MummiesBB

Thanks, yes I am chuffed. Don't get hungry although do get very thirsty which is a good indicator that I don't drink enough so focusing on this at the moment to the detriment of food. Finding it difficult to eat without getting a pain in my back and I do chew chew chew! Sure it will get better as I am trying to eat solids rather than drink liquids. HTH Take care Cx

Hello Yes I went a year ago on the 31st July and haven't regretted having the band as it has helped me achieve where I wanted to be. Dr Chris and his team did a very good job for me. Don't get me wrong it's not an easy option and the journey certainly has its ups and downs and I have struggled at times to eat and spent quite a few months purely having liquids but that was my experience. There are plenty of others on here who have been able to eat what I would say are the normal foods. All I can say is research all your options fully and the different types of surgery and what is available to you. Maybe the band is the right option but then you may get a different experience with the bypass. Only you will know what feels right for you. HTH good luck on your journey. Cx

People can be so ignorant, I have to admit there have been a couple of people who have responded to me in this way and I thought initially about giving them a piece of my mind but then I thought actually you are too ignorant to bother explaining it to and I just said that this may be an extreme choice but obviously this was the right thing for me after all take a good look and see the difference! (not bitchy but definately hinting that I was getting nearer to be where I was comfortable). Some people are too up there own arses to see anyone else and the work they have to do. A band is not easy and I fully synpathise with the cooking family meals and not eating them. Only in the last few weeks have I started to enjoy these family meals more. I have good restriction (6 mls in a 15ml band) but I have started to eat finally chopped spaghetti and I had 2 pieces of penne Pasta and chopped them up with the sauce the other evening. This is a first in a year! My main meals consist of 3 small 0.5 inch pieces of chicken and a few veg or some rice (usually about 3 teaspoons) not a lot I keep meaning to take a photo of my meal size as everyone is quite shocked at what I don't have! My husband made nasi goreng the other evening and in order to add to the Protein I whisked and egg and made it into egg fried rice with mushrooms and turkey. What made I then took a 2 x tablespoons of and that was dinner the left overs were used for lunch the next day! People don't realise just how little you do need to exist and be healthy. We are a nation of over eaters! I sit and people watch a lot more now always did before but even more so when food is involved and I watch them shovelling it in and not pausing between forkfuls or gulping down a drink in between and think gosh I was like that once but my eating has changed so much. It's a good thing as I can honestly say I feel healthier than I did before and have more energy. Boy I had energy before but now I am like a missile! So what am I saying - your restriction will ease and the weight will come off and you will be in a much better place but be patient as all good things come to those who stay focused on the main target. If you don't have one, set one and have mini targets to get to it and each time you achieve a mini target reward yourself. Take care and stay focused. Cx

My understanding of this and there have been clients on here who have had their band replaced, port changed due to leaks etc and Dr Chis has looked after them. Not sure if there was a charge or not but I am sure others will be able to say what they have had to pay for or not pay for etc. When we had our meeting the night before the procedure, I asked about the band and guarantees etc and I was advised by Dr Chris and Frederik that all my fills were done with them to ensure that only they were the ones to access to port in case there was a problem and then they would be able to sort it. HTH We are all only able to do this once and it's not a whim but somethng you think about for months before you finally fo ahead and do it. I am one week off my first year and am so pleased as I am at target weight and feel a million dollars! Take care Cx

Congratulations what lovely news! Are you pleased? There have been a few on here who have had babies and will have better experience than most. I was told that all the fill had to be removed but see what Freddie says. Only reason why I asked is because I do a lot of work with pregnant mums and wasnted to know and also if undertaking pregnancy yoga was ok. It was which is good news. So pleased for you. Enjoy your pregnancy. Take care Cx

Week 51 Wow can't believe that one more week and I have had my band for a year. What an amazing journey it has been. Quite an adventure into the journey of food and just how the body copes when it has next to nothing! I am very very happy as I have obviously achieved my target and more! I need to book an appointment for September to go for my annual check up but shall do that at the start of September. So this week I have lost 1bl and 3 inches. This is fine as I am trying to eat more and trying to get more fibre into my diet. I am also having a glass of prune juice morning and night to avoid constipation as it was very unpleasant at the start of the week. It doesn't help when your fridge decides to go on the blink. It's finally been written off so that we can go to the shop and get another one. What a nightmare! But we are nearly there! Just need to watch that certain foods are ok and not make anyone ill in the process! So have an appointment on Tuesday with GP and hoping to wangle referral for tummy, thighs and boobs (not too much then!) but they are driving me crazy! Which is the worst bit the boobs as I am in constant agony in my shoulder and back! Not sure why but would like to find out if it is the slack skin and loss of fat! Anyway stats for this week: Weight loss = 1 lb Inch loss = 3 inches Total weigh loss = 106.5 Total inch loss = 89.5 BMI: 24.5 Yippee Have a great week everyone and stay very positive. Take care Claire

