Gastric Banding anyone? Mod Note: No Clinic Names

Doogieboogie

thanks for that nimblefingers.. the two things I have definitely to look out for is the speed of eating (I always rush food, am always in a hurry) and drinking fluid (I never drink enough) Hopefully I'll be able to do it; the whole idea of spending all this money and having surgery is to permanently change my eating habits for the better.

I'm sorry for the loss of your sister, I know all about grief too, and about how it makes you stop taking care of yourself. I don't think anyone would blame you for your band going wrong, given your circumstances. I wish you every success with the sleeve - it looks like it takes the guesswork out of the whole thing, hopefully it'll help you on your way to a new you.
Doogs x

nimblefingers

Thanks for the support doogieboogie. I have an just set up appointment to proceed with the sleeve. Looks like it will be beginning of April before I'll get sorted - like yourself am excited and anxious all at once. I cannot wait to get the weight off though. Nothing like being able to get your size in the high street stores Will let u know how I get on Good Luck!

neelyohara

nimblefingers wrote: »

Thanks for the support doogieboogie. I have an just set up appointment to proceed with the sleeve.

Good for you! I got a sleeve six months ago and have lost seven stone. The biggest advantage is that the sleeve (above bypass or banding) removes the part of your stomach that controls hunger (it's not the only area in your body but it's a major player)... and now I rarely feel hungry, if ever.

When I got my sleeve done I was in a room with an English woman who was getting a sleeve done as there was a problem with her band - they assumed there must be a leak. Long story short she had to pay to get the sleeve done... as her BMI dropped below the recommended minimum it was touch and go as to whether they would even do the op for her. The band was sent back to the company for inspection, I never followed up to see how she got on.

I decided on the sleeve because it was permanent, the hunger aspect.... the fact it was permanent and for financial reasons.

I thought of the ongoing costs of getting a band... the ongoing maintenance it requires, etc. I'd also read stories of leaks, erosion, the band adhering to the stomach, etc.

I also spoke to a LOT of banders who regretted not getting a bypass or sleeve. I knew I couldn't afford to follow up with a second operation.

It came down to bypass or sleeve. Bypass sounded messy and I didn't like the idea of 'dumping'. I wanted the choice of being able to eat what I want, when I want and if I decide to have a slice of birthday cake then I don't want to be ill afterwards!

It's the best decision I've ever made. A month before the op I went on a low fat low cal diet to shrink my liver. The op was quick and easy, I've five 'scars' from the incision points. You can only see three of them, sort of like a triangle on my front. The biggest scar is an inch long on the left hand side and thats where the portion of stomach was removed.

Pain wise it really wasn't bad. I was up walking around and showering the day after the operation. I did have mild pains but rather than going for painkillers I used cool packs. I even survived two ryan air flights home! I was operated on the Monday and flew home on Friday afternoon.

And for anyone thinking of getting a band... it's a personal choice. I know tonnes (choice word!) of people who have got a band and have had the same results as me.

I know other people who have had a band and lost the weight and stopped getting fills. Now their band is inside them but essentially not doing anything.... they maintain their weight under their own steam, but if they ever do need it it's there.

Just spent a lot of time doing your research before making a decision. Talk to people who have had it done and talk to the experts in the area.

(It's worth mentioning my only thoughts on the disadvantage of a sleeve over band or bypass is that it's permanent and irreversible. There is also the fact that if you do end up with stomach problems - such as cancer - there might not be enough stomach left to remove the 'sick' part.)

nimblefingers

Hi Neelyohara

Wow you really know your stuff. Very impressive all that sound advice. You are so right - I have done a lot of research regarding the sleeve and I must say that fact that it cannot be reversed is a concern. However I have been through so much with the band I'm so determined to 'listen' this time around. I made a lot of mistakes and as mentioned before just the time wasn't right for me. I also made the decision very hastily and really didn't realise there could be so many problems with the band. So ..... This time I am being very cautious and it's taking me 7 months to research and make my mind up! I have given this option of lot of thought and Just today secured another appointment with a rival company. So I have all the questions written out - and will go not necessarily for the cheapest option but with my 'gut' feeling, regarding which is the best choice surgeon. Fair play to you that's an amazing amount of weight to loose - you must feel great. I'm so delighted to hear your story and wish you continued success with the weight loss. I cannot wait now. I will let you know how I get on with initial consultations which is for 19th February ann the other 23rd Feb. Both have offered dates in early April but because I already had a band - its classed as revision surgery and will be more expensive than a straight forward sleeve and have to discuss medical history further with the Doctor. It'l be great to link with you for support. take care and thanks again for the feedback.

