wannabe slinky

I have just sent Frederik an email because I am at the end of my tether and need a solution.

Here's the message:

I have a couple of queries that are, I feel, now at the stage of urgent. I am booked for an appointment on Thursday this week in London. Are you doing the clinic this Thursday?

I have been for the last couple of months (of and on) having a little difficulty with acid reflux. I have 6ml in my band and am below my target weight but now very concerned because I have good days and bad days but by no means am I able to eat a proper small meal. Although saying that I have been able to eat seeded bread with cheese (soft) as and when. I have also over the past few weeks managed a couple of pieces of Pasta (x 2) and small bits of chicken (approx 1/2 inch in size) and not been sick. I have survived mainly on Soup since December 2010 and I have to be honest I am fed up with eating just liquids. I am so exhausted as I am finding it difficult to get the right amount of Protein etc and my energy levels have plummetted over the last few weeks where I have to take a nap in the day (when I am not at work) beacuse I am so exhausted. I also have this horrible burning sensation and find that milk helps but amvery worried.

So do you think it would be a good idea to have a slight defill?

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Claire x

have you heard back from dr chris claire,i would get a defill if i were you and just see if it make any difference,hopefully you should be fit to eat a bit more normal food as in normal meals just small portions,it's better to try than be all annoyed about it and wind yourself up and prob tighten your band more lol hope your ok hun xx

Hi All, I'm being banded next Wednesday by Dr Chris De Bruyne in Belgium. Just wondering if you'd mind telling me what kind of weight loss you achieved in the first 6 months, just so I can adjust my expectations. Also, any tips? Did you receive nutritional/dietary advice or do I need to research this by myself?

Any info, insight, tips would be much appreciated.

L

Hi All, I'm being banded next Wednesday by Dr Chris De Bruyne in Belgium. Just wondering if you'd mind telling me what kind of weight loss you achieved in the first 6 months, just so I can adjust my expectations. Also, any tips? Did you receive nutritional/dietary advice or do I need to research this by myself?

Any info, insight, tips would be much appreciated.

L

hi princess were all different i lost about 2 stone first 6 months,as for eating i just went with what my body allowed me to eat lol,have you been banded before as it says banded by acs on your message lol

Nearly there! Leave for belgium on Monday at 7am....slightly apprehensive but mostly excited.

I've read the the most painful part of the surgery is the 'gas/wind' pains experienced immediately post surgey. So really I'm looking for advice on what sot of pain relief anybody used. I was thinking perhaps deflatine and/or windeeze as I know these to be very effective- just not sure if I will be able to use them? Also, in the hospital are you given anything for this type of pain or did you all have to self medicate.

thanks again for all your advice and support to date,

A, x

hi A as jojo and cadence have already said you wont really need anything you will get your pain meds and that is all i needed,but windeeze and deflatine will be fine i took cup a Soup and some ready made slim fast but never felt like eating anyway just drank lots of Water, you will be fine hun,travel light to hospital as you wont need much,i wore their nighty so didnt take any pj's i just took the clothes i was wearing and wore these to go back out and a wash bag and small towel,make sure you wear somthing baggy and loose as you tend to bloat up i wore jogging bottoms and large t shirt and crocs as you find it hard to bend down,i just got the parecetamaol in the drip they never gave me the injection in the backside not everyone get it as it is morphine my neice did just depends on how you are after surgery but you will be fine uncomfortable when you come around and your first day but defo gets better each day hope that helps any more questions just ask mandy x

Hey well done you newies for booking! i booked about a year ago calling the UK office europe surgery for chris and i had all hotels included in the price too. You will not regret it its great to have someone you can call whenever you have problems. BTTurkey just stick to the low fat diet i think a lot of the shakes you can add Water to instead of milk, just doing the 10 days liquid only was quite hard but worth it ! it was the start to my weight loss. Its a start of a new journey for you all but its great buying the new clothes this year in the sales in a lower size ! well done girl and gentleman and happy new year !!