Here'sthe link to the numbers http://www.lapbanduk.org/t2-dr-chris-de-bruyne-belgium HTH Cx

Hello Did you get the text? The contact numbers are on the website. The anxiety really doesn't help as the band tightens. I had exactly the sameon October last year and as Freckles says the weight comes off. But you are limited to a few spoonfulls at a time. I drank warm water as I found this really helped I seemed to have the opposite to everyone else with the reaction to cold. See how you are over the next few days as it may ease. Remember when you have a fill it tries tofight against itself due to the slight swelling. So see how you go if obviously you can'tcope and get reflux or lots of saliva then you may have rethink this. How much have you lost since last July? Take care and look after yourself. Can't believe that on the 31st July we would have had the band a year! Amazing. Cx

I can only speak for my experience. I was banded July 31st 2010 and am a few weeks off the first year and I have reached my target. I lost my target of 106.5 lbs in 51 weeks. I know this is quite an unusual journey and it has been intense. For me I weighed up the complications and looked at CDB track record and the way in which he does his surgery. Also the choice of band was important I looked at the capacity and CDB uses a 15ml band for women. I have 6mls in my band and this comprises of 4 fills. I was lucky as I was able to have 5 weeks off after the surgery as I am a teacher and went for the procedure in the summer hols. I was ok after 10 days and was camping 3 weeks into the band. Intererstingly I have just done my weight and inch loss stats for the year and broke it into before and in between fills so here goes: first number is weight loss second number is inch loss and month of fill and amount up to 1st fill 25.5 21 from 1st fill to 2nd 7.5 8.5 September 2010 3ml from 2nd fill to 3rd 35.5 29.25 October 2010 2ml from 3rd fill to 4th 18.0 12.5 March 2011 0.5ml from 4th fill 20.5 15.25 May 2011 0.5ml total loss 107 lbs 86.5 inches Hope this helps Cx

Hello all Haven't been on over last few days good to see everyone. Pearce well done so glad you are ok. So I am 3 pounds off my target and I think I feel depressed! Why? I know I know I am nearly there but I look like a bag of skin! It's awful!! Even my husband won't touch me as he doesn't like it. So much for feeling great about myself. I'm not sure how I am going to overcome it. I am goin yoga but this will strengthen and tone the muscles underneath not tighten the slack skin! I am just going to have to hope that the GP feels really sorry for me and when he does the referral for the top half that the Consultant may consider the other bits. Anyone know of a good plastics person who is reasonable and won't cost an arm and a leg! Ha ha. So have been on a Well Woman yoga course and absolutely amazing. Looking to start classes up and help with menstruation, infertility, conception, menopause and other female conditions e.g. fibroids, cysts, prolapses etc. All very interesting and something that the surgeons knife should be the last thing to consider. So glad I decided to extend my studies and do this. I have a GP appointment in 2-3 weeks so shall wait and see what he has to say about the concerns I have. Otherwise it looks like I am going to be saving up! Everyone have a super day and I will be back soon. Claire x

Hello I thought this had posted yesterday Xray Express - Book an x-ray - Gastograph swallow Located at: 121 Harley Street, London, W1H2 Tel: 0207 224 6493 £90 plus consult with Dr Chris £80 Check with Julie Mackintosh - 07872 963 503 for clinic dates and then book two appoints with both venues. Xray Express are very quick. HTH Claire x

Laila Do you go to London for your fills? There is X-ray Express at 121 Harley Street, London, W1H2 that do a X-Ray - Gastrograph swallow telephone 0207 224 6493 £90 You will then need to go for a consultation with Dr Chris afterwards. So tie in with his clinic date. £80 I am looking to go in September as I want to go when I have the children back at school. HTH Claire

Wow so are you well done! Are you pleased? I know I am well chuffed apart from the saggy tummy and droopy boobs but hopefully can do something about the two! Have just ordered a body control thingymyjib to wear under the dress I want to wear next week! Have a good weekend. Cx