tbh

one other thing guys - I've had a few reports of people getting messages from users "spamming" clinics for this op. I'm not talking about posters on the thread contacting each other privately to compare notes -that's none of our business - but from posters with low post counts who've joined the site recently.
If you get any messages like that, please report them or forward them on to me or any of the LTI mods (that's sam34 and robinph)

thanks!

lil_mo

Hello!

Well after 20years of dieticians, being hospitalized to loose weight at 11, Gym bunny, Reductil, Xenical, Weight Watchers, Unislim, and a BMI of 46 Ive decided to look into Surgery.

and Im also looking to have my health insurer cover my operation!

They mostly ask a BMI of 35+ and Morbidities.

Im above the BMI of 35 have history of supervised weight management, high blood pressure, a bad back from a car crash and a fall and PCOS for over 12 years.

BUT the “morbidities” are confusing me – A lovely nurse in the hospital explained it as – something the weight is CAUSING not whats causing the weight…. :rolleyes:

Has anyone had any success in making a claim?

nimblefingers

hi I havn't any medical insurance myself but I do know someone who has insurance and managed to claim sucessfully. The surgery was gastric bypass, not sure what her BMI was - op cost region of €14,000. She had to pay €4,000 and insurers paid €10,000. I know her weight was affecting her health, hope this helps.

neelyohara

lil_mo wrote: »

Has anyone had any success in making a claim?

I did contact VHI before my op... actually I think I posted their response here... yessum, here it is.

I spent some time looking into it and in the end I decided to find a good company and go abroad. Even if I had changed my plan, waited, gone through all their appointments, put a case together, etc there is still the chance they would say no.

Above everything else I had decided I wanted a gastric sleeve and couldn't find anyone in Ireland who would do it (it was either band or bypass and I didn't want either) and even if I had settled on a bypass the operation in Ireland was twice, sometimes three times as expensive as going abroad so even if I had made a successful claim I would still end up out of pocket for all/most of what I ended up spending by going abroad.

Now in saying that I'm trying to sort out my tax for 2010 as I'm planning to submit a claim for the operation. I'll let you know how I get on but I know of other Irish people who used my company and recouped their tax... so fingers crossed!

(Also having lost family to MRSA it's fair to say I am iffy about going into an Irish hospital. Research on that aspect was something that helped me make my decision on where to go.)

neelyohara

lil_mo wrote: »

They mostly ask a BMI of 35+ and Morbidities.

Im above the BMI of 35 have history of supervised weight management, high blood pressure, a bad back from a car crash and a fall and PCOS for over 12 years.

BUT the “morbidities” are confusing me – A lovely nurse in the hospital explained it as – something the weight is CAUSING not whats causing the weight…. :rolleyes:

That's exactly it. If obesity is the condition then diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, incontinence, severe acid reflux, joint problems, etc are all comorbidities. They don't necessarily have to be as a result of the weight, they just need to be there and/or be affected by the weight.

Unfortunately it's one of those catch 22 situations. They ask for comoribities to justify giving you the operation but the same comorbidities might be the reason you get denied the operation!

I was lucky. Doctors would have loved to have pointed and said 'Look... your blood pressure is through the roof because of your weight...' or that my cholesterol was raised or any other number of complaints. Aside from being obese I was apparently perfectly healthy. Good diet, never had BP or cholesterol problems, I was even tested for sleep apnea but that was absolutely fine. I was never pre-diabetic. Liver, heart and lungs were in good shape.

