siepie

Hi All, I was banded on May 6th and since surgery have lost the best part of 30 pounds. In the last month or so I have totally fallen off the wagon from a food choice and portion size perspective. I've a 10cc band with a 2.5cc fill from back in June, I'm due a fill next Wednesday which I am looking forward to. My doctor never gave an indication of the volumes of food I should be eating and now it seems like my head is playing game to see how much I can fit in to my pouch. I can eat pretty much anything I want to in pretty much whatever quantity I want to though I try to make sure my portions aren't huge (though sometimes I fail!) I've not vomited though twice now chicken and salmon have gotten stuck slightly going down - basically because I ate too fast and didn't chew. My question is basically how would i know if I've stretched my pouch? I'm scared that I have stretched it though I've read that reverting to liquids for a period of time may help it 'shrink' back to its original size. I've only had a few odd pains in my left shoulder when I've eaten too much but apart from that everything seems to be making it through my mouth a ok. Any advice most appreciated- I'm hoping to get to a pysch to work on why I sabotage myself so much TIA Siepie

I had mine done in Belgium May 08 with Chris De Bruyne, best thing I ever did!

Hi Anna I was operated on by Chris back in May '08 and couldnt recommend him more highly. Very skilled and very professional surgeon, hospital in Vilvoorde is great (if that's where you are getting it done) You cant predict how long it will take you to lose weight, depends primarily on how much you have to lose initially. Just remember it's a tool, not a magic cure I've had good weight loss which has been a combination of good food choices and exercise - but the band wont stop you putting chocolate in your mouth - that bit is up to you ! Feel free to PM me if you like Siepie

Hi Big Bones Who is doing your surgery in Belgium? I had mine done by Chris De Bruyne and couldn't recommend him highly enough Siepie

Jules, Dr De Bruyne will do a review under fluoroscope for you - I had one last Friday to check that everything was ok ( was having really bad reflux esp whilst asleep) - turned out I was too tight so he took out a ml - with him for 10 minutes and I was sorted. He is close to Brussels airport and you can do it all in the same day - don't know if that is an option for you at all? It's not nice not being able to eat at all - I sympathise completely! Siepie

Hi Karen Things that have changed for me: - I can buy jeans in a regular store now as opposed to the 'fat girls store' - I am off both diabetes medication and blood pressure medications I was on - I am no longer fascinated with eating as I once was Siepie

Hi Angie I am seeing Chris in Sept, I was banded by him in May of this year. If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM and Ill try to answer them for you. Siepie

Hi, I'm looking for a no nonsense buddy/mentor to help me get the most out of my band and support me on the path to success. I was banded on May 6th 2008 in Belgium - starting weight was 114kg and I've managed to lose 15kg since the band was fitted. I'm Australian living in Ireland, have a SO, work shift work, no kids and I have an unhealthy addiction to food I believe. I currently have 3.5ml in a 10ml band, I have virtually no restriction and I really struggle with exercise and making good food choices. Convenience seems to factor in the most, given I work awkward hours. Would really appreciate the opportunity to work with someone and provide support in whatever way I can as well. TIA Siepie

Hi Skinny Hospital Group were there today as well - the receptionist sent me there first as she didn't appear to know that Frederik and Chris from ECFS were there. Don't know if you knew that - may have been worthwhile having a chat to them? I got an extra 1.5ml today and was down a kg (which isn't too bad given I had no restriction whatsoever for the last 7 weeks) - so I have 3.5ml in total now. Hopefully I will get some restriction happening - otherwise I'll be back up in September. Hope you are all doing well, Ailbhe sounds like you are doing really well both mentally and physically! Great to hear. Siepie

Hi Ladies, Ive a couple of people interested in getting together on the 26th in Dublin - if anyone else is interested can you leave me a message or PM me Tks Siepie

Hi Jellybaby, That's good to hear that you are recovering ok - I also enjoyed the lack of desire to eat post op, it was great. I'm at the stage now where I'm looking forward to my second fill! I was told the same story about the mythical blue stitch, I couldn't see it when I took my dressings off and when I went to my GP there definitely wasn't a stitch there. I think they take it out at the same time as they take the drain out in the hospital. Just get your GP to double check when you go to get the stitches taken out. Siepie

