MummiesBB

Hello everyone

I can't quite believe that i haven't been on the forum for ages!

I was quite poorly so took myself to the London clinic and had a 2ml defill as looked realky gaunt & lacked so much energy! Weighed in at under 9.7 stones and wasn't confortable. Had bad acid reflux. Frederik was brilliant! Found i could eat poached/coddled eggs which if i had waten before made me throw up!

I am operation 14 pounds which i need to lose for my GP to put a funding request through for breast lift/reduction surgery. So currently sitting at 11 stone 7 lbs and not concerned that i have put in. Still in 10-12 clothes & feel fab! Need to update ticker. Hope eceryone else is well and losing.

Take care

Claire x

the tablets are large capsules but strangely i didnt have problems swallowing them' date=' the shape i can't swallow are like the bullet balloon shape caps .. normally Omega 3 is in them ... i am also using the Biotin Shampoo and conditioner its not that costly and lasts ages ...

http://www.amazon.co...34661353&sr=1-1

thats the link to the caps i take

I had a similar issue. End if Jan 2012 had 2ml defill acid reflux improved immediately. I have been really careful with my hair but it was thin & lank good indicator i wasn't getting enough nutrition. Since defill huge improvement. My hairdresser could feel where it was thicker nearer the roots due to improved nutrition so chopped off the rubbish.

Planning to go for a 0.5ml fill as i have gained weight since defill so need to lose 11lbs!

Used body shop volumising Shampoo & conditioner for a while. Now normal shampoo again. Taking mult vits etc plus spatone.

Take care everyone

Cx

How fantastic have you done?!.. X

That's great.

Having a bit of a break since defill and trying to heal after the horrid acid reflex i suffered with. Have put on a stone but that's fine i didn't want to be 9 1/2 stone and looked awful!!!

Thinking i will go back in May for a 0.5ml fill. May even have slightly less as happy with what i can manage not a huge amount but enough. Need to leave the chocolate & red wine alone! They are the killers!!!!

Take care

Cx

Hey guys, Just a quick one. Does anyone remember the name of our band (the guys banded by Chris) and the maximum fill? I think it's heliogast and 7-9ml, but not sure the maximum you can have in the band? x

Contact Frederik as we all have different sized bands. It's usually a heliogast band and I think I have a 15ml band as this is what he usually fits for ladies and 20ml for blokes. But I would check with Frederik.

HTH

Claire x

Well I had the breast surgery to remove the lump, they also took out 2 lymph nodes.

When I went for the results they told me that one of the nodes was cancerous so they wanted to remove them all. And this just 2 weeks after the initial surgery, so fast. Found out of friday and the surgery was booked for the following Tuesday, didnt have time to get scared.

Thank God its over now, I'm 2 weeks out, under my arm is so sore, but it will get better I know. I have a fill booked for next thursday in manchester as they had to take it all out except for 2mls before my surgery.

Now I have to start all over, again. This being the second time, as my first band had to be removed due to leakage.

Am I meant to be fat I ask myself????

Hello

So sorry to read about your treatment. Do hope you are soon on the road to full recovery and feeling more like yourself. What a year you have had. Be gentle on yourself and take it easy.

Take care

Hugs, Claire x

Hi Everyone

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone by not going with Dr De Bruyne. I know he is a fantastic surgeon, however the idea of going to have surgery on my own in another country is too much for me at the moment as I'm not stable enough. As I've indicated before this, I suffer a lot from depression and I can't predict how I would react the night before in Brussels when the nerves take over me.

I've had a full consultation with a medical team in Liverpool, and every aspect of my current health has been looked into. I would rather have the security of mind now that my illnesses have been properly assessed in advance, than getting to Brussels, and possibly turned away or the proper care wasn't prepared for my intracranial pressure. I worry about the pressure in my head every day, and I can imagine the worries being ten times as worse on the day of surgery. I also get quite severe headaches after flying so that is another factor I've taken into account.

