Susanna

Well, I have just found this group. I honestly thought I must be one of the oldest to have a lap band. I have not seen anyone of our age in the outpatients clinic. I am in the UK and having my band (hopefully) on Wednesday. Hope to catch up with you all later.

I have to agree with Suzy. I think if you are only 2 stone overweight it would not be easy to get a surgeon to insert a gastric band. Would it be worth the risks? as of course all operations and anaesthetics involve some risk. However it will always remain your choice. I was 11 stone overweight when I had my band in July this year, and although I have lost over 5 stone at the moment, it is hard work. Yes, I can eat almost any food, and can go out to restaurants etc, there are still some foods like bread and apples that are very painful to eat. Please, please think very long and hard before you make your final decision. Hope others will be along later to give you their thoughts too. In friendship. Susan

www. wlsfriendship.co.uk is free!!! Hope to see you there. Susan

Hi Wendy, I am Susan and am in East Sussex, also had my band by Shaw somers 7 weeks ago. There are lots of us on another site, especially lots who have been to chichester. PM me if you want to know the address.

I have tried for the second time to register on this site. It seems impossible. There is no 'Contact' link for those with problems. On entering the code to register, it just says 'you are not authorised to use this'. Very annoying.

Hi Dianne, You have done SO well. I am only 6 weeks out from my band, and I hope that i can match your weight loss. My surgeon told me that i would only lose 5 stone, but I am determined to prove him wrong. I was 22 stone to start with, so as you can see, 5 stone is neither here nor there. I am in East sussex. Are you on any other site. www.wlsfriends.co.uk is good. Loads from all over country and great support. Give it a try. Susan

Thank you Sandy, that answer is really comforting. It has made me think that I'll certainly go for it, if appropriate for me when I need it. your measurements sound just great. Would you believe I never measured myself before surgery - wish I had, then I could tell the difference. I know the hospital measured my waist, so I must remember to ask them what it was. You're an inspiration!

Hi from the UK. I am newly banded, and am already wondering about a TT later on. But I am a bit of a coward and scared of the pain. Can someone say exactly how sore you were? I realise that everyone is different. Even at my current weight of 276lbs (this may not be accurate as we use stones and pounds over here) I have a big overhang. Any advice would be good. Thank you.

Hi, I am 63 too, and had my band on 16th July. All is absolutely great, but I have to be honest and say that after my first fill next week I am sure it will be easier. As to the surgery, it could not have gone any more smoothly. I had no pain, and as soon as the IV fluids were discontinued I was up and about, raring to go. If only I had been brave enough to ask for this sooner, but there is no looking back and i am very excited about my whole new life which is just around the corner. My very best wishes for your Mum. She is lucky to have you.

I want to say Hi from the UK, and to wish you all the best for your band. I was banded on July 16th, and am feeling so good. After the op i had no pain at all, so it was wonderful. I have my first fill on 29th august so I am looking forward to that. Am being really strict with myself, as I know I could eat a lot, because after the op, once the swelling goes down, there is very little restriction. I will keep your husband and yourself in my thoughts and send positive thoughts to you. Keep in touch. Susan

The very best of luck on your journey.

I don't think you should worry. After the band, once the swelling goes down, there will not be much restriction so a lot of people put on weight to start with. You have had one fill, but it has obviously not reached the 'sweet spot' yet. You will get there, and I wish you all the best. I am waiting for my first fill on the 29th. It has been so hard to cope without it.

I wish it was! No, a kilo is 2.2 lbs.

I am 63 year old bandster and I was up and about later the same day, home the next, and haven't looked back. I wish you the same.

Hi, This doesn't seem very much to me. I too am 8 days post band, and was told to eat pureed food for 1 - 2 weeks, then 'small lumps'. I have about 3 tablespoons of porridge in the morning, yogurt for a snack. Cottage cheese for lunch, about 3 tablespoons, and soft fruit for afternnon snack. I plan to have steamed salmon and a very small amount of mashed potatoes for dinner. I suppose all surgeons or dieticians have different ideas. Maybe give yours a call. Drink plenty of fluids too. Good luck.

You will survive! There are lots of people on here who will give you such great support. XX

I am in the UK, but this sounds like a fantastic idea. I wonder if I can get something like this going here. I'm going to have a go. I think I'll start by writing to some papers. Thanks for the idea, and good luck on your journey.

Look forward to hearing from you again soon. Good luck.

Hi from UK. I did 3 weeks on the milk diet, which consisted of 4 pints semi skimmed milk a day + 1 mug of a salty drink, like a stock cube. Also a multi vitamin and mineral tablet. I managed very well, but did long for something with some texture. Am now 6 days post gastric band op, and am feeling on top of the world. The very best of luck.

I am 5 days post banding and am feeling just on top of the world. I am in the UK, but wish all of you the other side of the pond every good wish.

I have a friend who has recently found that taking Ginger tablets has controlled her migraines. It also helps with the nausea. She gets them from the health food shop. Maybe you have shops like that over there. Very best wishes.

Welcome to the club. I was banded on the 16th July. I'm doing fine, are you?

Great to hear your good news. I was banded on the 16th, so interested to hear how you get on.

Hi everyone, I came home the day after op and feeling great. Everything went very well, the surgeon said it was a straightforward operation, and I put this down to me being very good on the milk diet. The staff at the hospital were so lovely. I have no pain, and managing small amounts of pureed food. Not much but enough. Am training my husband to do the hanging out of the washing etc (I know, I should have done it before), and he is doing very well too! Love to all of you on your journeys. Susan

I am in the UK, and am having chewable 'sweet' type vitamins. They are fruit flavoured jelly like sweets. Quite nice. All the very best for your surgery. XX from the UK.