hey all i wouldnt worry too much chris says to follow a low fat diet you can just eat normal sensible low fat food, just grill everything and you will be fine all the people i knew who have the band including myself just cut back on their food and they were all fine sure i live on mcdonalds before my op because i was stuck in holland and didnt like the food and im fine,not that im telling anyone to do that just use your head and eat smaller healthier portions so glad you haved you date bt turkey,ps the night before surgery they tell you to eat and drink what you like anyway,lol its like the last supper xx

I feel like a new women too ! and also so pleased too ! well done wannable slinkly, I bet today you are really prond of yourself for losing all that weight? On new years day its a day when you often think about diets etc, This year is different because now I have the band i know its going to work where other years I promised myself to diet but it never worked! I am already down to a size 14 well done everyone on here and happy new year to my banded friends

I feel like a new women too ! and also so pleased too ! well done wannable slinkly, I bet today you are really prond of yourself for losing all that weight? On new years day its a day when you often think about diets etc, This year is different because now I have the band i know its going to work where other years I promised myself to diet but it never worked! I am already down to a size 14 well done everyone on here and happy new year to my banded friends

well done julie dosnt it feel great im so pleased im helping my husband lose weight now and my daughter taking them walking and eating healthier lol,happy new year to you all and to a new you xxxx

Well now got the bug so here goes the 2nd post of the day. I have now had confirmation from Europe Surgery (can stop calling her that lady now as her name is Bridget) and my surgery is all booked. I have to pay a 250 euro deposit which did surprise me a bit as some firms are charging 500 euros but not going to argue with that. The price includes 3 nights stay one night in the clinc and 2 in hotels all arranged by Europe Surgery. I am travelling on Eurostar as never done it before so a little over excited (big boys and trains). Off to book my Euro Star tickets now and will update you all later on how I got on. Not the most computer savvie man in the world but you never know until you try.

well done big d,and bridget is great she does the same offer as going direct and you have her at the end of a phone,you wont be sorry im so pleased i had mine done i feel like a new woman,what date have you picked

Hi Guys Been a long time since I have been on the site and have been doing well - now down to a very healthy size 14 and absolutely delighted. In the last 18 months I have dropped from a 24 and hardly recognise myself lol I am really starting to struggle now with acid and reflux. I have been on Omeprazole now for about a month but has made no difference - Docs have now changed my medication to Lansoprazole at 40mg a day and still hoping it is gonna work. I am coping ok during the day however unable to eat hardly anything - a cup a Soup and a cracker and a few spoonsfuls at night. My main issue is when I go to bed at night - I keep waking through the night choking on bile/acid from my stomach - it is quite frightening and is causing me all sorts of problems - mainly I am worn out Has anyone else had this happen before and how did you resolve it. I am thinking of having a slight defill in January when Doc Chris comes to Edinburgh but imagine that will be towards end of the month and I need some help now Any ideas Hope everyone has had a great Christmas Kerry xx

Hi Guys Been a long time since I have been on the site and have been doing well - now down to a very healthy size 14 and absolutely delighted. In the last 18 months I have dropped from a 24 and hardly recognise myself lol I am really starting to struggle now with acid and reflux. I have been on Omeprazole now for about a month but has made no difference - Docs have now changed my medication to Lansoprazole at 40mg a day and still hoping it is gonna work. I am coping ok during the day however unable to eat hardly anything - a cup a soup and a cracker and a few spoonsfuls at night. My main issue is when I go to bed at night - I keep waking through the night choking on bile/acid from my stomach - it is quite frightening and is causing me all sorts of problems - mainly I am worn out Has anyone else had this happen before and how did you resolve it. I am thinking of having a slight defill in January when Doc Chris comes to Edinburgh but imagine that will be towards end of the month and I need some help now Any ideas Hope everyone has had a great Christmas Kerry xx

poor you kerry and you have done so well ive heard a few people with that acid it sounds horrible but alot of them have had a small defill and it has helped how much have you got in your band and can you eat much,mine seem's to have tightened all by itself lol take care xx

