libertysuzanne

I'm feeling a bit of a bimbo, I have managed to lose all the details about my band and I need to tell the NHS doc what size band I have. It is a Heliogast band and I've looked at the site and couldn't make head nor tail of it! I did send an email to Dierdre but I haven't received a reply. Hope someone might be able to help. Suzy

Hi Angie, Sorry to hear that you have lost your restriction. I had my band done in Belgium as well. I was paying privately to have my fills done and happened to talk to the doc about the cost and explained my situation. He told me that I could have the fill on the NHS! Which I am now doing. So, I think, talk to your GP and get yourself referred to the right department. I asked my GP and they had to search to find out where it was. They had never dealed with a lapband before, I'm still a bit of a novelty to them. If I see a different doc, they want to see where the port is. I hope this may help. Kind regards Suzy

Hi, Hmmm I have to take Tramadol and Co-Codamal and I haven't had many problems. The only problem was the last fill I had, it was too tight for a few days and I couldn't take any tablets. That was extremely rough! I have had my lapband for nearly 2 years now and I have never stopped taken the tramadol. So I think you will be fine. Kind regards Suzy

I've had 5.5ml filled and at the moment I thinkit is too tight, I can hardly eat or drink. I have to wait another week before I get to see the doc. Could you tell me what size the heliogast is, I have lost my card that I used to carry everywhere.

I completely understand where you are coming from Caz. The band will do that for you and you are certainlny going about it the right waya nd the support you will get here is fantastic. You will have to keep in touch and let me know how things are going. Kindest regards Suzy

Thank you Caz, It really is one of the best things I have done in my life. But, a word of warning don't expect miracles. For awhile I thought all I had to do was carry on as normal, the band will do all the work. The band is an excellent tool, but not a cure all. It took me awhile to get used to that but once you do it's a fantastic partnership. When are you getting banded? Kind regards Suzy xx

Hi Kerry, Here is the link Shropshire Obesity Service Hopefully he should be able to help. I know he is trying to prove to the powers that be, that bariatric surgery is the way to go and wanting to commit completely to the NHS. Hence why there isn't a big website. I really hope this helps you. Kindest regards Suzy

That's a great deal! I went to Belgium and at the time it was the best option. I was lucky that I had a sister to look after my son. But. if BUPA are now offering it for £5000+ with 2 fills it's certainly worth doing. I wouldn't go with the hospital group, far too much bad press.

OK, now I am not too sure and my apologies if it doesn't work, but it should. You click on the picture button, then you go right down to the bottom of the webpage and there should be an open box to browse for your pic and to attach to your post. I really hope it works, I feel a bit lonesome on here by myself. Kind regards Suzy Ah hang on, if you go down to manage attachments that is the button you need to click on! At the bottom of the page Additional Options

Hi ya, I don't know if anyone else wants to do this but I thought it would be an idea to share pictures of our weightloss journeys? I'll start and I hope to see many more of everyone else at whatever stage of your personal journey you are on. I had the band in Oct 2006 and I am just over halfway to my weightloss goal.

Hi Debz, It may be worth your calling your surgeon. I'm a bit hazy on the rules of first fill. It's been just over a year since mine. It also depends if the surgeon gave you a small fill during the operation. I know some do and some don't. You have to give your body a chance to adjust to the new member of your working body. But, there is no harm in finding out what you need to do. Sorry I can't be much help for you but I do hope that it all works out for you. Kind regards Suzy

Hi Penny, The E11 was for if there were any hiccups after the op with the lapoband. Without it we would have had to pay for the extra x-rays, a longer stay in hospital or anything that wasn't directly to d oowith the lapband. It's basically carrying around free health care for EU countries. As Belgium is part of the EU we are covered by the E11. It's been a year since I had the band fitted and I certainly don't regret going to Chimay. Even though the after care isn't brilliant, it still worked out cheaper in the long run. I am also lucky in finding a fill doctor close to home; so no long distances to travel. There was a woman from Ireland who had the band fitted the same day as me. I haven't heard from her for ages but I do know that there is a fill nurse she can go to in, I think it's Dublin. Are you thinking of going with Elyzea? That's company I went with. The fill doc says that they did a really good job of fitting the band. Apparently some EU docs sit the Port to far down, so it is difficult to get the syringe into do the fill. You would also be given all the info for fills and helpful advice. I hope this may help you. Kind regards Suzy x Suzanne

That's great to hear Chelle. I didn't have my first fill until Jan, so if you are still feeling good and not eating much then you don't need it. If I remember correctly they do start us off with a 2ml fill. Big congrats on your weight loss. Did you stay at the B&B in the middle of the country and have the famous steak at the pub?