I think staying in the UK is the best choice for me because of my health and concerns. My surgeon is Mr Sigurdsson and I have checked him out thoroughly. I've also been assured that Mr Sigurdsson is experienced in neurological conditions such as mine.

If I didn't have such illnesses, I wouldn't hesitate to go to Brussels. In fact, if anyone was to ask me who to get banded with I'd say Dr De Bruyne because of his track record!

Again, I'm sorry if any of you are disappointed and think I'm making the wrong decision, however I have been considering this for the past two years and have weighed everything up. I value all of your advice and support.

Thank you

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah

This is your journey and we can only tell you what are experiences have been to date and how we found the intial experience.

Where you have your surgery and who with is your choice. The fact that you have made such a big leap of faith in such a short period of time is reflective of where you are in your decision making process. If this is the space you feel comfortable with then go for it.

Keep us posted on how you get on and don't ever think that there is a silly or stupid question. Remember that this is a lovely supportive forum and there are plenty of lovely people here who will answer you and support you with lots of positivity.

Take care and take itall one day at a time!

Cx

Thanks again for your responses Slinky and Claire

After all of your advice, I've decided to take a big step (for me) and email them! Is there a specific address? I can't seem to find one on the website.

Did you have a lack of energy a few months after the band? What kind of foods were you eating just after having the band? And what are you eating now? What does it feel like exercising? Particularly riding a bike, as I enjoy this. I can imagine that the upwards leg/knee movements may cause the band/port to dislodge!

I've heard a few women saying that they lost their hair. Has anyone else had this experience?

Sorry for the million questions!!

Thanks

Saz

Here's Frederiks email

<frederik.serneels@ecfs.be>;

Brlliant that you are emailing them. They will look after you!

Energy forme was at my lowest from October last year (2011 until Janu 2012) as I had gone below my target weight and was struggling to eat due to the tightness of the band. Frederik removed 2ml and since then I have felt fabulous. I have boundless amounts of energy and have put in approx 7 -10 pounds (I had 17 going spare so not too worried) but happy. Hair had thinned and wasn't growing but since defill seems to have got better.

Port shouldn't dislodge as stitched in place and band should be secure aswell. Ask Frederik but I would have thought riding a bike was fine. I teach yoga and I don't have any issues doing that.

HTH Keep us posted and the date you book., We are here if you need to ask anything.

Take care

Claire x

Hi

I'm new to this forum so not sure if I'm doing this right... please re-direct if necessary.

I've been considering (and researching) a band for two years now on and off, always being put off by what could go wrong and not having the money. I'm now able to afford the surgery, but I keep going through bouts of being on the edge of booking a consultation, then thinking I must be mad to actually put myself through this procedure and worry about the future with a band.

I'm 28 and have a few illnesses which are all related to my weight including severe clinical depression, PCOS, asthma, eczema and intracranial hypertension (pressure on the brain). Every time I see either my GP or neurologists, they "remind" me that I need to lose weight.

I've been overweight since I was around 10 years old, so that's nearly two thirds of my life which I find so sad. I'm even too scared to look at how much I weigh as it gets me into really low moods for weeks at a time.

I've tried appetite suppressants, Xenical and Metformin with no real success. Also been to see a dietician a few times which to me isn't very helpful as I'm a vegetarian and don't tend to eat conventionally "fatty" foods.

New years eve was particularly hard for me as I tend to assess where I am in life, and to be honest 2011 was a really crap year, particularly as I had split with my partner of six years because I couldn't stand him touching me the way I am.

I really want to lose this weight for myself. My ideal situation is allowing friends and family to take a single picture of me! The last picture of me was from when I was in school!!

I'm sorry that I'm rambling and probably giving too much information! I guess I'd just like to know if anyone else went through these same doubts or personal problems that I have?

Thanks

S

I think there have been some fabulous responses to your post.

It's all about the journey and when you arrive at the point that is right for you.

Dr Chris and his team are superb and if I had to do this again I wouldn't hesitate going to him.

I had an underactive thyroid and was on low dosage medication, I now don't take anything and am very healthy.

