Hiya uk bandsters and future bandsters!

It's great to have our own thread, I will still visit the other threads as they contain a wealth of really useful info but I have to say when it comes to discussions about supplements, Protein shakes etc I get a bit lost as some of the products are not available here in the UK.

Another thing I find is that we have different issues affecting us, one example is the fact that the lapband op itself is not as common here as in the states and people just don't know enough about it. Quite often US bandsters will talk of their family, friends and colleagues being banded but I don't personally know anyone in my home town that has a band and in real time I don't have anyone to share my experiences with.

x katie

I completely agree with you, it is very different from the US. Although the band has been around for years, it has not really been advertised in the UK. I really only paid attention when I saw some ad on the internet.

I doubt my doc would even have considered it as a possiblility. I know she wasn't impressed with the fact that I was going abroad for it. But as she said, 'if anything goes wrong, they are obliged to help me.' It made me feel a little guilty but really I am probably going to be saving the NHS money in the long run!

We should start thinking of our own little challenges to try and achieve!:clap2:

hi girls,

I agree too, sometimes I have not got a clue what our american cousins are talking about!

I am lucky though as I have people to turn to for advice as my best friend is banded, another friend is too plus her brother and sister! I knew nothing about the band until they had it done though, it does seem to be gaining popularity every day.

take care,

Donna x.

belgium seems a very popular choice does anybody know of other european countries that do the same packages. How was the flying after the l.b.

I am sure there are other clinics in the EU, but Belgium seems to specialise in the gastric lap band. The Chimay Clinic practiced on Belgium patients for 15 years before inviting over patients from the UK. So it has a known track record, that could be why it is so popular, plus they can boast that they are a 100% free of MRSA!

It's true as well you can walk around in sock feet and your socks will not pick up any dirt, it's almost freaky!

I didn't fly to Belgium I went on the Eurotunnel which was comfortable and quick. But, I think someo f the other girls flew and they said it was fine.

Kind regards

Suzannex

Dear Katieo,

Back in 2007 you were the first to contribute to a new Forum, for UK bandsters. I am writing to ask if you know: how did you, or others, set up a new Forum?? I would like to set one up for band users with more than two years' experience, because so much of the stuff on this website is people new to band use and the problems and concerns are very different. But I cant see on the website a way of proposing a new forum. Grateful for any advice.

Cedar