Elsie

Hi Emmage, Welcome to lapbandtalk. I went to the Beacon for a consult early last year. I had already been thinking of going to Belgium but when I said this to my GP she wanted me to have it done in Ireland so I went along. It seems like a very good set-up they have there. It is more like what the american bandsters describe on here i.e. you meet the surgeon, the nurse, the dietician and the psychologist. My decision came down to the Beacon and Dr. Chris DeBruyne in Belgium. In the end I decided to go with Dr. Chris for a couple of reasons. I did some research and couldn't find any info on the surgeon in the Beacon, I found a lot on Dr. Chris which was all very positive and I met him in Dublin as well (there is aftercare in Dublin once a month). The cost was a major factor as well. It cost 3400 plus flights/hotel/fills with Dr. Chris versus 11500 with the Beacon. The final decision was made when I asked at the Beacon that if anything went wrong and I needed a re-operation would it be covered by the original cost. The answer was the surgeon would do all possible but the decision was up to the hospital. There wasnt a definite yes so I couldnt take the chance as I couldnt afford to pay out any more. So I went to Belgium and have no complaints about the experience/aftercare. There is a girl on the Hi from Ireland thread that had the op in the Beacon but I cant remember her name off hand. Let me know if you have any more questions. Elsie

Hi Everyone. Hope everyone has a great Christmas and Best Wishes for a skinnier 2009. Elsie Hi carebear. Welcome to band land. Hopefully the worst of the post-op pain is gone for you now. If you have any specific questions please feel free to PM me.

Hi Bubble, I also went to Belgium and was banded by Dr. Chris DeBruyne. I am happy with my choice. He comes to Dublin once a month for fills which are eur120.00. I would recommend going direct through his website www.obesity-assist.co.uk . If you have questions for him, he is very quick to get back to you. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me. The cost is from 3400 plus hotels, flights etc. Elsie

Hi Everyone, I have a fill tomorrow at 9.50. I will pop into Larry Murphys after if anyone is around. Some of you have my number so just give me a buzz if your looking to meet up. Edel: Welcome back. Glad your doing well. That port pain gets better everyday!! Ailbhe: Its good to hear you so positive. Even though we do this for ourselves, to feel better and be healthy, it is great when people notice. Other people have noticed my weight loss. I feel it in my clothes but cant see it at all really when I look in a mirror. I cant believe it is nearly six months already. Over 50lbs is just amazing isnt it. Well done, its brilliant. Elsie

Hi Everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. I haven’t been able to post in a little while. I was due for a fill two weeks ago but unfortunately they were cancelled due to flight cancellations. He will be back next week so all is not lost. :scared2: Roe: Sorry I didn’t get to meet you. Hope the next fill goes ahead with no problem for you. Edel: Hope your feeling ok after your surgery today. Pop in and let us know how you got on. Gerri: Did you ever hear back from Obesity Solutions about taking over your aftercare? Ailbhe: Nice to hear you met someone new. Hows that going? How is the little one, the poor little thing? Has she cheered up at all? Magna/Terry: I might see you next Thurs at the fills. I haven’t made an appointment yet as I wasn’t sure about time off work. Terry, I know you text me what time your appointment was but I deleted the text and cant remember. What time is your appointment. Coco/Gerri: Good luck getting your medical records back. I don’t envy you though. :cursing: Flirtylass: Welcome. I replied to your other thread about the Beacon. Have a great bank holiday weekend everyone. Hope the sun comes out. Elsie

Hi Alesha I'm always up for a meet up, well work permitting. I still have to see your wedding photos. There will prob be a few of us in town on Thursday morning for fills. I think Terry will be there as well. Off course most of us will be Belgian Bandsters so wont be moaning about ACS. But we will listen to you though:lol: If you cant make Thurs we can organise another saturday out in Bewleys or Dundrum. Elsie