When you are ready you will make the booking and then go through the swings and roundabouts of have I done the right thing. I have to be absolutely honest and say that I never had this, I just knew it was the right thing for me. 8 stone later and I am a very happy bunny.

Good luck, go fo it and enjoy a new lease of life and even a new experience.

Love Claire x

Hi all!

Well it's took me over a week to read from the start of this topic, & I'm delighted I did. I'm meeting with Bart Rommes ( Patient Care Manager with Belgium surgery services) on Friday 17th & hoping to get booked in for may! Has any body ever meet Bart? Does he work directly with Dr Chris? :-)

Hello

Well done for reading all the posts that's briliant. Haven't heard of Bart as I have always emailled Frederik.

Hope all goes well on the 17th

Let us know how you get on.

Take care

Claire

Hello all, due to have my first fill next week!

Wondering if you lovely lot could share your experiences regarding

1. The actual fill, how many cc's, does it hurt?

2. What can you eat afterwards, ie if on liquids how long for?

3. Can any off you feel your port, all I can feel is scar tissue?

That's it, but as always am thrilled to hear any other pearls of wisdom you have to offer.

Thanks again,

You really are an inspirational lot!

A x

Initial 3ml then followed by 2ml then in increments of 0.5 or 1 take it easy as it's easy to have more and cause problems

No doesn't hurt

Liquids for 3 days then mushies and then back to normal food. Julie will give you a gude and emergency contact numbers etc.

Yes I can feel my port especially the skinnier I have got. It's fine

HTH

Good luck

Claire x

Hi all. For all of you who had their surgery with Dr Chris, what is your experience like? have your met your goal? any complications? would you recommend the band?

I am still confused between the band or the sleeve.

sharing your views are appreciated.

thanks

Brilliant experience, more than exceeded goals. No complications other than slight overfill but that has been sorted out now. So glad I went for band as I felt it was the least invasive procedure for me.##HTH

Claire x

Book for the last appointment of the day and you get more time

Frederick was brilliant the other day when I went to see him!

Take care Cx

Book for the last appointment of the day and you get more time

Frederick was brilliant the other day whenI went to see him!

Take care Cx

Book for the last appointment of the day and you get more time (perhaps it just felt like it)

Frederick was brilliant the other day when I went to see him!

Take care Cx

Just enjoyed some lovely Brie and Rioja! Yummy

Loving not being so restricted! Hoping on and off te scales though in absolute fear!! Only 3 lbs on in a week that's ok!

Bought some fabulous purple boots (puss in boots) yesterday looking forward to receiving these in the post!

Have fun

Claire

Hi everyone,

0.75ml fill which was unbelievable and has given me complete restriction! So in two weeks i have lost a stone and now have 28lbs to go. Does anyone have any comments on their experiences of full restriction? I'm not sure if it's too tight or the best routine to get into x

What exactly are you asking? What our restriction experiences have been like?

I was very tight but lost the weight and more and recently went to have a 2ml defill. I am now able to eat and have a lot more energy and look a lot better!! At one oint Ilooked like death warmed up and needed to go for a defill. Definately worth it ok I have less restricton and this has helped ease the acid reflux, burning and I feel like I can eat and know my limits now whereas before I didn't know my limits because it was forcing me to stop.

HTH

Claire

Hey everyone, hope you're all doing good.

I'm sorry I havent been on for some time, its all doom and gloom. My dear mother passed away in November at home peacefully, I was with her, but I have had a hard time adjusting.

I had a de-fill just after as for 5 weeks I had been sleeping sitting up, because of reflux. I felt really drained, looking after Mum, not sleeping etc, so thought I would have a lot out and a rest from the band.

Wish i hadnt bothered as I have been comfort-eating and have put on such a lot of weight, about 10kilos,

Fill booked for 9th feb. I also found a lump in my boob, had a biopsy and get the results on Friday.