Wow, your results are inspiring. I was feeling a bit despondent that I had only lost 2 and a half stone over a year. Which is more than I have ever lost by myself. But, hearing your results has made it a lot easier for me to see my goal! I hope my next 6 months will bring me down to my goal!!! Thank you and I love your pics!

Hi Chelle, How did your surgery go? I hoped you found someone who was going with you at the same time. I went on my own but the people I was booked in with were great. It was a great service and well worth the journey. I hope it has gone as well with you. Did you have your last supper?

I really don't know, that is most definitely a clinical decision. Might be worth talking to your GP? I hope it gets sorted for you and you get your band ASAP! Kind regards Suzy

oops I mean the 24th lol!

Ha ha, it is sog ood to hear someone else who can't eat chips!!! That is my most serious no go! It really is a good benefit. I am so glad to hear those that are just beginning their journey. I was banded on the 18th Oct last year and had my second fill on monday. Should really have done it sooner, but I was slightly financially lacking. Even so, I only gained 4 lbs in weight nad that has gone in 3 days, since having the fill and this one really does repress my desire to eat! I am hoping I have discovered my sweet spot. Only time will tell!

Hi Honey, welcome to the forum, I went private so I can't help you much. I'm sure there are others out there who will know though. I have to say it was the best decision I ever made. Kind regards Suzanne

Hi Sirus, I have a Heliogast band and I have had no problems with it at all. Dr Diggory (my fill Dr) said it is as good as the midband. It has been in place since October 2006. Hope this helps Suzanne x

Big hug for you Brandy. Could you eat porridge in the morning? I find if I eat that it reakky keeps me filled up for a loooong time! I always have some currants mixed up with it. I have rice porridge due to having a wheat intolerance. Quite addicted to it now I finally officially broke the 15st barrier now at 14.12! This time I intend to keep under 15 and get lower!

Hi Milton, I think giving surgery patients a blood thinner after a procedure is quite common. It really is nothing to worry about. I already had a pre diagnosed blood disorder and I was still able to have the lapband, much to my relief. It is understandable to feel nervous and it is important that you talk to your surgeon, doctor or nurse, they will be able to answer your questions nad put you at ease. My one bit of advice is think really happy thoughts as you go under, I was up and about much quicker than my fellow bandees, even the nurses were suprised at my cheery disposition. I thought about pink elephants, lord knows why. Feel free to ask any questions on here, there will always be people happy to help. Kind regards Sx

> The World's Shortest Fairy Tale > >Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?" > >The girl said, "No!" > >And she lived happily every after and went > >Shopping, > >dancing, > >always had a clean house, > >never had to cook, > >did whatever the hell she wanted, > >never argued, > >didn't get fat, > >travelled more, > >had many fantastic lovers, > >and only cooked the things she liked to eat, > >and always had money. > >She went to the theatre, > >never watched sports, > >never wore fricken lacy lingerie that went up her ass, > >had high self esteem, > >never cried or yelled, > >felt and looked fabulous in sweat pants, > >and burped, swore, and farted when she felt like it.

Hi, it is definitely www.bandster.co.uk Point of contact is on the website and I think it is the nurse, her name is Fiona. Hope that helps Regards Suzanne

Ah yes! That's his name, thanks :eek: It depends on how far you want to travel, Dr Mignon has a fill specialist in Manchester which is £100. I don't think you will find it much cheaper than that. I know I am finding it difficult, I can't afford to have a fill at the moment and I do need one, going to have to be strong and start saving instead of spending on clothes!