Hello

I'm having a gastric sleeve operation on 5th July and needed to talk to others about it - hence finally finding this group and joining. I wondered if there are any others from the UK in the group? Mind you, as I'm quite happy to chat to anyone from anywhere, location isn't that important. Currently on the clear liquids only and if I'm honest, I'm not finding it difficult. Got weighed at my pre-op today and I've lost 17lbs in just over a week!

I had an emotional wobble yesterday, I felt unsure if this is the right route or not, but have now decided it was just cold feet and can't wait to get the operation over and done with.

I'd love to hear from anyone - especially if they're positive and pleasant. :-D

Hiya Cathie...

yep, I'm in the UK... south Wales!

There are a few Brits on here and they are all lovely! But in the minority... that being said, I have only come across positive and support sleeve friends on this site.

I am nearly a year out, I was sleeved 4th July 2010 so we are a year and a day apart. If there is anything you want to know give me a shout..=]

Hi Coops, thank you so much for your friendly reply. I started to have a little panic attack on Wednesday and thought about losing weight for once and for all, and when at a much lower weight have the POSE. Mind you, I know I'd be kidding myself.

I've read about a lot of people having Protein shakes and similar - and I hadn't heard of that over here. Did you have a special diet? How are you finding life now you've been banded? have you been to any restaurants - and how do you go on? I've never had even a minor op before and have no idea what to expect pain wise etc. So many questions, so little time left before I have it done - ahhhhhhh!

Hiya Cathie...

yep, I'm in the UK... south Wales!

There are a few Brits on here and they are all lovely! But in the minority... that being said, I have only come across positive and support sleeve friends on this site.

I am nearly a year out, I was sleeved 4th July 2010 so we are a year and a day apart. If there is anything you want to know give me a shout..=]

Hi Coops, thank you so much for your friendly reply. I started to have a little panic attack on Wednesday and thought about losing weight for once and for all, and when at a much lower weight have the POSE. Mind you, I know I'd be kidding myself.

I've read about a lot of people having Protein shakes and similar - and I hadn't heard of that over here. Did you have a special diet? How are you finding life now you've been banded? have you been to any restaurants - and how do you go on? I've never had even a minor op before and have no idea what to expect pain wise etc. So many questions, so little time left before I have it done - ahhhhhhh!

Hiya Cathie... I haven't had the band, I've been sleeved and it is fab! Life on the other side is only positive and I am a really SLOW loser!!

What is POSE?

The Protein drinks are ok ... you can get them here, I do have some of the Protein powder and I use a vanilla flavour that I add to coffee it tastes a little like a vanilla latte... but I don't have them that often and I didn't use them post op.. in fact I was a good 4-5 mths out until I tried them.

Pre op I had no special diet requirements at all... I was self pay, so I just rocked up to the hospital the night before! After the op there is a very specific plan to follow for the first 4-6 weeks, but I have found out that each and every surgeon is slightly different. I am only 'allowed' to eat 3 times a day with no Snacks, whereas some surgeons prefer 4-6 small meals a day... that will depend on how your surgeon works.

I have been out to eat now, and like before I don't really like it... for some reason, I never enjoyed going out for food... I would rather go the the pub and get hammered or go to the cinema!! But when I have eaten out it is not a problem, as post sleeve I can tolerate all foods and I just stop when I am full... it is crap value for money though, so I am reluctant to do it.

Life post sleeve is very good... I haven't reached my weight goal yet, or my size goal...lol... but there are many personal goals that I have achieved, my main one being exercise. I am now fit and able to train hard, like I did when I was in my late teens... I feel that I am now in control, which is bloody amazing!

Other than a C-section for my second child, I too, has never had a minor op, never mind a major one...

I had a text book recovery and no problems what so ever... it sounds drastics, I suppose removing over half of your stomach is drastic, but I would do it all again tomorrow...

Honestly, I wouldn't change anything... not for the world!

Good luck with your op... where in the UK are you?

Keep in touch and let me know how you get on... if there are any more questions, give me a shout =]