To me that was the reason WHY I needed the operation. I was aware of how lucky I was. Why wait until I do have comorbidities to complicate matters? It's a little like saying 'Oh, you're not sick enough yet.... hold on for a couple of months... lets see if you can develop diabetes...'. :rolleyes:

niallo76

hi all , i am actually looking at this for my mother . She is 67 ? and is talking about a gastric band , is there an age limit ? Or is it just down to how fit someone is ! thank you

Doogieboogie

niallo76 wrote: »

hi all , i am actually looking at this for my mother . She is 67 ? and is talking about a gastric band , is there an age limit ? Or is it just down to how fit someone is ! thank you

I don't honestly know - I suppose it would depend on each clinic's own set of guidelines. Ring a few around and ask, it should give you an idea.

shellita

Lil_Mo you sound exactly like me.

I tried WW at 13 and then so so many times but it never worked for me, I'd lose a few pounds then stop even though pointing and then I'd give up.

Tried Reductil, Xenical both nothing. Went the gym at least 2-3 times a week. Walked everywhere too. Did Lipotrim I didn't eat for 6 months lost 7 stone (some weeks I'd lose 1 pound or nothing even though I hadn't ate which pharmacy said was unusual) and then lost my wedding, house & fiance in 6 months. Put back on most of it again. I was a size 26 aged 27.

Got the band in June with a few complications (blood pooling in my stomach, no restriction at 1st as nurse couldn't find port) Specialist found it and started to lose slowly. 3rd fill over restricted and couldn't keep fluids down so they loosened it. 1 month later 3rd fill again but very little restriction.

Now 4th Fill Perfect.
I can eat small amounts band (10ml type) is at 7.025ml
they usually don't go higher than that with fills.

I got a personal trainer in the gym (it kills me) :eek: but I'v lost 2 stone since I got the band. I know this is not a lot compared to others but everyone is different.
My biggest problem was never that I ate and ate but would go 8 hours and then have a big plate of food.

I find since the band I can not go without food for long periods, my tummy grumbling can even wake me up. 1 slice of toast and im stuffed

Im down to about a size 20 now. Its very hard as the band does not make you lose weight but it means any weight you lose is easier to keep off and small amounts make you feel full. It is not a quick fix or easy way out but it is a helping hand when you have struggled for a long time.

lil_mo

Hi all

little update on progress....have an appointment with a private hospital here on the 14th of March - if the VHI say no its €11k (ouch)

If not I plan on saving & borrowing to have it done with a cosmetic company.

ALSO managed to get another appointment with Loughlinstown - Id originally been with them for the initial meeting but then heard nothing - seems they might have "misplaced" me - so fingers crossed there!

VHI have sent me all the forms - they all filled out and Im just waiting to meet the surgeons now...

@ neelyohara - yea I know what you mean - on the pre appointment form thingy the hospital sent it has a few things on it - high BP, PCO etc I had high BP at 13 I remember being put on medication it was that high - so hopefully its gona go for me and not against!

Im trying not to think about it until its all done and theres nothing else I can do!

Anyways ill keep you all posted - chin(s) up everyone - keep safe

x

nimblefingers

hi lil mo

best of luck on 14th march.............hope everything works out for you with the VHI or maybe even loughlinstown. Either way you seem determined to go ahead with op..so well done. keep us informed how ur doing

LegacyUser

im thinking of the gastric band, can anyone tell me if quinn healthcare cover this and a company in ireland that will allow you to use private health insurance for this procedure, my bmi is 39 or 40 ish, i have 2 broken bones in my back and need to lose the weight for that, as i cant excersise very much with the pain, i have been advised to lose the weight in the past to have less pressure on my back, but i feel like im going around in circles with this, thanks, any help would be appreciated, i need to know who will accept private insurance in ireland,

Doogieboogie

forgotton one wrote: »

im thinking of the gastric band, can anyone tell me if quinn healthcare cover this and a company in ireland that will allow you to use private health insurance for this procedure, my bmi is 39 or 40 ish, i have 2 broken bones in my back and need to lose the weight for that, as i cant excersise very much with the pain, i have been advised to lose the weight in the past to have less pressure on my back, but i feel like im going around in circles with this, thanks, any help would be appreciated, i need to know who will accept private insurance in ireland,

Hi there,

I've just had a quick look at the quinn website, and I can't find anything about gastric band surgery. However, one or two of the plans do cover 'medical tourism' and also the private hospital in Dublin where I'm being banded. I think you'd have to ring them yourself and ask - they may cover you for part of it, or they may have specific conditions that you must meet in order to be covered.
As for the companies themselves, again, you'd have to ring them and ask (once you'd got clarification from your insurer that you are covered) I'd imagine that it wouldn't be a problem for most companies.
Best of luck with it, I hope you get sorted out, your back sounds very painful

A little update on me, I'm having my surgery on Saturday week! Have been on a preparatory diet, and have lost 24lbs. I've started my pre-op liquid diet today, so far so good. Will keep you posted!

