) to realise I really did do it :tongue2:

Welcome deedee I got banded on the 7th by cdb tryin to guess who u r ? U've come to the right place for swallowing/ bowel difficulties it's all goin on here !!

How's it goin ? Bev that must have been awful for u, I know I can relate to this in so many ways, and you adapt by putting on a front but inside ur distraught. People say I'm very upbeat and confident, and it takes alot to drag me down - but my weight was starting to do just that. I would only go out with close friends and didn't want to go to bbq's, swimmers,and this did impact on rest of family - as I was starting to become very self conscious and disgusted with myself. Ur going in the right direction now. Even though I have only lost a few pounds since being banded - emotionally I already feel stronger, because I know I have taken the plunge and have started my journey to a healthier and in some ways happier future and next summer I hope I'll b saying bring it on as I love socializing. I'm really interested in ur chat about using some excercise equip' I was not aware of this and had also been considering using p' plate at local tan' salon. Gary it would b great if u could get more info on this, does anyone know if you can use the slendertone toning belt (worn just below belly button) gee's I'm scared of going up in puff of smoke I used this everyday, for several months before my last holiday and believe it made a difference. Gary fingers crossed it's the lesser op, it's brill ur still keepin up training etc.

Good to hear from u Mandy lucky u gettin away. I'm goin for 1st fill on the 25th, I have only lost a few pounds (due to sickness) but like urself I'm holdin out for the future. As someone said a few weeks ago its more a marathon than a sprint. I just thought u got banded and had instant weight loss through this site I'm now a bit wiser. Keep tellin my hubby this time next year I'll be a new woman (I HOPE !!) Glad u had change of heart. We ALL have OFF days !!

Hi everyone Gary it's fab u have date I'm sure u just want it over and done with, it will also b gr8 for the guys that r gettin banded while ur there as u'll b able to share ur experiences with them. Bigsis thanks for update on 'the meeting' I wonder what impact that will have re. if ur wls client will Dr C recognise and treat u if problems occur. frederik told me on last night that I was there, they were looking to expand - and Belfast was one of the places they were looking at, then Michelle told me she was looking to increase to fortnightly clinics perhaps coincidence. R they just recommending each other or have they become business partners? I'm a gig lol not nosey r nothin. Thanks Freckles I'm feelin much better eating and drinking almost back to normal. I hate taking tab's, and although I initially didn't have obvious symptoms I have accepted I am dependent on them for forseeable future. Is ur Mum gettin discharged?

Hi Gary I'm doin good thanks ! I went to gp this morning he says I MUST go back on medication - I'm goin to be on it long term. I've just had a yoghurt without problem and drinking fine. He said I had severe ulceration back in January and with me being off meds since op it had flared up (no mention of barium as he hadn't received fax). As I don't believe I have typical acid reflux they keep telling me I have, mines more constant burping to the point of exhaustion. It was difficult for me to know that it wasn't the band causing swallowing difficulties as others on here have similar symptoms. You live and learn. Frederik said something about whatever way band was positioned hiatus hernia symptoms should ease and eventually I may not need meds.I know Dr C said certain foods may be difficult to swallow/manage w' bread, rice etc so I didn't make connection and initially thought it was due to band. Yesterday morning I was really frightened thought band had slipped due to being so sick. Should swallowing be normal with band fitted ? How have u been Gary ? I hope u get date asap, as u have handled the situ' so admirably and deserve happy outcome. How did u get on with midwife Sammy ? Lucky u goin to Tuscany !! It has rained here almost every day since the kids have been off. I think sunshine does us all good.

Thanks Sammy and homecare, I had to go to out of hours he give me anti sickness injection,and when I came home I crushed a nexium (couldn't make me feel any worse) and went to bed. I already feel much better have just had ice lolly and drink and they have stayed down :thumbdown: I'm going to take more at bed time. Here's hoping continue to improve, I really hope I won't need barium swallow tommorow because that drink we had to take after op for xray was BL**dy awful. But it was hilarious the look on everyone face when they came out. Lisa/ Michelle how's it goin? Clara where r u ?

Hello I'M STARVIN !! still can't swallow any food at all. Havin trouble keepin fluid down can only manage tiny sips. Phoned out of hours Dr he said it sounds like oesphagitis is back and I need barium swallow done I've just gone on my Doc's website and got emergency app for the morning. Oh the joys ! :thumbdown: ps.I don't feel this is directly linked to band it's because I stopped meds because they were tablets and couldn't be broken or crushed due to time release. I hope this prevents others making the same mistake if on meds long term.