Hi Flirtylass Welcome to Lapbandtalk. I went for a consultation in the Beacon clinic with Mr. Stuart. I have to say I was impressed with the set up. The consultation was fairly lenghty i.e. speak to nurse, nutritionist, surgeon, psych. etc. If you decide to go with them I would imagine the aftercare would be excellent. In the end I went to Belgium to be banded. I had already done my research and decided on Dr. DeBruyne in Belgium. My GP recommended I have it done in Ireland and organised the consultation with the Beacon so I went along because I would have prefered to have it here too. However what decided it for me was when I asked the Beacon surgeon "If anything goes wrong and I need another operation will I have to pay for it?" They were unable to give me a 100% guarentee. He said he would fight my corner but the final decision would be the hospitals. I couldnt afford anymore than 11500 if it was needed and couldnt take the chance. Going to Belgium was costing about 4000 including flights and hotels. Fills have cost me 360 since then and I'm very happy with my decision. I knew going that I would def have to pay for any re-op if needed and I've taken that into account. Make sure you have your list of questions and are happy with the answers. Good luck with your consultation. There was another lady on the main "Hi from Ireland" thread who was banded at the Beacon. If you read back a bit you can find her name and send her a message maybe. Elsie

Hi Maria, Welcome to LBT. ECFS do fills and will be in Dublin (Pembroke Street) next Thurs 7th August. You can make an appointment by ringing Julie Tosh on 0044 7872963503. Let me know if you need more info. Elsie

Hi Edel, I went to belgium and I didnt even think about travel insurance to be honest. Normal travel insurance will cover you for flight delays and lost baggage etc. but not for anything operation related. It covers for medical emergency but not if, god forbid, something happens during the op, as you were travelling for the operation it would be considered pre-existing. Elsie

Ailbhe: Its good to hear you are feeling better about yourself. Try to focus on that when you know you are going to see him. For the pics up on bebo ((((((((((hugs))))))))))), i'm sure its like a car crash, you know you shouldnt look but cant help it. Keep having fun and kiss even more handsome boys:biggrin: Gerri: Good luck up in Belfast on Saturday. Hope they sort you out for a while. Everyone else: If anyone is interested, myself, Siepie and her Friend (also banded) will be meeting up in Larry Murphys as usual. We will be there between 11.00 - 11.30 if anyone would like to join us. Hope to see a few people. Elsie

Gerri – Well done on the weight loss. You are very close to just being “overweight”. I can believe they won’t honour the aftercare. “As a gesture of goodwill, they will give a fill IF required”. I would go there with weights in my pockets because if they see you are losing weight they’ll probably say you don’t need one. I get so angry when I hear how people just get walked over after handing over all that money. Jellybaby – Welcome back. Glad you are doing well. I loved that feeling of not wanting to eat. For me, it lasted about two weeks and it was great weight loss in those weeks. I had that blue stitch that the doctor mentioned. He told me he would take it out when I was at my first fill but after a couple of weeks when I scratched that area it just slipped out by itself, it didn’t hurt. He didn’t mention it when I went for the fill. It may just have come off with the dressing. You should be well able for a fill in August. I was given the 1st one at 4 weeks out. PrincessLK – Sent you that number. Hope everyone is doing well, it’s been quiet around here lately. I’m at a standstill again but that is the way my body works. I’ll drop 5 lbs in one week and then stay the same for 3, even though I’m doing the same thing each week. Still losing some hair and even though I was convinced I was getting protein in, I probably wasn’t. I have been tracking my food and calories on DailyPlate.com and it can be hard for me to reach the protein goal everyday, so I’m trying harder now

Hi Edel, Welcome to LBT. Congrats on making your decision to be banded. Three stone by xmas may be possible. I think will take hard work and some exercise. I have lost 3 stone in 4 months (10lb of this on pre-op diet). It def slows down or stops when I'm being lazy. I did have a lot more to lose though. In relation to drink, if your a beer drinker, its bad news. Carbonated drinks are not recommended, they can stretch the pouch. However dont worry about not having a social life, its not a problem. I drink wine or spirits. I dont get drunk though because pre-band, drunk episodes were ALWAYS followed by a bad vomiting session (TMI?) I dont want to take a risk of vomiting as it can lead to a slippage and I just dont like doing it either, but thats just me. I can and do have great nights out and I haven't turned into a water drinking bore. Let me know if you have any more questions. I havent heard any bad stories about Dr. Dillemans. I believe he does bypass as well as band and can push the bypass sometimes. This might just be for higher BMI people though. Elsie

