Chelle 1968

Hi everyone I had my band fitted by Dr Mignon in Belgium 3 days ago and got home yesterday. First thing to say is that the surgery experience was great! Great surgeon, great English speaking co-ordinator, hospital, hotel etc. Now I'm home though I'm feeling a bit lost and feel like I'm not really understanding what's happening to my body in these early stages. I've been told liquid only for 7 days then 3 weeks on mushy food followed by a gradual return to solids, which is when my stomach pouch will form. At the moment I can't decide whether I'm hungry or not, I have a feeling like I have a brick in my belly and terrible wind! Is this normal? It would be great to hear your very early experiences of your bands, which will hopefully give me some reassurances. Thanks Love Chelle xx

My sister and I both have lap bands which were fitted in Belgium 18 months ago and 6 months ago respectively. My sister went for a fill this week and the nurse removed all of the saline from her band 3.5mls and then was unable to get this back in (the intention was to add a fill of 1ml making 4.5 in total) She told her that she may have a 'kink' in her tubing. She is going back tomorrow to try again but if this doesn't work it will be back to the surgeon in Belgium. Anyone heard of this problem before? As you can imagine she is distraught. Thanks Chelle x

Thanks guys Wheetsin - I totally agree with your logic there. The fill was 'blind' and she is going to see the most experienced fill nurse tomorrow so hopefully she will be able to sort it out. Thankfully Belgium is not too far (a couple of hours on Eurostar) so not the end of the world if she has to go back, bit of a pain though. Antsmith101 - the nurse had 6 attemps to refill my sister's band and still didn't manage it. I have everything crossed for her for tomorrow but best to go back to the surgeon I think if the problem persists. I have just frightened myself to death reading about complications on here this afternoon, so guess I's better go away and be sensible for a while!!! Thank you for your responses.

I would recommend Euroband Associates in Harley Street. £100 per fill and you need to register on line before you can make an appointment. Link below Euroband Associates

Hi Everyone I am going to Chimay in Belgium next Monday to be banded by Dr Mignon and would love to chat to someone who is going at the same time. Please get in touch. Love Chelle:nervous

Hi There Surgery went fine and I met a couple of really great people there! The last supper was steak and I enjoyed it more than any steak I have ever had!! Have lost 14.5lbs now and just trying to decide whether or not I will need a fill at 6 weeks. Take care and keep in touch Love Chelle xx

I had my op 2 weeks ago and although I was told I would have no restriction I am only eating a small amount of food and seem to be full. Is this normal? I've been told I will need my 1st fill at 6 weeks, but how will i know if I need it or not? Confused, please help!! Chelle xx

Hey guess what guys I'm hungry!! Things change so quickly it's unbelievable!! I'm now 3 weeks post op and my appetite has come back with avengence!! 3 weeks to wait until I can have a fill, so will just have to rely on my willpomer!! Still doing well though and sticking to the diet plan. Chelle xx

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm enjoying not being hungry at the moment but struggling to get in enough calories. I worked out that I'm only having about 600 - 750 a day and I had a bit of a faint feeling today so will try to up it a bit with juice and stuff. Interestingly though my sister was banded 18 months ago and didn't have her 1st fill until 6 months. I guess we are all different!! Chelle x

I would highly recommend Dr Mignon in Belgium. You can book through ELYZEA : The gastring banding Consultation and fills are available in London and Manchester Good luck!! Chelle x

Hi there! I am going to Belgium for my banding on Monday 24th (Arranged vis Elyzea - Op on the 25th) and would be interested to know if anyone else is going then? If you are you must be doing the yogurt too Yuk! Yuk! Yuk!:help: Get in touch and maybe we can chat before we go? :nervous Love Chelle x

Hi Mike Good to hear from you again. As we're being banded at the same time it would be great to share our experiences. I Have problems with my email account at the moment so the one I'm giving you is my partners but feel free to mail me on it. dan_davies@blueyonder.co.uk Are you on a horrible pre-surgery diet at the moment? I can only eat yogurt and I'm really struggling. I phoned the clinic and they said I could have a bit of meat and salad/veg etc. so things have been a lot better today. Love Chelle xx

Hi There Thanks for your reply. I guess we are going with different companies though. I am going wo Chimay to be banded by Dr Mignon. As were having it at the same time it would be great to keep in touch though. Chelle x

Hi Everyone I am boing banded by Dr Mignon in Belgium on the 25th. Would be great to chat with anyone else travelling then. Take care Chelle x