juliatabor

What a brilliant thread! I was hunting around trying to find out about band erosion and look wot I found instead! PTL!! I'm being banded net week and would really grrateful for any support/advice/encouragement. The wait til nxt Friday when I'm having the op is endless, I cant settle to do anything and all I'm doing is eating which is making me feel very ashamed. :blushing: It would be so good to hear from any of you.Thanks! Blessings Julia x

Hi Ginny First of all welcome to the forum! I'm pretty new myself, only found it a few weeks ago and it's been a such a blessing. Everyone's very helpful and supportive. I'm a bit older than you (41) and have struggled with bulimia on and off since I was 17. I'm due to be banded next week .AnywayI just logged on to the forum , read your post and had a lot of identification with what you were saying. I really understand and my heart goes out to you. Bulimia is a very lonely road and like you there have many times when I've carried on and done it knowing full well the consequences could be dire. Anway, I just wanted to reach out the hand of friendship to you and offer my support. I have found in recent years that even though a person may not be able to actually stop us from doing from we do, just having another human being who truly understands what you're going through is a massive help. Take care Julia x

Hi emmie Ive just read your post, not long to go now! Im having my band 4th July, just a couple days after you. I dont know about you but its a very long wait! I just want it done . Anway,all the very best for the 2nd. it'd be lovely to keep in touch,compare notes! good luck julia

jeanie that is so helpful thanks. Im getting a much better understanding of the band and how I need to use it (or not use it! ). its really encouraging to hear from you and to see that although youve had trouble with the sugar and compulsive eating in the past, you have done phenomanally well with your band. it gives me hope that I can do it too.thank you. congratulations on your success bythe way! Julia x

Hi! I'll be honest, I'm a compulsive overeater .If I only ate when I was hungry and stopped eating when I was full up I would be much thinner than I am! Ive battled with my weight all my life and am due to be banded in 2wks. I know it's my stomach thats being banded, not my brain, but do you think I'm kidding myself thinking a band will help me help me lose weight and keep it off? has anyone who's like me been banded and has it helped? thanks Julia x

well if all goes according to plan and I get my band next week , that'll be 3wks after having my 1st consultation. it's hard waiting , I just want to get it done and get on with it! probably helpful to add that i'm self pay. good luck with your journey!:biggrin2:

To all of you who have replied to my post, thank you. you've given me a lot to sit and think about which is a good thing.I know I will be reading over your replies many times in the next few days, the experiences and advice thats been shared is ever so helpful and I'm grateful. these last few weeks waiting for my surgery, have been hard. My emotions have been all over he place and as a result so has my eating, worse than usual! i'm excited, nervous, worried and very impatient for the day to come. it makes it easier having this forum with people like you guys there for support and advice. Many thanks Julia x

ccm i love your honesty, thank you so much for posting me a reply, I have found it hugely helpful and it's given me a lot of hope for the future. I'm grateful to you. It makes such a difference to talk to people who share the same struggles. What you said about you controlling the right food and the band controlling the amount is brilliant. Over these next few days/ weeks as I prepare myself mentally for the surgery (and also afterwards) I will keep those words with me to remind me and keep me focused on how to make this work. Thank you so much x

hi Kimberley I live in the UK and over here the only way I can get a band is if I pay for it privately. I have found a doctor in Belgium (Dr Chris de Bruyne) who is happy to do the op on patients with a BMI over 30. His attitude was that I was already significantly overweight with a BMI of 32 so what would be the point of waiting till I was 10kg heavier and in a worse state? I couldnt agree more. In the past my BMI's been 47 so I know I've got it in me to go up and up! Anyway before I went to see him and paid for a consultation I double checked with him over the phone to make sure my low BMI wouldnt exclude me. Once he confirmed that yes he was happy Then I went ahead and booked myself an appt to see him. I have spent the last month glued to the computer researching all about the band on tht internet, picking the doctors brains and asking a million questions to people on this forum who have had it.. everyone has been incredibley generous with their time repying to my many posts and its been invaluable in helping me make my my mind up if its for me. I'd say ask away! Ask as many questions as you can! Good luck! Julia x From what I've learned over the last few months, I think he's in the minority as most of the docs I've contacted say you need to have a BMI of 40 or 35 if you've got 2 or more serious weight related illnesses. There is no way I'd be able to get the op done on the NHS here, they just wouldnt consider it. So in 2 wks i'm going on the euro start train over to Belgium to get my band. It's been a very easy smooth process so far to be honest.

Hi how long does it take for the surgery scars to heal on the abdomen? I 'd like to go swimming as soon as a can after the op? does anyone have any advice pls? ta julia x

thanks Sue, thats great julia

can anyone tell me wot sliming actually is? and also what a productive burp is ? thanks guys :biggrin2: Julia x

thanks everyone for replying. I'm glad I know! julia

thanks for telling me, it sounds revolting! I will make sure I chew my food well and eat slow!

Sorry but couldnt help laughing out loud, that sounds so funny!! I will remember to sit in a seat nearest the loo on the eurostar on the way home home from my surgery in 2wks.Thanks for the warning Julia x

Hi Priscilla many congratulations for what you've achieved since being banded. your success is phenomenal and a big encouragement. I am having my op for a band in 2 wks. I'm a little nervous and also at the back of my mind I'm worrying incase it makes no difference to how much I can eat! I really want this to work. If you have any useful tips or advice for me in the early days post band I'd be grateful. thanks Julia x

Hi Elsie the post op foods you were able to have were'nt too bad. it gives me a better idea of what to expect now. I'm not so concerned about it after reading your post so thank you.

Hi, well I have never used a chat forum before and I havnt a clue how to do this! :thumbup: I am considering having a lapband and going to Brussels to get it done by Dr chris de Bruyne as he is much cheaper than anywhere else I can find. Does anyone have any feedback? I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks x

Mica your post is an inspiration and a huge encouragement. I hope that will be me in the months to come . Thank you! Julia x

Hi everyone Ill be having my band surgery on 4th July and have been doing a lot of research on the physical effects of having the band .However I'm wondering what to expect emotionally afterwards. :sad: I'm expecting to find it hard going thru the liquid/mushy stage but I wonder how I'll cope emotionally. any advice from anyone would be appreciated, thanks Julia x

thanks Callie.Hope you're continuing to do well. Keep in touch.It'd be good to hear how you're doing....Julia x

Hi Tanya thanks for the encouragement. I need it...ive put on weight this week, not surprising with all the rubbish Ive eaten..Now I'm calming down a bit I hope my food will too. Just been looking at your website, it's quite something. clever you! When Ive had my op I will be pleased to sign your book Hope you've had a good day on the milk! Talk to you soon! Julia x

Thank you to all of you who replied to my post :frown: I am grateful for all your support and encouragement and sharing your experiences with me, it really helps loads ! All the best with your exciting new journeys! Julia x

if you scroll up a bit you'll find a reply from froggi with the link to to the tickerchart thing. good luck! it took me ages to do it! Julia