I must admit its a bit worrying that you have to have all the saline taken out of the band if you get pregant...It cost a lot to get the band in in the first place! but I just need to do it to get myself heathly or i never get pregeant to start with, I think i worry about that when i am pregant, but you know i waited a long time to get pregeant and i would not want to do anything that harms the baby, so at least i know all of that before i start. XX

hi all sorry couldnt get on here for a while for some strange reason it wouldnt let me sign in lol,anyway,your all doing brilliant and bt turkey you have made a great decision when have you booked to go it all gets exciting when your date draws near xx

that's great girls,

well done on your loss wbs, you must be feeling like a new woman!

Cadence can I ask 'ecfs' ?

I think the thing I am most concerned about is never drinking fizzy drinks again!

I am really excited and can't wait to start this journey. Up untill a few years ago I was a 'normal' size but after moving to a new town and having 2 more children I put on a whopping 8 stone! I have managed to loose 2 stone this year, but it has been quite a task and now seem to be at a point where I loose a stone then put it back on.

Thank you so much for sharing your stories,

A, x

that's great girls,

well done on your loss wbs, you must be feeling like a new woman!

Cadence can I ask 'ecfs' ?

I think the thing I am most concerned about is never drinking fizzy drinks again!

I am really excited and can't wait to start this journey. Up untill a few years ago I was a 'normal' size but after moving to a new town and having 2 more children I put on a whopping 8 stone! I have managed to loose 2 stone this year, but it has been quite a task and now seem to be at a point where I loose a stone then put it back on.

Thank you so much for sharing your stories,

A, x

Thanks so much for getting back to me.

Can I ask when you were banded and how much you have lost?

Also, have you found it easy to organise 'fills' in the UK?

can you eat the same types of foods as you did prior to being banded or are there some 'no go' areas?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for answering,

A, x

Hello everybody,

I hope you don't mind me jumping in?

I am considering Belgium with Dr De Bruyne in January 2012! I live in the Scottish Borders so would be having fills in Edinburgh. I suppose I'm just looking for some reassurance and all you lovely ladies seem to have done so well!

A,x

radpad i would say go for it i fell its the best thing ive ever done for myself,i have my confidence back and feel good about myself again no more hiding for me.If it's somthing you have been thinking of for a while defo just go for it,lots of people tried to put me off going for it but for me it was either listen to them and live a miserable life of none excistence totally fed up of diets that dont work or go for it and feel great so i opted for the feel good factor lol any questions just ask hun

Hi all new people havent been on hear in ages my band was the

Beast thing i ever did just over a year and i have 6 stone of no regrets at all

well done hunny,were would you be without me lol,good job i got mine done isnt it lol xxxxx wedding here we come x

hi all hope you are all ok,i still havnt sampled zumba class been too busy running the kids to all the bloody clubs there in lol xx

Hi girls

Its been a few weeks since ive reported in the last time i said i was hopeing to lose 8 pounds when i went to see Dr Chris and i did exactly that so i was very pleased i also got a fill of 0.75mils and i can really feel the diffrence that takes me up to 6.75mls.I also lost 6 pounds that week and 4 this week so it im well pleased.Its taken some time but i now feel im getting somewhere.(when i had to go back to Belgium in July Freddie told me that my band is a 7mil one but it can hold up to 9 mils).

Im booked to go back for another fill on 24th nov as Dr Chris is not in Edinbourgh in Dec, most of the older bansters know how long its taken for me to get to this point and im not sure if i should go,or wait to January as ive started to get somewhere any advice on this,

Also i really agree with claire about the weighing and measuring i did this before my op in Feb but lost heart as i was not losing the weight i got my notes and photos out this week and to my suprise iv lost 31 pounds and 2 dress sizes and loads of inches 4 from my tummy ,not where i thought i would be but still a lot better than last year.