Hi Everyone, how's it goin ? I have had my worse day since being banded unable to keep any food down first thing had boiled egg and toast after first bite knew I had prob'. Lunchtime tried yoghurt nothing goig down definitely feels like something is blocking food.This has been ongoing from Thur' I was able to go out last night managed my meal fine was surprised this is back - but today is not good really concerned as I had severe oesphagitis Dec/ Jan and this feels very similar unable to swallow food. Homecare I booked my op 2 weeks before I went phoned Frederik with dates I was off he said it was booked, Bridget (another provider) phoned me to say she had a canc' on the 7th July so I phoned Fred' never let on and asked could I confirm cancellation for 7th he explained who Bridget was BUT said he would speak to Chris and see what he could do.He emailed the next day to say it would be fine. Emma81 - I also went from N Ireland I just booked package with Frederik, I did discuss concerns with my GP. You could go and see Fred' in Dublin they go once a month to do fills, but really I didn't feel this was necessary as you can email them re. any issues, concerns or phone them. They got back to me within 12 - 24hrs. Fingers crossed for Michelle and Wendy's meeting with Fred/Chris this week 1 of the issues is for more fill dates in Belfast I think it's the 3rd they're meeting in Belgium.

Hi everyone Congratulations ! Sammy on ur baby news, all the best for a happy,healthy pregnancy. I'm in a bit of bother... I'm going out tonight with the girlies for a meal and to pics. BUT when I arranged to go out didn't realise it fell on my wedding anniversary 18yrs uhh bless - this went down like a lead balloon - but I'm goin anyway (treat them mean keep them keen). I'll make it up to him :crying: perhaps thats the wrong smilie to use Bit concerned as to what I'm goin to eat prob' a bowl of Soup or mashed potato, because for the last 3 days now I have been getting a feeling food is stuck in oespagus roundabout boob level and I just can't swallow it I make gurgly noises and have to run to bathroom. This isn't continuous though and unfortunately I'm still eaten too much to lose weight, but find it strange this is happening as last few weeks I've been fine. Did anyone else have this ? Talkin of lead balloons... Freckles I hope u get sorted soon but I am enjoying "The POO Chronicles" and ur graphics r brill !!

Hi Starsky I had my op on a Tues got out of hosp' on Wed' aft and flew home Thurs morning. Not sure if ur having op with CDB but he insists u stay at hotel the night u get out of hosp' or he said he will not operate and did refuse to operate on a lady who had flights booked on day of discharge. Frederik also reinforced this when I was booking my flights. I couldn't have travelled home any sooner (as it nearly killed me on the Thursday morning, I don't think I'm a wimp as I had my last 2 children with NO pain relieve,1 induced, 1 a dry birth and that was Bl**dy painful) I agree with Carriejess after a week I was feeling much better. I would leave it until at least at the earliest the Wed. As you won't have alot of strength on the liquid diet, What I will say is that every day I felt much better, 1st day or 2 it was really sore to cough, sneeze, laugh, roll over in bed, sit up from lying. By the Friday I was able to vacuum,clean bathroom, household chores at my leisure. If u have the leave to take don't rush it. Give urself time to recover.

Hi All Shoes - I haven't had any fills (I hope it doesn't get any worse when I do) today hasn't been too bad others days it is neverending. Lischa aren't u lucky John is so thoughtful, my hubby can only boil an egg and I don't really like eggs (can't cook won't cook) I'm glad my burps r coming up !! Hope ur bottom burps ease off. Homecare - I got banded the week after you and have been taking small portions of solids for last couple of weeks fine but on Fri I had chicken curry/ boiled rice - tonight garlic braised steak and rice and both nights I have had a problem after a few mouthfuls food seems to be back logged into my oesphagus and I CAN'T swallow it. It's a horrible feeling and I have to run to bathroom. I have always been a very slow eater, but need to concentrate more on chewing. Find if I chew alot most things are fine, therefore I have lost very little weight. As others suggested it would be good to get advice from CDB or Wendy just for ur own peace of mind.

