davethesailor

Hi Bunny, Thanks for posting this. I am all set to see Dr Dillemans on March 27th. I am so excited now. I have chosen to go by eurostar. It waqs only £70.00 return and it's easy for me to get to Waterloo. I am also staying at the Best Western Accacia. So how are you doing now Bunny nearly a month after being banded. What was it like for the first few weeks? How is your diet now? Oh, and what about the scars from surgery, arfe they healing nicely? Sorry for a million questions! Dave

Hi There, Thanks for getting back to me. I'm going to go by eurotrain. I'm looking at booking my hotel. Do I have to consider a hotel that can provide certain dietry requirements, or will I just be sipping Water and juice? My schedule is this, March 27 travel to Bruges and meet Dr Dillemans - Stay in hotel March 28 check out of hotel, have operation, stay overnight in hospital March 29 check out of hospital, check back into hotel March 30 stay in hotel visit by nurse March 31 check out and travel home. Is this a similar schedule to what you followed? Dave

Hi Heresdeb, I'm booked with Dr Dillemans on March 27th. I would love to hear how it all went for you. Were you happy with everything? I'm guessing you travelled from the UK like I'm planning too? Thanks, Dave

I have my date now for March 27th. I am both nervous and excited. It is a big deal for me as i have chosen not to tell people and I am going to be travelling on my own from the UK to Belgium to have the op. oporation I was wondering how sore I will be immediatley after the op? This is probably a daft question, but can you actually feel the band wrapped around your stomach? Dave

Thank you so much for all your responses. It really has been so helpfull. Up until today the date of March 27th was 99% confirmed. Today it has been given the full go ahead. I'm actually less nervous about it now and more looking forward to it. I have another question. I keep on reading that people were hungry until they had their first fill. Is this the same for everyone? If so, how on earth do you manage on just liquid if the band has had no effect until the fill. Are you not starving? Dave

Hello All, I got the date confirmed today. It's March 27th. For some reason I was full of confidence before today, but now it has been confirmed, I am full of nerves. I'm trying to imagine how different my life is going to be. What have I actually agreed to do???? I read in the paper today about a lady who had serious problems with the band actually rubbing and damaging her stomach. She had to have an emergency operation. It was bad timing for me to read it I guess. Ok, here are some questions. Can you actually feel the band around your stomach, if you do, is that feeling always there or does it go away? Can someone explain to me in detail what the rules are about mixing liquids and solid food. Can I never have a drink whilst having a meal? I'm having keyhole surgery. Do the scars remain or will the disapear? I would also like to know the realities of what you can and can't eat after the op. I don't mean immediatley after, say more like a month or so after. I guess I'm just trying to realise what changes I'm going to face? Thanks in advance... Dave

Feeling a bit better about it all today. I have just booked my travel arrangements.

Hello. Sorry for the delay in posting, but I work at sea and have been away for afew days. Direct Healthcare are currently offering a discount making the price for the surgery just £3074. Unless there is a catch, this seems to be the best price around. What do you think? Dave

Hello! I too am considering using Dr Dillemans. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone at all who has had a band fitted by Dr Dillemans. I've found Dr Dillemans through a company called direct healthcare. http://www.direct-healthcare.com/gastric.htm I'm based in London, so would travel to Belgium for the procedure. Thanks, Dave

HI MArk, Thanks again. I do realise that you are not an expert, but you have benn there and done it and I'd rather hear from you than read some blurb on a promotional website! I'm off to explore! Dave

Hi Mark, Thanks again for you reply. I do appreciate it. Ok, two more questions. Can you feel the port under your skin? also, once you have got by the initial liguid diets and mush, can you go back to eating normal (but smaller) meals? Dave

Thanks Mark, I was wondering if you could give me an idea as to what the symptons are after the operation. I'm guessing it's pain where the scars are? I'm unable to take that many days off work at the moment and am just wondering what I have to face after the procedure?

Hello! I'm so glad I found this thread. My name is Dave and I am a guy! I've not had the band fitted yet, but am aiming to have it soon though. I'm just taking some time getting my head around it all. I live in the UK, but am looking at having the procedure in Belgium as it is more cost effective there. I have loads of things I want to ask, but here is just one question for starters. I do a fairly sedentary job and I was wondering how quickly you think I could get back to work after the procedure? Thanks, Dave

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your responses so far. I do have some more questions though. I currently live in London UK but am considering getting my band fitted in Belgium using this company. http://www.direct-healthcare.com/gastric-lap-banding.htm The doctor who would carry out the procedure is Dr. Bruno Dillemans. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this company or with this Doctor? I was also wondering what the general recovery time is. How quickly could I get back to work? Thanks very much. Dave

Hey Connie, I'm guessing you are not a bloke, but you have answered in a way that I can understand. In fact, your post has explained more that about two weeks of net browsing has achieved! Ok, here is another question. What is slippage?

Hi Lisa, Thanks for such a quick, detailed response. I live in London - UK and I so far the Lap Band has not been advertised on mainstream television. I too will be paying for the lap band myself. I can honestly say that I'm sure I can fit into whatever regime and rules are required after the band is fitted. Problem is, I don't know what they are. What are the guidlines regarding eating and drinking after the band has been fitted? Dave