Hello How much do you have in your band? We went to the states last Christmas and I had 5ml in mine and this was ok, I had placed a special order on the plane but there was no order for me. I managed with cuppa soup and then whilst I was there I managed on soup etc. I found the band reacted to the flight and I did manage to drink water etc Have you spoken or emailled Frederik? He might be able to advise you as they know the limits etc Have a fabulous time and enjoy. Claire x

Congratulations that's superb that you have lost 42 pounds. You should definately feel chuffed. When did youget your band? How much do you have in it? Will reply to other post in mo. Take care and keep up the good work. Have you got a ticker? Cx

Hello all Been a few weeks since I was last on. Good to see a few postshope all those that have been for surgery are well and doing ok. Well i have had a few up & down weeks but overall ok. I had a week where I just wasn't focused and found food really difficult. Definately have restriction but have been able to manage 3 small pieces of chicken and some rice equates to just about a desert spoonful. I managed some cereal this morning which is a real first. Weight wise I have 5 pounds to go to my target so I have lost 101 pounds. So pleased! Have posted a few photos of a dress I am planning to wear next week to the School Prom for Year 11. I think I definately need to have a look at my boobs and tummy! They are a nightmare! Anyway have a good weekend spposed to be lovely really hope so! Take care Claire x

Well done you, that's fabulous! Have you looked at My Profile - Edit my Profile for your Signature and your ticker should be there with the code to get to www.tickerfactory.com Did you make a note of your ticker factory code when you set it up? Good luck as love to see the updates for everyone. Take care Claire x

Hello all Back from a lovely week in Cornwall with superb weather. I felt comfortable being on the beach and being in a bikini although didn't take my t-shirt top off as I didn't want to show my horrible all loose skin boobs and tops of my thighs! Ohh how I do hope I can get funding to have the top half done as they are awful and I felt very concious of them! Apart from that though have come home to weigh and have lost another 3.5 lbs. So aware that I am struggling to eat though and to get the liquids down. Have had some good days and very down days where just felt very stressed. Interesting Wannabe that you have found it to be linked to stress. I was sat very quietly the other evening and started to have heart palpitations and eventually they slowed down but it did frighten me a little. Has this all been just a little too quick????? Had my blood results back as well for my Thyroid and it was 2.5 whohc is within the norm but so lost as I'm not sure whether I should resume taking the eds or not. Decided to take them every other day and wondering f this is what is causing me to feel unwell. Other interesting point (maybe not for anyone else so sorry) but I noticed when I went into the Tropical Biome at the Eden Project last year I sweated buckets. This year I walked around in trousers that had a warm layer underneath and a t-shirt and everyone else was sweating but I was cool as a cucumber and as soon as I came out had to put my warmer layers on as I felt so cold. Is this normal????/ Anyway, 8 lbs to go and just 1.5 lbs until 100 lb loss. Wow this was my 3rd mini target and I can't quite believe that I am so near. The last 6 pounds I shall be wishing off as I need to make a Dr's appointment and see my GP in order to get the referral. Hope everyone else is doing ok and comfortable with where they are at. Take care and look after yourselves. Cx 8lbs to go and I feel great in a definate size 12 as I picked up a pair of trousers I bought whilst in Cornwall and they fitted perfectly.

Wahoo can't quite get over this but another 2 lbs down and 0.5 inch so sitting at 95 lb loss and 76 inches. Wow that's a real feel good factor. So 11.5 lbs to go and then a huge celebration! In a size 12 trouser and hopefully will settle at a 10/12 - would be really happy with this. Those that have had their band for a while did you maintain your weight or did it fluctuate a little here and there. Did you manage this with nutritional shakes or fills? Obviously when I reach target I don't want to really lose anymore but does it just stop? Having the oddest week in terms of food; usually my staple is soup (as it has been since October last year - I know boring but that was all that I could consume) but this week it just hasn't wanted to stay almost as if it's too thick and causes sliming etc (sorry for the TMI). I have been able to manage crackerbreads with soft cheese smeared over the top and more liquids than before which is a bonus. Anyway off to teach baby massage and spend some quality time with my mummies and their little bundles of fun. Have a good day and stay positive and focused. Cx

