Susanna

I had my gastric band fitted on Wednesday, and if I had lived nearer the hospital, I could have gone home that evening. I believe that because I stuck rigidly to the pre op diet, it made things straightforward for the surgeon. I don't remember actually going to sleep, just being awake again at the end. I think cream was put on my arm so that I didn't feel the needles. Apart from slight pain in one shoulder in the recovery room which was banished with a shot, I had no pain at all. I am now at home, day 2, and am very comfortable. I had keyhole surgery, and apart from a little pulling where the port has been placed, everything is great. I am eating pureed food, small amounts, and looking forward to the future. I wish you the same, and every good wish.

I am having my gastric band tomorrow, and have been told by letter (and when I phoned) to stop eating by midnight, (but I am only on milk anyway) and no water after 6.30am. But I am due to be in hospital by 7.30am, and assumed I would be having the op quite early. What is worrying me is that I have read on wlsfriends, that others going to Chichester like me were told to stop eating by 4.30pm. Do you think this is because they might be having a RNY? Can anyone who had either op there please tell me. Thanks.

Well done Sallieanne, you sound really good. I've read in other posts that the pain will soon settle. I think you have to keep moving about. My band (hopefully) will be on Wednesday. All the very best. Keep us up to date with how you are won't you?

My my, that is some good going Debbles. On the PC already. This is SO encouraging. Did you say where you had it done?

Is there anything specific you want to know Amanda?

Do you know, I don't know, but after ALL this time (18 days) I'm going to get some. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Thank you SO much.

Thank you Debbie, thats really kind. Hope all is going well with you.

I see that lots of you have Tickers to chart your weight loss. I have done one but just cannot see how to attach it to my posts. Can anyone tell me how to do it please? Thanks.

Thanks everyone, will try it when I get back from having my feet done [luxury], and getting a hair cut. S.

Hi Serenity, I am being banded at Chichester next Wednesday. By Mr Somers as Mr Slater is on holiday apparently. The NHS bay is great according to a lovely nurse I met, who said all the staff are so nice that she wishes she could work there all the time. She said its nice to be in a ward with others who are all going through the same thing. I'll let you all know how it goes. Am beginning to struggle on the milk as I have been on it for over 2 weeks, due to two cancellations so far. Have added vegetables, the most fibrous ones I can get, like mange touts and swede, as I really need them I can tell you.

Mr Shaw Somers works at Portsmouth Hospital, private patients only I think. He is doing my banding on the 16th at St Richard's in Chichester. If you google Anne Diamond, there is a youtube type interview with hime and her. It goes on a bit, but you get to see what you think. Have not yet managed to watch all the way through.

I am on the milk diet and have been told I can flavour with vanilla essence or Crusha 'no sugar' syrup. It makes such a difference. Can also use coffee, but I don't like it with no sugar! Best of luck.

Hi Debbie, I'm in the UK too. My shrink also told me to tell people. I had only told my husband, because I was kind of ashamed about the need for it. I have told my daughter [older than your two] and a neighbour and 2 friends. The others i am going to say that i am going in for 'an op on my stomach' and hope they are not too nosy. If Fern Britten can do it, so can I.

I'll be thinking of you all tucked up in bed, all done and dusted. The very best of luck to everyone having the op this week. XX :thumbup:

Hi Libby, I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. Very good luck. Keep in touch here to let us know how you are getting on.

Thanks for that - I'll see if I can get it over here.

Hi everyone, I am a new poster from the UK. I was due to have my surgery on the 3rd July, after being on the liquid diet here. I don't know how it compares to the USA, but all I can have is 4 pints semi skimmed milk a day plus a salty drink like a stock cube. I did this for 9 days pre op, and got to hospital only to have my op cancelled at 7pm after waiting all day. There has been no one to tell me what to do now, while waiting for the op next Thursday, the dietician isn't available, so I am carrying on, now into my 12th day. I am managing OK, but suffering really badly with constipation, and need some help or advice from fellow sufferers. I am not allowed anything with sugar. Have tried Senna tablets and today suppositories but with limited success. Thanks for any hints you can give.