Twinkle Toes and Roe: I’ve PM’d you the number to make an appointment. JellyBaby: Clear Liquids was never mentioned to me for post op. My liquids consisted of cup of soups and yogurts(no bits). I didn’t go out looking specifically for protein drinks but I did have Slim Fasts around which are actually fairly decent for protein (20g a bottle). Also I had milk and low fat custard. Anything with milk really is going to add to your protein amounts. And don’t forget to sip loads of water. I think apple juice was also on the list Dr. Chris gave me, They don’t recommend orange juice as it irritates some stomachs. I was ok with it though. Best of Luck on Wednesday. Don’t forget to walk to relieve the gas, it really helps. Damienne: You seem to be feeling much better. See you on the 16th.

Siepie: I can do July 26th for a meet up if its going ahead. As to where to have it, I have no idea. I’m in North County Dublin but I am open to a bit of travelling (and car-pooling if anyone doesn’t like to drive). You have my email address already so you can add me to your mailing list. Ailbhe: Glad you got somewhere else to live, you need him out of your face alright. Just noticed your ticker has changed. My god, you are over half way there. It’s a pity that you cant make it up for fill in July, but the rate you are going the next time I see you I won’t recognise you. I’m doing ok. After the last fill I dropped 5lb in one week. Mainly because of liquids after the fill but also went to dentist and I was afraid to eat for a couple of days. But in the last two weeks the scale has not budged. It’s a killer. I’ve increased my exercise so hopefully will see a difference next week. I do need another fill though. I think I will take it easy with the next one though. I’ll see what Frederik recommends. The hair is still falling out. My overactive imagination is even seeing bald patches. (Hope its my imagination) I’m heading to Boots tomorrow to get those vitamins Siepie was talking about. Gerri: You get any response from the Hospital Group about reimbursement for fills? Jellybaby: Welcome to Lapbandtalk. Good luck in Belgium next week. I was banded by Dr. DeBruyne in March so if you have any questions please feel free to pm me. I was “talking” to another lady on this board who is being banded next week by Dr. Chris as well, 4th July I think she said. If you are interested in getting to know someone else who may be there at the same time let me know and I send her details on. Have a good weekend everyone.!!

Hi Lauren May, Welcome to LBT!! Unlike you I didnt find the month between the op and first fill too bad but the month between the first and second fill was a killer. You seemed to have got a really big first fill. Where did you get the band done? How are you feeling now? Elsie

Hay Siepie! I am interested but I work a lot of weekends and I dont have my work dates for July yet. I will let you know. If there is much interest let me know dates asap and I'll try to work around it.

Siepie: I would be interested in a support group but like the others say it may be difficult to get everyone together. I’m def up for a meet up on July 16th. Let me know what time suits. How is your friend doing after her op? Also, what is the name of those soluble vitamins from boots, are they boots own brand or something else? Ailbhe: I’m sorry to hear what he did. All I can say is that I also think you are doing the right thing. You cant waste more time and effort on him, the trust is gone. Concentrate on yourself (and the little one) for a while and even though it mightn’t feel like it now it will get easier and things will look up for you. Roe: Are you going to go get a fill with Frederik? It would kill me having paid all that money to ACS for aftercare and then having to pay someone else to fill it but at the same time the band is useless unless its working for you. Investing a bit more money might help you get on track and be wise in the long run. I cant believe he is willing to fly back to unfill, that would put your mind at rest. Get a receipt from Frederik and chance your arm sending it to ACS/Hospital Group for reimbursement. Gilly: How did it go in Loughlinstown? I had a look at the link you posted. My God, that needle is HUGE!!! I’ve had three fills and I don’t remember the needle being that scary. Damienne: Hope your doing good. Did you book your fill with Frederik? Alesha: Nice to hear from you. I’m sure there will be a few of us meeting up on fill day on 16th July. Will you be around? If not, I’m always up for meetings, just let me know we can try to organise a meeting in Sandyford again. Can’t wait to see the photos. Anyone else up for a meeting on the 16th July in town?