A note to Sade and claire im not the best person with words but remember we did this for ourselfs we are / or were the ones carrying all that weight around and how do you explain to someone who has never had a weight problem the things we went through from not being able to dress the way we wanted or fitting into plane seats ,i remember trying to paint my toe nails it was impossible even walking in high heels was a nightmare, people will always have something to say i bet thay even commented before we lost weight even if it wasent to our faces.

Clare ive followed your story from the star and i think you look amazing 10 years younger at least maybe this is the problem.Whan we had or op we got info book about what to eat and what to expect there was a passage in it about our partners not being thrilled about the changes and feeling threatend or something.

Have a great week.

hi sara hun glad your weight is starting to shift by the sound of things your doing well,i wouldnt rock the boat i would leave your fill till jan,there is no point getting a fill for the sake of it and if you get one too soon your weight will stall again,enjoy your loss and christmas and you will prob be ready for one in january xxx

hi all hope your all doing well sade i wouldnt care what people think as everyone has told you,you done this for yourself i dont know about you but i got my surgery when everyone including my husband was againt it but i told them all by hook or crook i would get the band and started saving and i think when hubby realized how serious i was and how upset i was at how i let myself go he agreed in the end and funded it.my point is i remember how bad you felt before you got the band and what you had to do to get it,i was at the point i couldn't live any longer the way i was and now i fell on top of the world and wont let anyone burts that bubble lol,sade think of the confidence you have now and how good you feel and dont let anyone make you feel any different you worked hard to get here and everyone will have to get use to it lol,just tell them all you want to get on with them but you are not discussing band that is your buisness,and candence yes i could eat a horse before i went for my first fill,second fill and third but it does get better hun.I find i was stuck losing weight for a while but it has started to move again slowly but hey i happy xxx

Good for you - enjoy would love to know more about it and how strenuous it is on the knees

Good to carry a snack and definately to weigh & measure if there is one thing that really motivated me to keep tabs on myself it was this weekly event on a Friday when I could focus and record it accurately.

Have eaten a lot of Soup since the band and still find it difficult to manage real solids. Although saying that the other evening we were in a Harvester and I order the soup only for them to say they didn't have any. I ended up with a bowl of sweetcorn and beetroot and thousand island dressing and the £3.99 small childs option of chicken and jacket potatoe. Managed a few forkfulls of sweetcorn and beetroot and half of the chicken and didn't dare risk the jacket potatoe. At least I had something and then because I had managed to keep hold of it I treated myself to a childs dessert of the Rocky Horror (it was yummy) and yes I shared it with my other half.

Interesting as they say it gives you a new release of life can't say that has happened from this end! I'm described as a bag of skin and bones and you can see the revulsion so clearly on his face. Ohh well can't have everything can you????? Pity really ...

Enjoy whatever the band brings you as it is to be cherished.

Have a good evening.

Cx

lol claire,not sure about the impact on the knees it is like salsa dancing and a few different dance moves to music ive heard you have a real laugh so will let you know how it goes,im away to belfast at the weekend with the kids,were going bowling friday,planet fun theme park saturday and ice skating sunday i will be exhausted come monday happy days xx

Hi All,

When I said exercising above, I only meant VERY slow walking, but 25-30 mins at a time, and yes, it was pretty silly in retrospect!

I went to meet a friend yesterday, and skipped my evening meal as it was funny timing, but boy oh boy did I regret it! Felt REALLY ill and weak It's a lot to get used to, but I am really glad I took the plunge too.

I haven't weighed myself yet - I actually have no idea how much I weighed going in to surgery even. I'm really looking forward to weight coming off (pretty please!).

SlimSindy - I've heard Zumba is fantastic too (but get your knee checked first as it's pretty active!). I used to do a class a few years ago called Salsa Slims, and that was great I have to say. It was aerobic salsa, great fun and a weigh in at the start. I think I'll be trying yoga when I'm up to it - certainly more class based things as I HATE gyms. I'll also be using my Wii fit - which I've found is great fun (and I don't feel self conscious as it's in my own room!).