I told the surgeon if it is the big C then I want both off and new pert 16 year old boobs. he laffed and said he could do that if I didnt smoke anymore. I gave up in August so that hasnt helped my weight gain.

Sorry to be such a misery, but needed to share. love to all xxx

Ohh Freckles

So sorry to hear your sad news about your mum. Very hard when we are the carers and with them until the end. I understand as I was with my grandmother when she passed away.

Do hope the biopsy results are ok and it'snot the big C.

Take it easy on yourself and don't worry about the gain (that's the beauty of the band)

Let us know how you get on with the hospital.

Take care and look after yourself.

Cx

Hello all

So update had 2mls removed from band and can finally eat! Hooray!!!!

We have been brave this evening ..... having a childrens meal.

Managed part of a bacon steak, a little of the jacket potato, a few Beans. Really want to try the egg but feel very full!

A positive move to have a defill! I've used all my fat reserves up so it was time to have a rest!

Have a good weekend

Cx

Hello

How do you all get on with jacket pots? Really didn't have a good experience after eating it last night! Do you still mash it up and make it very soft?

Thanks

Cx

Hello all

So update had 2mls removed from band and can finally eat! Hooray!!!!

Managed 3 pirces of 1/2 inch sized chicken nawabi plus a spoon of rice & onion bhaji last night - amazing! Plus seeded bread with phili for Breakfast this morning with cup of coffee.

We have been brave this evening & ventured out for a family meal at Frankie & Benny's having a childrens meal my oldest has had the adult option. Managed part of a bacon steak, a little of the jacket potato, a few Beans. Really want to try the egg but feel very full!

A positive move to have a defill! I've used all my fat reserves up so it was time to have a rest!

Have a good weekend

Cx

Important to remember that the band is guranteed by Dr Chris and if you have fills eslewhere (my understanding) that the guarantee was null and defunct. Is this correct?

Cx

Hi,

Just to let you know my GP referred me to my local hospital for the x-ray and then she posted the results to Dr. Chris.

Daisy

That's very good.

Alternative -

Xray express - 121 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AX Letter from Dr Chris at the London Clinic

Cost is £90

Tel: 020 7224 6493

HTH

Claire

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

I had a response from Frederik

He is doing the London clinic on Thirsday and said that he thought I should have a slight defill.

So glad I wasn't being paranoid and have at least highlighted this.

Looking forward to going to London on Thursday. Appt is 3 ish so anyone going along come say hello would be lovely to touch base.

Take care

Cx

Congrats tothose recentlybanded do hope you are starting to settle into your newlife and good luck to those off to Belgium in the next few weeks.

Take care

Cx

lol when someone over here in ireland is worried or concerned we say dont let it annoy you that all lol,im fine claire weight loss is slow can only eat Soups and the odd sandwich but doing fine hun xx

Ok cultural ... ohh I think I need to come to Ireland and find out all about the culture. Did do 4 days a few years ago on retreat (yoga) in the Burren. Whereabouts are you? Have you found a weightloss support group? I visited another forum and found a local weightloss group who I met up with last week. It was lovely to meet others. They were a mix of bands, sleeves and bypass (either had or waiting to go in) but lovely and refreshing. Will pm you the details.

Are you happy eating only soups? Are you getting enough Protein, I have let the herbalife shakes slip and its this lack of protein that is now affecting my energy, my hair (it looks awful and hasn't really grown). So I am going to have a go tomorrow and reintroducing it all gradually over the week and and see where we go from there especially having a defill should all help go in the right direction. Although not sure how I feel about gaining weight. I have about 10lbs that I can play with so I just need to be mindful of that!

Do hope all ok with you and you are taking care of yourself.

All the best, speak soon

Claire

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

No nothing yet

Planning to go for 1 ml but will listen to whoever is over and take their advice

Would be good to eat a more varied diet and not worried about the portion as long as I can have a little bit.

Gosh I didn't post anything about being annoyed - concerned yes

As for winding myself up again - no not really just when I eat or drink certin things it causes pain or the burning so just want this gone.

Thanks - how are you doing?