That's good that you have lost, are you measuring? I find the inch loss phenomenal and can't quite believe that some weeks it can be just o.5 inch bit other weeks up to 5 inches. Definately worth measuring as it gives you a real boost. I have found that a few days after the fill I get even more restriction; it's as if the body is fighting the band? Does this make sense ... Around these days I can have the frothy feeling but it's periodic. I try to just not eat or drink at this time as I find it makes it worse! On a positive note it does ease off and eventually I am able to eat a little more. Last night I managed to drink something properly and it was great not to have it pooling. I have tried to eat soup but it's just not playing ball so I have had a little tuna with mayo & sweetcorn (about 3 teaspoons) and I tried a cuppa soup which sort of played ball! I am sure everything will settle down and start to behave itself and you will lose what you want. With regards to the final stone or 14 pounds I think this will be the hard part to lose and I am trying to work out what my body is up to. I am back on the nutritional shakes to ensure I am getting my vits and mins and I have lots of energy which is great. Do hope it all settles for you. Quite worrying when there are others on here having probs which I do hope they soon get resolved so that they can move forwards in their journeys. Take care, off to teach parentcraft and yoga. Cx

Definately not! How about you? Is your ticker up to date? How do you feel after your defill and refill? Hope you have had a better experience. How's the weightloss going? You must be nearly at your target? Have you had many comments? I seem to be running out of clothes at the moment but have purchased some size 12's, gosh it feels odd to write that! Whooppee ... How about you? Have you changed clothes size? I've noticed my shoes are too big aswell. Good to hear from you. Hope to see a post from you soon. Take care Claire x

Have had a lovely day and feeling so positive with myself. Yes I can have down days like everyone on here but I had a lovely yoga class this morning and then baby massage and it makes me realise that we are so lucky in the people we meet and become friends with and have the priviledge to talk to and listen to. I feel particulalrly honoured as it's quite intimate what some people share with me in terms of how they gave birth etc Everyone seems to be dieting around me and I bump into people and they say what they are doing Dr Dukan, weight watchers etc and I am so pleased for them and don't want to say how much I have lost so that they think their loss is insignificant when it's not. So I keep being really positive with them all. Brushing mine off as if it's nothing. Anyway I weighed today as is the traditional activity of an early Friday monring and had lost 3 pounds and 2 inches. I still can't quite believe that it's going and still have this image in my head of me really big! I have bumped into a few of my mummies and they are like "your disappearing", one even did a double take and then realised who it was. So I am sat enjoying a lovely glass of rose and had a small amount of couscous earlier which seemed to decide to stay. I am trying to make a concious effort to focus on eating more but struggling due to the restriction even soup whch is very thick is having a difficult time, although I am managing cuppa soup. Takes a while to get it down though! One more week in school and then half term, but 270 exam papers to mark! Not fun! But all part and parcel of what we do. Really looking forward to half term and going away. Hoping the weather stays nice but even if it doesn't I shall take my lap top and focus on the small projects I have to do to promote my Birthlight pregnancy yoga classes etc. Sorry for rambling. Hope all ok. Take care and be back soon. All for now Claire x

Firstly congrats to all on this thread who either have or are having band with Dr Chris. He's great. Hopefully my ticker says it all. He will take a bank transfer and this can be paid in one go directly with Frederik into the bank in Belgium. I paid all of mine upfront before I went in July 2010 as I didn't want to carry the cash. As you say it is a personal experience but you will find lots of positive support on here and another thread "Does anyone know Dr Chris de Brueyne" do a search for Belgium and it will come up. I love having my band and my journey over the last 10 months has been interesting. Please feel free to read my journal and ask any questions you may have. Tonight, I am celebrating with a lovely glass of rose because I am in a size 12 trousers and top and I have 13 pounds to go until I reach my target weight of 106.5 pounds loss. So a very happy bunny who is so pleased she went and spent the money so wisely! Enjoy your journeys and please let us know how you all get on. Take care Claire x

Hello all Hope everyone is well? SarahP how did you get on at your appointment? How are you feeling? I had a lovely chilled morning one of my yoga mummies popped in to see me and to share a cuppa. It was lovely. I went to the hairdressers and went for the chop! Just can't decide on a colour now but will by the end of the weekend. Best bit I decided to be brave and try on tousers in M&S, New Look and H&M. I couldn't quite believe it but I can get in a size 12. That feels AMAZING! Anyway thought I would just post,hope all are ok. Take care and stay positive. Cx