Hi All Sorry u feel that way mandy, but I tend to agree with Gary that u may regret it, no doubt in the future u will have issues/questions and this forum is brill' because we're all in the same boat. I'm sure ur not the only one whose blogs haven't been answered directly but don't take this personally I know I don't.Sleep on it u will hopefully feel differently 2moro. Flirty WELL DONE and welcome back !! hope ur leaks, dry up asap. Take it easy ! Does anyone else have persistent burping ? Goodnight x

Hi all Lisa, Claire u have both done so well in the last couple of weeks - this will pick up again when u get ur first fill. My loss doesn't compare 2 ur's. Would love 2 hear how the others r doin ? Gillian I'm ur woman I have also spent a fortune in Next, none of it would b close to fitting me, but it will...soon I hope. Gary this must b so disheartening for u after all ur hard work good 2 hear ur keepin at the excercise ur determination and perserverance will stand by u. Freckles it's very draining when ur visiting the hosp' everyday and worrying about ur Mum a stroke can have a devastating effect on people. Keep ur own strength up all 2 often carers forget about themselves. Hope ur Mum makes steady progress. Strokes and h' attacks were a major worry when I decided to go for this op ( I work with people affected by both of these) Watched op similar to Flirty's on home and health the other night - she's obviously a very brave,strong person and to have made such a good recovery hope she takes it easy for a couple weeks. She must b as pleased as punch it's over her. Take care all x

Hi All Clara what an awesome lose u've had :bored: that's fab, u must b really chuffed !! I have lost about 5-6 lbs, but unfortunately can eat everything started mashed about 5-6 days after op (can just manage small portion) sometimes have difficulty swallowing food gets to back of throat then goes very slowly down - is this normal ? I had severe oesphagitis Dec/Jan so am trying to persevere with small amounts of food (to keep oesphagus from closing in again,as I hated having ogd not the most pleasant of procedures). I've had no prob's with hiatus hernia, reflux has really settled and I hardly ever have to take nexium. Although I have read that others have been troubled with this once fills start so I'll tab's on standby. Not gettin a fill for another 35 DAYS !! HELP When r u gettin fill Claire ? Bought Bio oil today for scars I thought they were well healed an just very slight bruising left. Pharmacist said WOA ! that must have been some op u had, I never let on LOL. Lisa, Michelle hope ur both doin well !!

Hi Shelly, I was speaking to Michelle yesterday and they are coming to Belfast end of July not sure of exact date but remember saying it was to early for me, hope this helps.

Hi I've just spoke to Michelle from WLS was phoning re. my first fill in August, which can take place in Belfast - Lisburn Road, rather than having to travel to Dublin (although it will be week or 2 later than I hoped) well chuffed I can be seen in Belfast. She was telling me that Wendy and herself are travelling over to see Dr Chris 3rd August to possibly arrange fill packages and look at possibility of more regular fill clinics in Belfast (fortnightly) not sure if this includes other places also ?? She was very pleasant, I told her what I was eating and she was very reassuring. She also assured me that if I pre pay for package before the end of July (she was in no way pushy for me to do this) the 6 month period won't begin until my first consultaion 25th August (I thought I would loose almost a month) very happy with this deal !!

Hi Clara,Lischa,Michelle How's it goin ? ur all being very good compared to me. I made veggie soup Friday after I returned home, then Saturday had mashed potato and gravy and it's progressed from there. I'm eating normal foods just a smaller portion. (I'm hungry and felt really sick on liquids only) I was full of wind continually burping, food took the nausea away. Like lisa I took dressings off as my skin started to blister round sticky part, I trimmed stitches day 5, and took blue one out last night as it was really annoying me,it was fine. I put steri strip in the corner of one that was gapie.I think they're pretty neat. Like others have mentioned previously my port side (Gees I sound like a boat) is not sore but bulging,protruding,uncomfortable. I hope this settles as at present I have to hold it with 2 fingers when sitting. Has anyone used Bio Oil for scars ? I went to chemist today they said once incisions are completely healed can start using it daily to fade scars. So I can wear bikini next year on hols ...lol Congrats Lischa on ur lose, long may it continue. must get good set of scales as mine r very if dodgy u can add r take away a couple off pounds if u move them round the room. ps. I've thought many times about Michelle coming out after that vile xray drink still brings a smile to my face.It really was priceless Michelle, but very Bl**dy sore at the time !!! How was the journey home clara? speak soon x