Maincat

Latest before and after images - 112 pounds between them.

Hi, I remember that stage. Soup. More soup. I had a wide variety of soups, some home made. I loved the lentil soup - still do. When you do try solids, remember to chew, chew and chew again. All this will pay off in the end.

I'd love to offer support. Ask anything you like. You can find out about me by viewing my website http://www.milward.org.uk, or visit my blog (address in the signature below), or view some images at www.flickr.com/photos/milward I'm married to the wonderful Denise, have a daughter Jennifer and 9 cats (utter madness). Hope to hear from you soon.

I'm really pleased all went well for you. You now have such a lot to look forward to. The team there are planning to expand their services to include gastic bypass as well as band. I would encourage you to go to one of their support meetings if you can. Very friendly and informative. Good luck to you.

I agree. The band is a tool, not the answer in itself. My routine is: Breakfast - never miss it, usually oats with milk. lunch - usually Soup. Evening meal - what the rest of the family has, but I'm very aware of portion control. I eat slowly, chew everything. I never go back for seconds. drinks - tea/coffee/water as required. I drink extra amounts of Water. I eat bananas (max 2 a day) and apples after meals. I don't feel hungry on that and my body has got used to the smaller amounts of food. My family are also very supportive - they never say things like 'is that all you're having?' I'm certainly not saying that you should follow my routine, just that it works for me. I don't graze and I'm never hungry. I have recently gone to 5cc in a 10cc band. I exercise 6 days a week for about 45 minutes a day. I still think you ought to see a dietician. Where abouts are you in England?

Hi, A few questions for you: Have you seen your dietician? What is your daily meal structure like? 3 meals a day,etc? Do you have Breakfast? Do you have supper? What are the foods that you nibble? What is your current BMI? This forum is full of people who want to help and give advice. Try and stay positive.

The postcode lottery is a disgrace, and I speak as one who has benefitted from it. 2 1/2 stones weightloss in a year really is trying! I don't live in Derby, but they banded me, as my Trust was willing to pay for the surgery. This isn't a NATIONAL Health Service, it's a regional one. I'm really sorry that you have had to go private, with the costs that involves. Are the government really serious about an obesity strategy or not? I really hope that all turns out well for you with your operation. You will have the last laugh.

Vixen, I've just got this from a website Obesity Surgery in Scotland 'Patients from within the Glasgow area must be referred by their GP to the Glasgow Weight Management Service and from this programme a limited number of patients (currently 30 / year) will be referred to NHS surgeons for consideration for surgery. If you are from outside Glasgow then weight loss surgery on the NHS is not available to you in Glasgow at the moment. Please consult your GP for advice about access to NHS services in your area.' What are the chances of having NHS surgery in England?

I thought that the NHS would offer an operation with a BMI over 40 (morbidly obese) and over 35 with co-morbidities. I had my operation with a BMI of 41. I would go to a different GP/Hospital to see what they said. Sounds to me like you are a victim of the Post Code Lottery.

I'm sorry to hear of your experiences. You don't say what your BMI is, but if it is low(ish) then they will look for 'co-mobidities'. If you didn't have any (that counted, eg blood pressure issues), then they would not authorise the surgery. Are you clear what aftercare your private operation contains..fills, contact etc? I hope all goes well for you.

Glad to help Natalie. My weight loss is something I'm proud of and I'm sure that yours will be too. Don't forget that the band is just a tool, not the answer in itself. I've made good changes to my life style which have really helped. Hope all goes well for you.

Hello Natalie, I have been banded at Derby. I went for an assessment in March 2007, which was a talk with the nursing staff about what I had done before to lose weight, what my diet was and what it would become post op, reasons for wanting to lose weight and then a phone consultation with the surgeon to discuss the procedure. I was accepted for surgery and then went on the waiting list, which was six months. I then had a pre-op assessment two weeks before the operation, which was blood tests, ecg etc. I went on the pre-op diet they gave me and then I had the surgery in November 2007. Hope that helps. PM me if you want any more details.

I have had a more complex than usual fill history. I had my port replaced in May 2008 and was given a 4.5cc fill during the operation. I've had a further 0.5 fill making 5cc in total in a 10cc band. I can have fills on demand, although I feel pretty good about the band at the moment. I was advised that they don't normally go above 7cc in my band. I would phone up Lisa Rickers at Derby and discuss your fills with her. She is very friendly and helpful.

My wife, daughter and in-laws know how much I weigh. They all congratulate me when a milestone has been reached and I find that to be a really positive experience. An example, just come back from visiting my in-laws - told them about reaching Onederland and they were really pleased and interested.

Three rules I have (well they work for me): Always eat Breakfast Never go back for seconds Don't drink with your meal I eat what the rest of the family eats, including rice, Pasta, cheese etc. I just don't have large portions like I used to have. I have about half a plate and I'm full. As for medications, I just take my doctor's advice. Never been told to lay off aspirin.