bigsiqc

Hi, I was banded 51 weeks ago in Prague and so far have lost 32 kgs ( 5 stone). I sympathise with your concerns. I spent 30 odd years over eating and so my definition of full... was literally that... no more space in my stomach for anything... and the associate discomfort that comes with that. After the surgery I too didn't feel full but had to learn what satiated feels like. It is sort of like not feeling hungry anymore. I reach this point then stop. I could continue to eat (and on occasions have ) but if you can learn what satiated feels like.... and then have the courage to stop and give it a try, you will loose weight. It is not easy... in my mind I thought I needed a whole plate of pasta but in reality just three spoons full would stop me being hungry. I found this info on an American site written by a dietician who has a gastric band herself and so can explain things very well. I am sorry but I can not remember (or find again) the site ... but a bit of googleing and i am sure you will come across it. You ask if you will feel discomfort from over eating.. well I don’t... unless I really over do it when it makes a rapid reappearance ... which can be a bit embarrassing... especially in a restaurant! As far as the fill is concerned, I didn't have a fill for 7 months and then only a small amount of saline was required. I understand that they put some saline in the band at surgery and that is n effect the first fill many others (particularly those operated on in the USA) talk about. Bread is a funny... some days I can eat it ... but others I can't. All I can say is when it get stuck.... it really does get stuck.... which is not a pleasant experience! But you won't know until you try. Anyway, please don’t despair... I have friends who were banded in the UK and have lost nothing and others who were banded abroad (without the support of dieticians) who have lost loads. I would give it a week or two to let your surgery settle down then why not try eating a small amount, stopping but promising yourself you can eat again when you feel hungry. when that happens... just ask yourself "am I really hungry or am I just eating out of habit?". It has worked for me. GOOD LUCK Simon

Hi, I wouldn't worry about the airport. I travel a lot (every couple of weeks) and the metal detector has only sounded twice in the last year. Each time it was a quick frisk then on my way! As far as medical emergencies are concerned, I asked my consultant about this and he said he couldn't think of an occaision when the medics would need too know and not be able to find out by a cursory examination. Anyway welcome to the band ! Simon

Hi, Glad to hear your fill went well. I only had a small fill first, but then a much tighter fill on my second one. It was agony for about three weeks... but the weight cam off though! Next time I will be a little more conservative and ask for a small increase. I live in Sheffield and will try to getover to the group meetings soon. Simon

Hi Denie, I had my band done in Prague, and goto a doctor in Manchester for fills. It is Dr Lee tel 07515256811 for an appointment. Simon

I am three and a half weeks post op and on the mushie stage of food. This morning and for most of the day I have had a lot of bubbling in my tummy and heart burn on and off all day. Is this normal? Thanks Simon

Hi Jeannie Let me start by saying I am NOT a doctor or dietitian, but I was banded by Prof Fried and what I am saying is what he and his team told me. From your menu, it strikes me that you are eating a lot of "wet" food. The band restricts the flow of food through your stomach, but wet food slips through much quicker(thats why you shouldn't drink for one hour after eating). You might like to try dryer foods like bread or my favourite ryvita as these stay in your pouch longer and make you feel satiated for a longer time. Also the motion of chewing makes me feel more satisfied. I am guessing you can't chew the the slimfast cup-a-soup, yogurt or weetabix! Also I have lost weight through exercise. In the early stages it was just making time for 30 minutes walking a day but now I am a member or a gym! However, my weight loss stalled when I started excercising which is apparently due to muscle build up weighing more than fat. Finally I am trying to eat approximately 1500 kcals per day. When I started weighing everything I ate it was a real eye opener! I was eating far more than I thought. I hope that gives you a few ideas! Good luck! Simon

Hi... I tought I would introduce myself. I am Simon and I guess I am the newest bandster here.... just 2 hour out of the operation! I had my bnd done in Prague by Prof Martin Freid who was excellent. The clinic here has broad band wifi so I can write this message. I guess I hadn't thought to ar past the "oh my God I am going to die on the operating table" and I am sure I will have loads of questions to ask! I had no adverse reaction to the anesthetic and feel like I have a good nights sleep. At the moment very sore - not really pain, just sore and cotemplating life with a band. Anyway that's me - I'll write again soon Simon

Hi Jeannie He also told me this. I guess it is because we have the SAGB fitted not the more common rigid bands. I am now 7 weeks post op and have lost weight fairly consistently at about 1 kg per week. However, it has slowed down and I seem to be able to eat more and be hungry more often. I have emailed prof fried and will let you know what he says. He seems a little conservative when it comes to fills .... but I can not complain... it is working for me. Simon

Good luck Bun1 ... I met both Prof Fried and Karin Dolezalova-Kormanova... both were very good. If you have one - take your laptop as they have free broadband and you can listen to uk radio over the internet (BBC - homepage - Home of the BBC on the Internet). I hope your test are fine this time.... I have had no problems since my surgery... no pain, no hunger and I have lost a Stone! Give my regards to the lovely nurses... they will remember me as my 1 year old daughter had them wrapped round her little finger! Let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed for you Simon

Thats great news Bradnychick.... I have to say I have noticed the Asthma improve even with just loosing a stone.

Hi , I have just had my band fitted and returned to worl 5 days after the operation. However, it was hard work and being self employed I could choose the jobs I did. I have had an amazingly smooth ride so far and feel great. As for the rest of your questions... i can not say yet. Regards Simon

Hi.. a bit of an update.... I have had no pain at all, just a bit sore.... I feel fine, just a little tired.... I can play with my 1 year old daughter without problem and my wounds are healing well. I thought I would miss food but am quite happy with the liquid diet and not at all hungary! I think I must be the luckiest bandster on the forum... and the icing on the cake - I have lost 4 kgs(yes I know this womt continue at his rate but it is a great boost emotionally.) Caled my GP yesterday to order a new inhaler... spent 20 minutes on the phone as the Nurse wanted to know all about the operation (she was concerned I went to Prague for the operation). Life is good.... Thanks for al your messages of support. Write soon (A very happy) Simon

Hi I'm a June 07 Bandster - had my operation this morning! Bit sore and swollen at the moment but happy as today is the first day of the rest of my lighter life! Simon

I am due to be banded in Prauge on 25 June - How was it - it is not too late to cancel!