My journey started when I felt unable to regulate my weight. I had tried various diets but nothing worked and my will power was terrible. I had heard all about gastric banding and felt it would be worth trying. I contacted a very reputable company and met with one of their staff in Glasgow, and she commented that I was suitable for banding and it would be done in their clinic in England. I was also told that if I chose one doctor in particular, there would be no scarring as he would do it lapriscopily. I liked the sound of that, so went ahead and booked it, putting down a large deposit.
I was given thing to do prior to the surgery and then travelled down to England for the procedure. I met the doctor shortly before going to surgery then I was taken to theatre. When I woke up I was immediately aware of a dressing high up on my abdomen. I was quite upset as I was told I would have no scar ..... When the doctor came to see me quite some time later, I questionned him about the scar and he said ...... Are you ready for this?????? "Oh dear. I didn't know because I didn't read your file before going to surgery." Well I nearly hit the roof. I was disgusted with the situation and just couldn't believe what had happened. So many other issues soured the whole procedure - the main one being that when I discussed my surgery with a local NHS surgeon, he confirmed I should never have been offered the surgery as I am a 'grazer' and nibble on things all day long and the band is not suitable for someone like me. I only wish I knew.
The band has been drained of Fluid so doesn't work and I am now saving up to have it removed.
I did contact the ombudsman and I was able to get a portion of my money back, but not enough. I had the surgery, went through all the pain, have a scan I shouldn't have had, and now have a band that doesn't work. I really wish someone had told me about this before I made a very bad decision.