Thanks Wannabe for always being so prompt with your replies and support!

well cadence and slim sindy you have talked me into the zumb im goint to go to the class next wed and i will let you know how i get on.As fo food i found that i lived on Soup and muller yoghurts for about 3 months but as you get more fills you dont feel as hungry,i do find sometimes i cant eat at all so i take a Protein Shake just to make sure im gettin somthing in and as claire said it is good to measure and weigh yourself and keep a chart of how your doing,im crazy forever getting weighed but it is exciting watching your bodyshape change and going down in size,especially when your confident is low as mine was but it defo isnt now i love all the fashion and the comments of people and without being to crude the difference in the bedroom department is red hot lol,hubby thinks im his new bit on the side lol.but just think peep's we all get there in the end and you will all be so much happier for getting the band xx

Ok, totally mortified - all my shortness of breath etc was very very simple - shouldn't be exercising this soon after surgery, especially as I'm not consuming enough calories to do so (liquid diet).

How embarassing, andd OBVIOUS!

Doh.

omg cadence i dindnt realize you were exercising you crazy woman lol,i took it easy for about 2-3 weeks and even then i just walked lol,take it easy you will have plenty of time to do all that,to be honest i dont do much exercise and i prob should i might check out the zumba class think that would appeal to me take care hun

Thank you so much Slinky, It is much appreciated. I'm not the best on a puter either. Thanks once again for your help.

I just got on the scales and I'v lost a total of 22lbs, I can't tell you how pleased I am. I'm so glad I had the band and I'm looking forward to my new life. I'v just got to work out how to get the ticker in here now, hehehehe. Lets see how long it takes me. :^)

thats a great loss husk,it feel's fantastic dosn't it,and just think it can only get better and better.And the whole ticker thing,i think i done mine by mistake lol,just go to the ticker factory and try and work it out from there i had a pic up and now dont know how to get one back on lol,well it is a work in progress xx

Thanks for your support MummiesBB, It's great to get all this wonderful advise and know that all the little niggly pains and the gas are common things to get. I am so filled with gas I may float away soon.

hi husk im not very good on computer so soz for not seeing the emails lol,i hope i have sorted out what you wanted me too let me know hun xx

Thanks for your support MummiesBB, It's great to get all this wonderful advise and know that all the little niggly pains and the gas are common things to get. I am so filled with gas I may float away soon.

hi husk im not very good on computer so soz for not seeing the emails lol,i hope i have sorted out what you wanted me too let me know hun xx

Hi All,

I had my surgery on 18th, and in all honesty I feel like I've gone several rounds with Mike Tyson. Dr Chris told me on the check out day that I'd developed a haematoma on the surgical site that would make things more painful for me. When Bart came to check on me later that day he said I'd need to keep an eye on it as I was so swollen, and that they may not be able to do a fill after 4 - 6 weeks because my swelling may not have gone down.

My spirits are ok, I'm a little scared in general I think. I was tearful going into the surgery (I'm such a sap!), and very depressed the following day (I had a bad reaction to the general aneasthetic - I still wasn't able to stand 24 hours after surgery without nearly passing out and serious nausea, they suggested I stay longer in the hospital but I couldn't face it!) - but Dr Chris was lovely and said it was completely normal.

I do have a question though - I'm finding walking (eg walk to shops - 20 mins/30 mins) a real struggle. Shortness of breath. exhaustion (and I never experienced this prior to surgery, I walked an hour a day no probs). I had the same feeling when hoovering today. Did anyone else experience this?

Was delighted last night as I was able to roll onto my port side while sleeping without to much pain. Still find sitting up a complete drag though - so sore!

Pain is definitely decreasing a LOT every day, but my heamatoma is horrible. I know all the above sounds all negative - so anyone researching Dr Chris please note that the service was excellent, the staff very professional, and I am definitely an exception as regards the reaction to the general and the heamatoma - the other two girls were flying around the next day!

