laura-loo

I'm in the UK, been up all night watching history in the making. America got it right! I'm british yet I feel so proud. What a night! Laura

I went to Belgium for my op, the cost at the time was around £2500. My beloved Dad had passed away 18 months before and had left me some money. I decided the best gift to myself and my dad was to spend some of it on the banding op. The way I was going it was life-saving for me. I went to my GP to discuss my options and even though I met criteria to get banded on the NHS I was looking at a 2 year wait minimum and once I had made the decision to go ahead I just wanted to do it. Good luck with it all. Laura x

She looks amazing. Good for her and all of them regardless of how they did it Laura x

It must be dependant on where you live, I am in the uk and have been advised to use a straw as was told this way you take smaller sips rather than gulping. I suppose you just have to go with the advice you are given personally. Laura x

For me its a burning pain in the roof of my mouth, if I eat one mouthful more I'll pb. I've yet to come accross another bandster who gets this. Laura x

Hiya hun, Not doing too badly yourself!!! Well done. Laura x

Hiya, I'm Laura and live in Colchester, Essex. I was banded last July in Belgium.

Hi Saggij, The site is www.wlsinfoforums.org.uk. It has about 7,000 members but not all banders but a mixture of band, bypass and ds. I find it a really great site and very informative. It isin't free though and costs £15 per year, well worth it in my opinion. Take care hun Laura x

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. God bless

I haven't noticed a big change in my food shopping bill but the amount I save not eating out all the time or buying takeaways is unbelievable! Laura x

Hi Pilko, I think many people find that they feel little restriction after 1 fill, more even, so don't worry. I had none at all after my 1st fill, on the second it really kicked in and then had a small tweak of a third fill which is where I am now. I am quite restricted and tight but I like it like that. You will get there hun Laura x

Although I was banded by a different surgeon (Dr Focquet) I have nothing but praise for him, the belgian hospital and the belgian staff. The whole experience for me has been very positive. Obviously it is a worry going abroad, and I had my fair share of pre-op jitters but if I had my time again I would do exactly the same. Good luck with whatever you decide Laura x

Using this site and another UK site has been absolutely invaluable to me. I don't think I would have been as motivated if left to my own devices. The support and information I have recieved has been brilliant. Laura x

Hi Helen, Yvonne and Suzanne, Yvonne I had my op on July 10th 2006 and am 2 pounds off 5 stone which I am really pleased with. I went to Belgium for my op. Where did you guys have yours? Yes it is WLSinfo, its funny but thats site and this one are almost identical. Take care all Laura x

Hey guys, I was just wondering how many people on here are from the UK. I use a very busy UK site as well as this one and find them invaluable. It seems like regardless of where we live in the world all our worries, queries and joys are pretty much the same. I live in Colchester in Essex, where are all you guys from? Take care Laura x

Thats describes me to a T. Can barely get a morsel down all day, eat a small dinner in the evening then come 7ish I just want to pick, pick, pick. It takes some control not to succumb! Laura x

Katie there is a £15 a year subscription to the site. In my personal opinion I find it well worth it but appreciate what you are saying with regards to this site being free. Laura x

On them scales at least once a day, what can I say, its an addiction!

Hiya Katie, Try this UK website wlsinfoforums.org.uk. It has thousands of members, some NHS and some private. Hope you find it helpful Laura x on that website as laura2006

I've tried the roadside lemonade flavour and find it not too bad at all.

That describes me too, when will I ever learn! Laura x

Like most of us I suppose I had yo-yoed all my life, everytime gaining a little bit more. After I gave birth to my son last September (a healthy 11lb!) I had really piled it on and was in excess of 320 lbs. I had known about the various weight loss surgeries and after doing some research decided the band was for me. I live in the UK (used to live in Cananda) but went to Belgium for my op as it was less than half the cost and the belgians very well respected in this field. I had my band on July 10th and currently weigh 268 which is great but there have been times when I would like to stick my hand down my throat and rip the band out. On the whole though I don't regret my decision. It was a long, long time coming. Laura x

In our house its called a foofie, my grandmother always called it "your mary"

Date Banded: 10th July 2006 Country:Belgium Doctor:Marc Fouquet Erodoed: Y/N no If Eroded Date Removed:

My surgeon also likes to keep at least 4 weeks between fills. I had m first fill on September 9th and have 2nd booked for October 14th. No restriction as of yet but I know there will be, it just takes time. Laura