LegacyUser

glad to hear your preperation is going so well, you will do great, keep me posted on how you get on,
i contacted my insurance and they do cover it, i need to get a report sent to them by a consultant, so i need to go to gp now to get a consultant in my area, keeping my fingers crossed, will call gp tomo,

neelyohara

forgotton one wrote: »

im thinking of the gastric band, can anyone tell me if quinn healthcare cover this and a company in ireland that will allow you to use private health insurance for this procedure, my bmi is 39 or 40 ish, i have 2 broken bones in my back and need to lose the weight for that, as i cant excersise very much with the pain, i have been advised to lose the weight in the past to have less pressure on my back, but i feel like im going around in circles with this, thanks, any help would be appreciated, i need to know who will accept private insurance in ireland,

You need to pick up the phone and talk to Quinn.

Even if they do cover that sort of surgery I imagine you would need to factor in other items - your plan, if it's a pre-existing condition, if you have passed all the deadlines they set (can't think of the name they use but you know how you need x period of coverage before you can start making major claims). They would also be able to advise you of which hospitals they cover and if an agreement is set up between Quinn and the hospital where Quinn will pay the hospital directly or if you would need to pay first and claim later.

Once you get that information you'll know where to go next.

You should try swimming or cycling on a stationary bike if you want to try some low impact exercise without hurting your back. Or head over to the fitness forums and ask if anyone can recommend some exercises to strengthen your back muscles. I had some back issues before and spent time chowing down on painkillers unable to move. I spent some time with a physio and worked on strengthening those muscles and it completely changed my life.

I'd still have some dull pain from standing too long before losing the weight and now it's completely gone.

Broken bones is a whole other level of problems and you do know all too well that getting the weight down will help, but you should really consider working on the muscles. Perhaps you can get physio with Quinn???

Don't give up hope on the op. You feel completely overwhelmed with you start looking into the op but you'll get there

Doogieboogie

I had the operation on Saturday in a clinic in Dublin. It was very clean and well run, with lovely staff who looked after me brilliantly - no complaints there. I have lost about 2 and a half stone pre-op, and am hoping that I lose 1-2lbs a week once I've healed. I'm having a few problems with trapped wind (quite common apparently) but apart from that I've recovered well and am up and about.
I'm really glad I had this done, it's the start of the rest of my life as far as I'm concerned.

shellita

Doogieboogie wrote: »

I had the operation on Saturday in a clinic in Dublin. It was very clean and well run, with lovely staff who looked after me brilliantly - no complaints there. I have lost about 2 and a half stone pre-op, and am hoping that I lose 1-2lbs a week once I've healed. I'm having a few problems with trapped wind (quite common apparently) but apart from that I've recovered well and am up and about.
I'm really glad I had this done, it's the start of the rest of my life as far as I'm concerned.

HI Doogieboogie, glad it all went well. The trapped wind is a nightmare!!! Feel your pain. You are lucky I couldn't bend or move for 2 weeks after the op.

Don't worry if you are not meeting your target every week as different things affect the band (stress, sickness, period, flying) so just eat well, exercise and it will work for you.

shellita

Question :
I am coming to the 1 year mark in June which is the end of my after care.
My band is at 7.025 ml.
My portion sizes are at that of a small child. Side plate will fill me for a few hours. Is this sufficient for a few months more?
Also how much are fills?

Just me talking now
I do still vomit if I make the mistake of not chewing well enough or taking a drink which is very hard not to do!! I NEVER EVER eat until I get sick. I always stop when I feel full. I had my first experience the other day of taking a tablet which I did not break in half, not nice.
Also I find that pain you get in your chest when something is stuck or full feeling is different for everyone. Have spoken to 2 women with the band, one can not eat chicken I find it very easy. The other cannot eat bread, I am the same. A wrap, toast, pannini anything but just bread. Bread makes me feel like I am having a heart attack so I avoid it at all costs.