So - anyone else have a rough time post-surgery as regards the exercise post-op? And I mean very low intensity - incredibly slow walking!

oh your poor thing,a couple of people have had a bad reaction but not many you just happen to be one of the unfortunates,hopefull someone on here that has had the haemetoma will reply to you as for the walking i have to admitt i was a bit slow getting around after surgery and for at least a week i was scared of overdoing it,i wasnt breathless though.i was prob going too slow to get breathless lol,hopefully things will settle down hun and you can get on with losing your weight xx

Hi, having my band done by dr. debruyne on friday and just wondering if anyone could tell me what happens on the day of surgery, booked directly with dr. debruyne and just wondering how you pay the money and all that.

hi mummy of three and congrats on your band decision,i paid my money through the bank at the same time as the deposit as i didnt want to carry it with me,but the rest of the people i met there just paid the first evening in the hotel.when you arrive at hotel they will tell you to met frederik in one of the meeting rooms around 7 in the evening or he will come to your room,talk about the surgery and sign some forms and you would pay him at that point,he will tell you to go and have your last meal and enjoy itl lol.your taxi will collect you at 6 i think,you can ask hotel for an alarm call i did a bit earlier so i could shower,when you arrive in hospital,you walk in and take your first right into a waiting room and press the machine to take a ticket and wait for your number to be called you then give your information in to reception and you have to show your passport so dont forget it as they wont do the surgery,once this is done you are shown up to your ward,then given your room,they sometimes give you a time for your op they you go to your room and the nurses will prep you,surgical stockings etc,you will then meet dr debruyne for a chat about surgery and can ask questions,you then go back to your room and chat to whoever is there lol,ps when they come to take you down you dont go straight into surgery you go into a waiting room and they take you one by one in order of beds,once knocked out you wake up in the recovery room,once you have come too,your taken back up to your ward,ps ask for painkillers if you need them as they dont seem to quick in offering,you will sleep prob the whole day away and the next morning they take your drip out,you get washed and dressed and at lunch time they bring you some Soup to eat then your taxi will collect you after lunch and you go back to hotel were freddy will check in on you in the night,when you leave the hospital they give you a wee pack containing your wharferin injections,pain killers and couple of dressings, Just after my surgery i felt like a horse had kicked me but i can honestly say they told me the pain would be halved the next day and boy it had i felf quite good and each day it gets easier,ps dont take too much into the hospital as you dont need it your out most of the first day and going back the hotel the next any more questions fire away x

Hi peoples, havent been around for a long time. I see a few newbies, welcome to you all.

And so much progress!!!! You are all doing so well.

I stopped smoking, (forever) and have put loads of weight on.

Went for a fill in Manchester last Thursday with Bart, and I had put on 5 kilos (about 10lbs 10oz)

He found my port in a jiffy, because its turned, Chris and Freddie struggle a bit to find it.

Bart put in .75mls so I am now up to 7.5 in my band, but alas it is too full. I cant sleep lying down, I get the gurgling and horrid cough. I hate that part, I can put up with all the other downsides, but I do need my sleep.< /p>

I'm hoping it will loosen up a little over the next few weeks.

Eaten yesterday, 1 bowl of 2minute porridge, eaten over 3 hours. 1/2 bag of Monster Munch (cos they are the same consistancy as the crackers they give you after the op). And that was it. STILL I had the acid reflux, and the Monster munch were eaten at 6pm, so whats that all about?

Anywa, the battery has gone in my scales, so dont know if I have lost any weight or not.

Will try to buy one from somewhere and report back soon.

You all take care now and speak soon xxxx

great to see you back freckles hope all is going well,and hey yell done on the smoking thing i gave up 6 years ago and that is when i put on my weight lol,at least you have your band to help you,that 10lb will be off you in no time chin up hun xx