Last week I noticed a huge amount of hair coming out. It’s not like other hair loss. This is full strands, roots and all, coming out by the handful in the shower and when I brush my hair. In work I noticed my chair even had a jacket of hair (yuck!). So I know this is normal for a lot of bandsters but I'm wondering who here has had this problem and how long was it before it stopped. For me I don’t think it’s a protein problem because I'm doing ok with that and it’s not from "Rapid" weight loss because even though I am losing its hardly rapid. It has to be an anaesthetic thing after the op. I notice a lot of other March bandsters are talking about this and Ailbhe mentioned it last week and I was banded a week after her so it must just kick in a certain amount of time after the op. I'm willing to go bald if I keep losing weight :lol: At least I can get a wig.

Hi Julia Well done on booking your date. Its not long now. I have to say when it came to eating in the few weeks after the surgery I lacked imagination big time and didnt really have a varied diet. After the 1st ten days I stuck pretty much to mashed potatoes with gravy or curry sauce(its lovely). I also had tuna mixed with light mayo, Soups, weetabix, mince in gravy (cottage or shepards pie), sugar free jelly (great for getting Water in) and scrambled eggs. I suppose think of what you would feed a baby who you are weaning onto solids. This is what I was told but because I dont have kids it didnt really help. You will also get some diet sheets from Dr. Chris in the hospital. Emotionally I was fine after the op. I was a bit weepy the day I was released from hospital but I think it was just because I was in a little pain and very tired. I havent had a time yet when I regret doing this but somedays I am terrified that I wont lose much weight but I just keep telling myself that its early days. I dont have a lot of confidence in myself but I'm improving. I'm sure there are issues that have me this size in the first place, I have been big since I was 8, but unlike other people the issues are not obvious to me and I dont feel the need to dig deep and find out. Are you doing the 2 week pre op low fat diet? Elsie

Gilly: I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It must have been a difficult time not made any easier by the problems with your band. I am glad you are getting some help now from your GP and the hospital. At least you know you will be in good hands if you get the referral to Loughlinstown. Let us know how you get on. Ailbhe: Very sorry to hear it didn’t work out with himself. I cant believe that the bas*ard actually arranged a date with someone. Stupid selfish pr*ck.(Sorry for the language but that made me mad:cursing:) I can imagine the stress of it all is playing havoc with the tightness of the band. I hope in a while when you look back you will know that you were better off not wasting valuable time with him. You are a lovely person and will meet someone who deserves you and wants the same future that you do. You are only 25, have a lovely little girl, you are going the right way health and weight wise, you have a great personality, you are getting your confidence back, you will be better than fine you will be great. He is the one who will kick himself, not you! Congrats on getting into the 15’s. Damienne: Welcome back. Glad you’re doing well and hope your enjoying mushies!

Hi Julia, Not drinking with meals has been fairly easy on me, I never did really. I try to remember to drink a half hour or so before I eat. (Not 100% sure of the rules on drinking before eating). I have drank a few sips while eating if something is spicier than I expected but really to get the most out of your band you shouldnt really. Like chewing and eating slowly you will eventually develop the habit (hopefully :rolleyes2:). If you ever have a bad incident where some food gets stuck that is a time when you should not drink water even if you think you need to. It just sits on top and will come back up. When is your consultation? Elsie