I still am losing very slowly but I realise everyone is different and I have not put on weight once since getting the band. Even if I take a few weeks brake from the gym, have chocolate or out drinking at weekends. Before I would always steadily increase my weight.

I have about 7 stone to lose to be an ideal weight.
I'm 5'7 and a half which is why I'm only a size 18-20.
Not feeling bad about the slowness as I am happy and always losing.

LegacyUser

Hi to all,

I would just like to share with you all my experience of band surgery. The best money I ever spent the results are fantastic. I had it done by a very well known surgeon in a hospital in Brugge. It was a three day trip, first day surgery second day back to hotel and I was fit enough to walk around to do some sight seeing. The procedure I had does not require the fills that most other posters need. It was a keyhole procedure so not that uncomfortable after surgery. It cost me in the region of €7,500 that covered everything( 2yrs ago), I'm now a very happy & healthy 10st 5lbs and wear size 12 clothing........


So good luck to all ye guys my best wishes to ye all.

LegacyUser

th

cufroige wrote: »

Hello,
I'm looking for people to chat about either having had Gastric Band fitted or are considering having it done?
I am currently booked for consultation & if approved will be "done" mid April.
history of yoyo dieting, depression & low self esteem since communion age. Have sucessfully dieted numerous times but struggled always to maintain loss...biggest & most recent loss being 7 stone
(sensibly, I might add...through hard work,diet, personal training & excercise)

Weight now back on AGAIN & am devastated. have considered having band before but never thought I actually would.
I finally admit I feel powerless against this never ending battle.
My husband, sister & best friend know about this & are with me 100%, but
I have not discussed this with other friends as I am not confident I would get support (small town) there is a stigma that it is the easy way out.
I have lost over 20 stone in my lifetime, that is not easy, either is living with yourself having reached a position of personal empowerment of achieving massive weight loss only to end up with it all back on.

Gastric banding is not a magic wand that makes you skinny...It supports you while learning to change your behaviour & helps enforce LONG TERM lifestyle change.
I believe this is a major key factor for yoyo dieters as we generally can't go very long without having a bad day/binge, thus breaking the cycle of "good behaviour"
My health is affected.. I wanted to start a family this year, this is now on hold.
My life is being wasted, my weight & subsequent damage to my self esteem has ruined & robbed me of a lot of life experiences. I pick myself up off the ground again & again only to end up crumpled back there over & over.
I cannot go through another weight loss only to gain again...it would kill me emotionally.
I am having this surgery if I am approved to face this problem once more & this time to use the band as my support & ally.
I have been board messaging with a lot of people who had this done, but all from the US & UK.
I'd love to hear personal experience from an Irish point of view

Anyone have anything to share on the subject?

thinking of getting it done have put on 5stone want to kno th pro,s and cons. would love to hear from people who have had it done, whats the op like pain and healing time

Midlands2011

Hi All,

I'm just wondering if someone can point me to the Belgium Surgeon that does be in Dublin

I have spoken to an Irish clinic and its approx 12k for the op and 3yrs aftercare.

If you can private mail me please

Thanks

fraggle rocker

Hi

I have watched this thread with much interest and have decided to look into getting it done`. I would appreciate if someone could pm me the belguim consultants contact details. I tried googling him many places he works with but cant get a direct contact.

Well done to everyone who have had great losses.

fraggle rocker

Can someone please pm me details. I contacted a belguim number but the person who answered was english and told me to send a bank draft for half the money and gave me a date for 6th July. She was a bit weird when I tried to ask her some questions. She also said she would send me paperwork straight away by email but nothing yet.

shellita

fraggle rocker wrote: »

told me to send a bank draft for half the money and gave me a date for 6th July. She was a bit weird when I tried to ask her some questions. She also said she would send me paperwork straight away by email but nothing yet.

That sounds very strange indeed. Can I ask why Belgium?
I won't mention who mine was with but I get my check ups and fills in Dublin, had surgery in the UK. I had lots of problems in the beginning so God forbid but if you needed to see a specialist what then?