Hi Jellybaby, I believe it may be me who was flashing their belly at you in Dublin - it's weird, since I have had the op I have no issue showing my stomach, prior to surgery I would never have contemplated it let alone lifted my top! Dr DeBruyne said we could have liquids without bits and yogurt without bits post op, I had yogurt without bits (Petit Filou and Munch something or other), I had and still have protein shakes, I got the powder from Holland & Barrett called Body Fortress whey protein, you can mix it with water or milk and make a shake. The powder has 98cals per scoop and it doesnt taste all that bad. I also got some meal replacement shakes in Belgium called Gerlinea and bought them back with me. There is an Aldi or Lidl in Vilvoorde that may stock them. Ive been taking Rubex Essentials which is a soluble vitamin & mineral with lutein, I just let it go completely flat before I drink it. I also stocked up on cup a soup chicken broth and tomato from memory. I really lived on yogurt and shakes for the two weeks post op and I survived ok. The pre mixed protein shakes from Holland Barrett were awful so steer clear of them. I was hardly hungry the first two weeks at all. Hope everything goes swimmingly for you this week - you are in very good hands. If you are feeling up to it hope to see you on the 26th! Siepie:smile2:

Hi Damienne Im booked in with Frederik for 9am and my friend is booked for 9.30am - so a meet up after that would be great. I believe the pub is called Larry Murphys (could have that one completely wrong there!) but don't know if it will be open that early? If it isn't we can meet in Pembroke St if people like and go from there Siepie

Hi All, Tentative date of Saturday 26th July for a meeting? Say 11am? Not sure where everyone is located so any suggestions on venue would be most welcome! Have read a bit about some meet ups/support groups in other countries - some have guest speakers (might be jumping the gun a bit on this one!), some have clothes swaps, recipe swaps etc - we could discuss that at the first meeting? My fill is booked for 9am on the 16th so meeting up before hand is out but I'm definitely up for a catch up afterwards. Elsie, I'll text you with the vitamin name, they arent Boots own brand from memory all I can remember is that they have lutein in them - my memory is shocking. Friend is doing well, had problems with keeping liquids down of all things, food was no issue, but I think she has that resolved and is down 7kg two weeks post op My weight loss has kind of plateaued at the moment I lose a pound to gain a pound and I'm finding I can eat larger portions despite the fill - so roll on fill number two. Im also eating when Im bored or when I know Im not hungry but my head is saying its meal time - something I am definitely going to work harder on, that and exercising more. I had some chicken today and it stuck (first time ever) - eventually went down but I learnt my lesson, I was rushing to eat before I went to work and wasn't paying attention. Ailbhe - you sound like you are moving forward slowly but surely, I'm sending positive vibes your way If the 26th works for you just let me know and Ill get on from there with organising - maybe PM me your email address so details can be passed on in a less 'public' manner Apologies for the enormous post! Siepie

Hi All, Not sure how many of you are or would be interested but was going to try to pull together a meet up session for a Saturday or Sunday in July if that worked for people. I know some of us will be around on the 16th for a fill with Frederik but was thinking the weekend might suit those better that have work or other commitments? If any or all of you are interested can you let me know what day suits - Saturday or Sunday and whether the second last or last weekend in July would work for you? Based on numbers/interest I'll let everyone know what the plan is. Hope every one is doing well with whatever goals they have set themselves Siepie

Hi Everyone, Gilly - sorry to hear about your dad. It's important to look after yourself so if Loughlinstown can help you out that's def a good thing. Ailbhe - I'm sending positive thoughts your way, relationships ending are never an enjoyable experience but you have lots of positivity in your life, your daughter, your weight loss, your health - like attracts like so you will only find more positivity as you move forward in your journey. If you want some time out in Limerick you are more than welcome to come visit to take your mind off things! Elsie - I've lost a bit of hair, but no more than before surgery. Can't say my hair likes staying in my head too much. Are you having plenty of Protein? I got Water soluble Vitamins from Boots that contain Lutein which is meant to help maintain hair and skin maybe they might help you out? Damienne - how did you find the surgery? how is your recovery going? Was thinking of setting up a more formalised support group for us if anyone was interested? I think this site gives us all great support but was thinking if we met up on a regular basis that may be an option as well. Was also thinking along the lines of getting in people to provide info or advise i.e. nutritionists, physical trainers etc - not sure what people think of the idea? Let me know your feedback on it, I know I would find it beneficial but that may just be me! Hope you are all well - I'm booked for a fill with Frederik on July 16th. Talk soon Siepie

