Gastric Banding anyone? Mod Note: No Clinic Names

Prettyfireworks

Hey all. I posted on this back in July just after I went for my first consultation for Gastric Bypass. I am aware this is a gastric band posting but I just thought id share my experience for anyone who may be curious about going down the gastric bypass route.

I had my operation on 20th August last year, weighing 324lbs(i lost 14lbs the two weeks previous to this on the pre op diet)

Today, I weigh 231lbs. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 18 and I am still losing weight (circa 10lbs a month) which has slowed down considerably but I am very happy with how everything is now. I am so much happier and not once have I regretted my decision.


Soo there ye have it:) If anyone has any questions about it id be happy to answer!

Hope your all well x

shellita

After the problems I had with blood pooling and the nurse not finding my port all was ok till my 3rd fill. Vomiting for 4 days so they loosened it. Now here I am 6 months after the band and im only about 1 stone lighter.

I eat less than I used but my exercise habits and the fact that I love chocolate get the better of me!!!

I have got a personal trainer but still not losing, feel like such a disappointment. Im not eating a lot and when I say chocolate I mean like 2 bars a week. Getting my 4th fill Wed, please God it will help.

Doogieboogie

Hey all, I have a consultation for banding surgery on Thursday; very nervous about it but hoping it'll help me finally. I'm 5'6'' and weigh 20+ stone, and I'm currently a size 24 (having gone from a 14 on my wedding day seven years ago) I'm miserable at this weight; I need to sort it out and sort it out NOW! I'll post details about the consultation afterwards.

Doogieboogie

... and I'll be having the surgery on the 2nd April, here in Dublin; the company have just started using a private clinic in West Dublin. I have to lose 5kgs before the surgery - I reckon I'll be able to do that; I'll do slimfast or something, it'll get me into the right mindset for the pre-op diet (milk & yogurt? What's that all about??!) Deposit is paid and annual leave booked from work... I'm excited and nervous, but I can't wait for the weight to start going. This weekend, I'm going to have a ceremonial saying goodbye to beer and fizzy drinks (I don't even like them really, but have to say bye bye!) and then it's the start of the road. I haven't smoked siince monday night, either *polishes halo* :P

Doogieboogie

shellita wrote: »

After the problems I had with blood pooling and the nurse not finding my port all was ok till my 3rd fill. Vomiting for 4 days so they loosened it. Now here I am 6 months after the band and im only about 1 stone lighter.

I eat less than I used but my exercise habits and the fact that I love chocolate get the better of me!!!

I have got a personal trainer but still not losing, feel like such a disappointment. Im not eating a lot and when I say chocolate I mean like 2 bars a week. Getting my 4th fill Wed, please God it will help.

How's it going for you now, Shellita?

drfrank

I'm interested to hear about anyone's experience post banding/bypass with regard to bodysculpting.

Post bariatric surgery leaves a lot of patients with large amounts of redundant skin which can cause problems (intertrigo, clothes fitting etc). Has anyone undergone apronectomy/thigh lift/brachioplasty in Ireland by a plastic surgeon? How easy was it to access the treatment ?

nimblefingers

hi all = new to this forum but very interested in all ur comments so far. I had a GB over a year ago abroad and it was a disaster from the start. Too long to go into detail but basically having lost 5 stone I had to have it removed because of band erosion. 7 months after removal I'm almost back to where I started. I had to source my aftercare here in Ireland and recently had a consultation where they were advising about gastric sleeve instead. Doogieboogie you mentioned your having GB in West Dublin...what figures were quoted for the band and was gastric sleeve / gastric bypass discussed with you? will they look after your aftercare and for how long? Best of luck with the procedure - there is no doubt it works once you work with it! otherwise you could end up with all sorts of problems. I was just extremely unlucky and to be honest It would not have happend if I had the job done here!

Doogieboogie

Hi Nimblefingers,

I was quoted €7995 for a band and a years aftercare, which includes dietician support and unlimited band fills. I didn't ask about sleeve/bypass, as I felt that banding was a less invasive procedure.

I've heard just as many horror stories as I have successes; I'm trying to stay positive and focused, even though I'm getting nervous! I suppose it's the same with any surgery. I'm really sorry you went through all that nimblefingers - I hope you manage to get sorted with the sleeve.

tbh

folks - this isn't aimed at anyone, you've all been as good as gold but just a gentle reminder to continue not to mention any company names on thread. Thanks.

nimblefingers

Hi doogieboogie - tanx for reply...you'l be fine. just take it nice and easy and drink fluids little and often. I had problems from start because I still rushed eating. I had a lot of personal problem's -had just lost my sister to cancer a month after op so I didn't look after myself properly. Always sit down to your meals whether its liquid or solid and keep a tracker of how much fluid your taking in ...its supposed to be 3litres a day and I know i defo wasn't getting that in. Sounds like your well sorted - and your aftercare is so important. Best of luck with everything and keep us posted!:)

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.