I would def. not send money to this woman anyway.
Try to find someone who has had it done there and get the contact details.

wish you all the best

fraggle rocker

Thanks for coming back to me, the only reason I was considering belguim is that in Ireland I was quoted €10,000 to €12,000 and VHI are unsure as to whether they will approve it. The same surgeon who was doing the operation here also does it in belguim but for €4100.

shellita

well if you know its the same surgeon thats good and thats a great price. I paid 7,000 no VHI though

mac34

Hi there I'm also interested in gastric band/bypass need to do some more research to see which I want/need. Spoke to Quinn and they said maybe covered depending on what the consultant puts on the form to argue my case. So I suppose my next step is to go to GP for a referral to consultant? Can anyone recommend one or a hospital? I'd appreciate any pm's with info as I understand you cannot Post on the thread. thanks so much

Doogieboogie

fraggle rocker wrote: »

Can someone please pm me details. I contacted a belguim number but the person who answered was english and told me to send a bank draft for half the money and gave me a date for 6th July. She was a bit weird when I tried to ask her some questions. She also said she would send me paperwork straight away by email but nothing yet.

I've read about this woman on another forum, and apparently the Belgian Surgeon no longer has anything to do with her (she used to book surgeries for him/his clinic) due to issues like this - avoid avoid avoid. Do not send her any money. Contact the surgeon directly, you'll get his details through google.

aquarius girl

Hi. Just curious did no health insurance cover any of the cost?

shellita

aquarius girl wrote: »

Hi. Just curious did no health insurance cover any of the cost?

I wasn't under any health insurance and 1 year aftercare is provided.
I have some now but it takes 5 years to get it covered if you get it after you join.

edenbridge146

Hi there

I had the gastric band in August 2010 in Belgium. It was much cheaper there than any of the Dublin or UK hospitals that I had checked. Approx €4k

Best decision ever and have lost 6 stone. Even went back to University and can honestly say I have found 'me' again. My sister had it done in April and already has lost 2 and a half stone.

Anyhow, I have details of the surgeon I used in Belgium if anyone wants to PM me. He visits Dublin the first Thurs of every month and he's next appointment is July 7th.
I'll happily PM the details if anyone is interested.

I'm not selling for this surgeon, i'm just a happy patient who can recommend.
He was recommended to me through a friend of my mum who also had it done 5 years ago

lil_mo

Hi all... been ages since Ive been on for an update..

Right

Good news is VHI have approved me for the costs of my band!! YAY

Bad news is theres a shortfall of €5000 - it only works out as the surgeons fee and the follow ups for 2 years so ill be able to claim some of it back anyways! but it has to be paid upfront....

Anyone wana loan me €5k?!?

Few more hoops to jump through - the VHI want me to have some sleep studies done 1st and Ive to loose min a stone before they will give me a date...

BUT its looking like I will have my op before December!

Hope everyones well - talk to yas soon!

x

robgti

edenbridge146 wrote: »

Hi there

I had the gastric band in August 2010 in Belgium. It was much cheaper there than any of the Dublin or UK hospitals that I had checked. Approx €4k

Best decision ever and have lost 6 stone. Even went back to University and can honestly say I have found 'me' again. My sister had it done in April and already has lost 2 and a half stone.

Anyhow, I have details of the surgeon I used in Belgium if anyone wants to PM me. He visits Dublin the first Thurs of every month and he's next appointment is July 7th.
I'll happily PM the details if anyone is interested.

I'm not selling for this surgeon, i'm just a happy patient who can recommend.
He was recommended to me through a friend of my mum who also had it done 5 years ago

could you pm me the number and all the details

thank you in advance

robgti

can anyone recommend a place to get this, i need emails, numbers, prices ect any info would be greatly appreciated and as the rules apply naming and shaming please pm me those details

thank you

Elliemam

Same as Robgti, I would appreciate if anyone could share this information (by pm) too, thanks.

robgti

Elliemam wrote: »

Same as Robgti, I would appreciate if anyone could share this information (by pm) too, thanks.

I'm still waiting for some kind info on this, tought I would of herring from a member by now, please anybody with all your great results please share the info trou pms im organising a loan as I'm typing this and want it done ASAP

Share the love...........

edenbridge146

Hi robgti,

Just pm'd the details to you.

raz86

Hi everyone,

I'm looking into bariatric surgery, my choice i think would be gastric banding, but maybe i might have to go for something else.