Hi Ailbhe, I had the pleasure of eating out last Friday night (day after my fill!) - well I didnt eat per se, I stuck to liquids. I had French Onion soup (only drank the liquidy part) and then I had one scoop of ice cream for dessert (not the best choice) - I had the soup as my main meal and just said that I had eaten out that day at lunchtime and was stuffed. No one really seemed to notice - if you feel uncomfortable not eating 3 courses or whatever you could always plead the 'stomach bug' excuse and that you are recovering? ive told two of my work colleagues who also happen to be the ones I eat with most days - they are used to me taking ages to eat now and eating small and very weird food combinations! Personally Id just say I was on a diet and was trying to be good, most people will leave it at that. Marge - I agree with Elsie, I would contact Dr Chris and see what he has to say. I didn't mind doing the liquids, it helped drop a pound which made up for not being able to have anything to eat Personally Im going to start using either Sparkpeople or CalorieKing websites again to track my food and my exercise. I need to be accountable and also track when I manage to get my backside moving, Calorie King is really good (it's Australian, Im biased!) - might be of some use to others?? Hope you are all doing well, Ive set myself a mini goal for June, hopefully I will get there. My friend Yvonne is over with Dr Chris today, being operated on tomorrow - fingers crossed everything goes well for her. Siepie

Hi All, Great to see you yesterday Elsie and Marge - fill went well and being on liquids again isn't as hard as I thought it would be. Will be interesting to see how restriction goes once I'm back on to normal foods - until then it's protein shakes and soup for me. Have a great weekend everyone Siepie

Hi Ladies, We will be in Dublin prior 12.30pm as my friend has an initial consult at 12.30pm with Dr DeB so if anyone would like to catch up prior to that give me a shout. My appt is at 2.20pm so I can also catch up between 12.30 and then otherwise. Siepie

Hi Everyone, Things are going slowly but surely here. All my 'wounds' are healing or have healed - had a bit of heart burn last week but it's gone now and Im focussing on trying to get enough Protein in my diet. My eating has been pretty good, Ive moved on to scrambled eggs, tuna with super low fat mayo - weird thing is I've not had or wanted bread since the op. Weird question maybe but have any of you had issues with fibre intake? Im going to start adding in some Benefiber to my diet to try and replace what ive lost from reduced amounts of fruit and vegetables. I'm up to see Dr DeB on Thursday - I'm bringing my friend who has a consult booked with him and is getting operated on Tuesday 10/06. My appt is 2.20pm but I'd love to meet up with anyone who may be about. Not sure what time Ill be in town yet, Im getting a lift up but I will be there prior to 12.30. From what Ive read has Dr DeB moved away from doing fills for ACS patients? I struggle to keep up with who and what is going on with that, it must be a pain for those of you that are in the middle of it. Talk soon Simone

Hiya Ladies, How are you all? I was operated on last Tuesday, everything went fantastically, very very professional, hospital was spotless - would thoroughly recommend Dr Chris to anyone considering the surgery. Ive a friend looking to book in with him now Elsie/Ailbhe, I asked the same questions about the ACS scenario and Dr Chris said he wouldnt be working for them but is endeavouring to help their patients out with the issues that they are having. He said he will still see his private patients and have consultations and from what you have said his direct patient appts were on time etc. I'm guessing with all the carry on he will find a location of his own eventually, I told him I didnt want to go through ACS but through him directly I also asked about fills outside of Dublin and Frederik and Dr Chris said they are in the process of setting up fill appts in Galway and Cork! Happy days for you Ailbhe! Ive asked could they look into Limerick as well because that would be perfect for me. I'm doing well since the surgery, still on liquids and yogurt Im down from 110kg pre surgery(in Dr Chris's office) to 103kg as of this morning - cant be complaining about that and my blood sugars look much more stable. Can't say Im a huge fan of the old injections I have to give myself for blood clots but Ill get over it I hope you are all doing well, hopefully I will get to catch up with you all the next time Dr Chris is in Dublin Simone

Hi Ladies, I'm in Holland, scheduled for surgery Tuesday morning with Dr DeB! Marge will be having surgery the same day. I'm shifting between excitement and fear but excitement is winning at this point. I bought a bunch of clear soup today so I am sorted for clear fluids post op. Flight over this morning was ok, now it's just a waiting game. Can't say patience is my strong suit! Elsie - sent you an email don't know if you got it? How are you and Ailbhe doing with restriction now? Dr DeB is in Dublin on the 8th? I will seeing him in June I guess so I'm looking forward to catching up with you all then Siepie

Hi Marge That's no good to hear about your eye. I had hassle with my eye at Xmas, small bleed that may or may not be related to my diabetes, definitely spurred me on to have the surgery Im booked with Dr DeB for May 6 - got the Campanile for Mon - Wed at €90 per night which I didnt think was too outrageous. Maybe you can reschedule for then if the eye doc will let you fly? Ill drop you an email Siepie

Hi Ma, I am booked to have surgery with Dr DeBruyne in Belgium on May 6 and would agree with Elsie entirely. I met with him last Thursday and he explained everything thoroughly and clearly and has also answered every email I have sent him within a day. My GP is supporting me 100% - I gave him information to read and he is going to support me post op should anything happen that requires any urgent attention. Good Luck with your decision making! Siepie