Hi my name is Fiona.

I am waiting for my first appointment after being referred by my GP for LapBanding. I have been told it is a long drawn out process to get banded on the NHS but I do not have the funds to have it done privately. I would have it done tomorrow if I could.

Anyway I have joined this site to see the ups and downs of banding. Hopefully to get inspired and to decide if banding is right for me.:nervous

Hi Fiona, and welcome. This is a great place for information and support while you're jumping through all the hoops and afterwards too. The best thing to do is to keep reading and ask lots of questions.

Where in the UK are you from? I'm in Canada but I've lived in Colchester and Bournemouth in previous years.

Hi Devana,

I am from Romford, Essex not too far from Colchester.

I have relatives who live in Canada, where are you from?

I have had a really great response from joining this site and I am feeling much more positive about the band. Have you had one and if yes how long?

I'm from Vancouver Island on the west coast. I've had my band just over a year. I've lost more slowly than I hoped, however, I'm down 70 lbs. I still have a ways to go.

Do you have any idea when you'll get a date?

I actually lived in Clacton-on-Sea, rather than Colchester. We went back and forth a lot.

I have family in Chilliwack just outside Vancouver and also in Abbottsford.

You have done really well, the slower it comes off the better really as it should give you skin time to shrink.

I have been talking to a lady fromt he UK that had it done on the NHS and she said it can take between 9 months to a year so I'm not hopefull that it will be anytime soon.

Its really depressing but at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Do you ever visit them?

Hang in there, it will be worth the wait.

Hi long time no speak.

I finally have a date for my op! Its the 22nd of March. I have a pre op appointment on the 4th of March.

I am starting the pre op diet tomorrow (not looking forward to that) but I am hoping it will be easier to stick to as the alternative is that they wont do the surgery.

I cant believe its finally time to join you all. At last I will have a story of my own.

I am really surprised at what a lonely journey this is. I am really excited but no one else seems to feel the same way. I can talk to my partner about everything, he is my best friend but he doesnt get this at all. He is just worried about the op. My girlfriends nod in the right places but they dont realise what this means to me.

I hope once its all over and its working everyone will be more encouraging. But I have enough enthusiasim for them all.

I still havent found any other UK banders so the search is still on. If you are reading this and want to share your experience please contact me.

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