I'm 24, 5'6'', 21st and size 24 in pants ans tops. I've been overweight about 6 years. I have a thyroid problem as well as PCOS. I find it so hard to loose weight and surgery really is my last hope.

I used to weigh 12st and i'm wondering is it possible to go from 21 to 12 stone? I have been loads of reading but a lot of people seem to lose 6 or 7 stone but i need more than that.

I would consider the gastric sleeve too maybe but i'm kinda nervous and unsure of gastric bypass. it's very effective but the surgery seems pretty major.

Can anyone advise me about the choice ye made?

What are the scars like afterwards? Did anyone of you have surgery for excess skin?

aquarius girl

Hi raz86

I'm in the same place as you. Only I have been overweight all my life. You may not have a problem with excess skin if you have been keeping a good moisturising regime. Start now if you have not. I too am looking into the various options.

Good Luck.

aquarius girl

dumpling wrote: »

well, things changed for me quite abit. I went in for surgery on the 20th may and, just as iIwas going down, my surgeon came to me and said that he want's me to have the Gastric bypass:eek:

I thought no! i have spent two years researching the band. He also mentioned that the band can slip, your body may not take to it and so on. So, he convinced me to have the bypass. The first two weeks were hell. no pain, just feeling so, down and weak. By the time the third week came round i felt alot better. Today and this week, great!

In addition, i have lost 10 kilos 22lbs I can't believe it!

If you want to make life long changes i would say go for it. really, there was no pain, it was all emotional.

inaddition, you can't eat the same way, there isn't the room!

Hi. I'm considering bypass. Can you tell me how are you now? Do you have any side effects? Would you recommend the bypass?

aquarius girl

Hi There,

Congratulations on your weightloss. I'm considering the bypass also. Do you mind me asking a few questions?
Where did you get yours done?
How much did it cost?
How long were you off work?
How many stone have you lost so far?
And most importantly how restrictive is your diet now? Is there a lot of food you can't eat?
Did you have any side effects eg lacking vitamins or minerals?

Thanks. Your comments would be appreciated.

raz86

today i was referred to the bons by my gp. i will get a letter soon for an appointment for a consultation.

also, rang vhi. bariatric surgery is apparently covered by all plans as long as the patient fulfills the criteria set by the consultant.

Doogieboogie

Just wanted to post a quick update.

I had my surgery (band) at the beginning of April. I had lost 2 and a half stone on a pre-op diet, and since then I've lost another 2 and a half stone. I had a couple of issues - namely, my port flipped and I had to have another surgery to fix it. It's fine now, but it means that I have been unable to have a band fill. I have one booked for this weekend, I'm looking forward to it - I've started to feel hungry between meals again, although I'm definitely eating far less than I used to - a slice of toast & peanut butter for breakfast, a wrap with salad/chicken for lunch and a small portion of something like stirfry for dinner. I'm watching my calorie intake as well, I'm using an iphone app to track what I eat - I generally eat between 1200-1400 cals a day, a little more if I exercise.

For those considering a band, it's important to know that the weight will not just magically fall off after surgery - you still have to work at it, very hard. The band helps by restricting the volume of food, but you've got to choose the right stuff - anything soft will ''slide'' straight through the band, and you won't get that feeling of fullness. High calorie rubbish is generally the easiest sort of thing to eat! If however, you work with the band, and watch your food intake, it'll help enormously.

aquarius girl

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

May I ask how long from your first consultant visit to your surgery?

Doogieboogie

It was very quick - first consult was in February, I was told to have surgery in Dublin I had to lose 10lbs (hence the pre-op diet - the clinic put you on a week-long preparatory diet of milk and yogurt, but that's to shrink the liver to make surgery safer) I did slimfast as I had to lose the weight quickly; I was offered a surgery date at the beginning of April. So about seven weeks from consult to op.

jjcahill78

Hi there, I have been reading this thread for a while. Im considering having surgery for a while. Im 33 and have a bmi of 54, I need to get my life back. Can someone please forward me some specific info on where to get bypass done in Ireland and how much it would cost. I have an appointment in Dublin tomorrow with a Belgian company to discuss options.

raz86

Mod edit: Please do not link to clinics or make suggestions on thread - this can be done via the PM system - thanks!