Hi Ailbhe: From my experience I would advise to def make sure you take your time eating as usual. I tend to get paranoid that people are watching and will make comments about it and as a result I tend to eat too fast, end up in pain and run to the toilet to PB. People notice that a lot more, especially if one trip doesnt quite do it. I would prob try to order something you know will go down easy like soup or mash spud etc. and then when you are full use the "had a big lunch" excuse or just say you are cutting down (i'm sure they have noticed the weightloss anyway). If you are still paranoid about leaving a lot of food then piling the food a little or squashing it together can make it look like the plate is emptier than it is. Congrats on the smaller clothes. I cant wait.:rolleyes2: Coco: Thanks for that link. It was interesting. Even though it was declared natural causes unfortunately mud sticks. I wonder will they allow Jerome to come back to help you ACS ladies. Gerri and Roe: Hope you guys get sorted with your fills soon. Skinny: Are you still able to eat anything?. I wouldnt rush into a fill (even if you could). It may be just a cycle thing. I also read on here somewhere than drink can effect the band. Mol: I'm with Coco on this. I say get the band and go on holiday. You will be on liquids at that stage. Most places will have soup so you could go with that. You will be on mushies for part of the holiday as well so you will have some more choices. You just need some imagination when looking at the menus. If you are self catering just pack some packets of soup or slim fasts. Then just carry a water bottle all the time and sip throughout the day. It can be done. I wouldnt put off the op for the holiday. There will always be some event coming up. We just have to learn to deal with it. I have to say I would have loved a bit of sunshine after my op. So enjoy. If you like getting in the pool on holiday be careful and check with your surgeon. I was only allowed showers and no baths for a few weeks. Marge: You ok? Did you email Dr. Chris about the pain you were having? I'm doing ok. This last fill is strange. I did my two days liquids. Then went back to regular food. I was fine, everything even chicken went down nicely for 3 days. Never feel that full feeling but do know when to stop. Yesterday, 6 days after the fill, nothing would go down. Struggled with a yogurt for brekkie. Has some tuna mayo for lunch that caused me to PB. I shudda went back to liquids but had dinner 5hours later and PB'd again. Was worried then when I was gurgling while drinking a coffee later. (obviously just swollen)Today I was able to eat anything again. Good weight loss this week though. Elsie

Hi Marge, That sounds nasty all right. The only advise I have would be to stick to liquids only again and email Dr. Chris for advise. Be honest with him, tell him you didnt stick to liquids etc. I'm sure your not the only one. I reckon you might just have irritated your stomach and it needs a bit of time to heal. Let us know how you get on. Elsie

Hi Everyone Well I got my 3rd fill on Thurs. Dr. Chris put in another 1.25 mls. It has made a nice difference but doubt its my sweet spot unfortunately. I’m happy for now. I’m already down a couple of lbs from being on liquids for 2 days. Ailbhe: I remember you telling me about setting off the security alarms in shops and then a few days after I was in New Look and it went off for me. I think it was just a coincidence though. I tried it a few more times and it was only a one off. Got a few odd looks off the security guard You doing ok? Gerri and Coco: Good luck dealing with ACS. I hope you get a result. Unfortunately from what I have read about the Hospital Group they seem to be on par with ACS for aftercare. :thumbdown:Hope they try to start off the Dublin set up better. Siepie and Marge: Nice to see you again. How are your fills working for you? 2008Mary: Welcome to Lapbandtalk. Dr. Chris DeBruyne does fills in Dublin once a month. He was here last Thursday. He is taking a break for the summer so wont be back til Sept. However, he has arranged for another company to do the fills for us. I think the next date is around 16/7/08. The cost is EUR120.00. Take a look at his site www.obesity-assist.co.uk for the phone number for his secretary to make an appointment. He does take other Dr.’s patients. Mol: Congrats on getting your op date. The actual flight ten days after the op should be ok. I flew from Belgium 2 days after the op and was fine. You should check with your surgeon just in case. As far as pain goes, after ten days any major pain should be gone but you may have some slight port pain. It’s more discomfort than pain. Terry: Did you get an unfil that time? How is the weightloss going? Have a good week everyone. Elsie

Hi Julie Dr. Chris will weigh you and ask about what you can eat etc. He will base the fill on that info. The first fill I think is a basic 2mls. After that it will depend on what you can eat and what weight you lost. There are no xrays. The fills are quick and painless (well, just a pinch). My second fill was 3.5 mls and the 3rd was 1.25ml. I was banded in March and have lost about 2 stone since the op. The average amount of fills people need to get to a nice stage is 2-4 fills. For the most part I have coped very well with the band. There are times when it was a little hard work usually when I'm eaten too fast and not chewing enough, it can be painful. It can take practice but for me its worth it. Elsie