katie1974

Surgery on July 2nd!

sorry - wrong thread!

Have been to my third consultation for a band in my quest to find the right place to have the procedure and aftercare. Today I saw Wendy at WLS group. She was amazing, and I really feel I want to go with them but have a couple of doubts; mainly that they are a new company set up last year. Therefore do not have a long history - although I do believe the intentions are ethically good The staff are formed of a team of experienced nurses and nutritionalists and a got a good vibe from them. The surgery would be at the highgate hospital in London. Does anyone know this group - or have any advice??? Thanks for reading my problems! Katie

It is so totally confusing isn't it? I seem to change my mind daily on who to go with. I really need to just make a decision and book it up and shut up about it! I'm driving myself crazy! I have heard of your surgeon, and he sounds great. I am keen to stay in the UK for surgery though as I have 2 little kids and I don't like to be too far away from home. I have had three consultations now and am going to decide by the end of the week. Well done for making a well informed choice - I will let you know when I do.........x take care katie

thanks for this - where are you going for your surgery? I did really like WLS Group but am a bit concerned that they are not a long established company. Anyhow - I have got to make a decision soon because I a driving myself mad being so indecisive! How did you make your decision on where to have the surgery in the end?? Thanks a lot x Katie

have you looked at Welcome to the Weight Loss Surgery Group web site ? Uk price is a little less than some of the other london clinics and overseas price much less but includes aftercare here.......see what you think. I have read positive feedback about them. Sorry you are not having any luck with SS x Katie

Yes - it would be great to have someone to compare notes with along the way - especially as we are going to the same hospital. I am hoping to get a clear idea of time scale and exact prices for nhs & private beds etc when I see Guy Slater next week. Are you now waiting for them to confirm a date for you? You could call the office to ask about the wait for private beds, they may be able to let you know when & how much extra it is and give you a chance to weigh up the pros & cons. take care & keep me posted Katie

Thanks Kerri - it must feel good to know you are all booked up and ready to go. I'm looking forward to that - hopefully just a week or so and I'll have a date! Luckily the chichester surgery & one year aftercare basic package is £5100 so a bit less than lots of private hospitals, so that's why I reckon I will go with them. I'm sure lots of people have had good experiences with WGA, and if you are happy with them so far that's a really good sign. Good luck Katie Katie

Hello everyone - I continue in my search to find the right place to have my band surgery & aftercare. I have now got it down between two places Healthier Weight in London or with Guy Slater in Chichester. HW is much more expensive but the aftercare includes unlimited fills for a year, and it's at a private hospital. Chichester is cheaper, at the NHS hospital and includes 2 band fills in the first year. Does anyone have any experience or information of either of them? Am considering consultations with both but you have to pay to see them initially, with the cost taken off if you book surgery. I am confused so any advice or information will be greatly received !!!!!!!! Thanks katiex

I have been told 4-6 weeks, but just via email. I know what you mean, as I really want my surgery towards the beginning of the summer holidays because of childcare. I went for a consultation at Healthier Weight last week and they could do it the following week, so it's tempting. Although in the long run waiting another month and having the right surgeon and aftercare I reckon is the more sensible option.... Keep me posted on what you decide x katie

Hello Vicky I have spent the last month or so trying to find the right place to have my surgery - it's really confusing isn't it? There are so many places. There is lots of advice available on here though. I am still pre op but have decided to go with streamline at chichester hospital as it's good value, near me and I have had good feedback from others who have been there. I have also been to see the consultant at Healthier weight centres and was very impressed - they also have a good reputation but are pricey. Where are you in the country? For me it was important to find somewhere nearby as the aftercare is very important with a band - although some people have aftercare in the uk and surgery abroad, so that can work too. take care Katie

Thanks for this Wendy - I am seeing him next week, I am pretty sure I will go with Chichester. Have they been good with the aftercare & support stuff? Thanks Katie

I am still looking into it. I have seen someone at Healthier Weight in London, but ideally want somewhere more local so I don't have to travel too far for aftercare. I am seeing the surgeon at Chichester next week as it's much closer to me. I have heard good things about both, but I figured I can make an informed decision once I have been to both places. I'm looking at having the surgery at the beginning of August as I want it in the school holidays for childcare reasons. Good luck with your appointments - hope you can find someone with first hand experience of the spire to help reassure you, take care Katie

It is a bit far for me but I had some email contact with Sharon Bates, the nurse their and she was very helpful and the aftercare seems very good. She has also been on TV talking about the band. If I lived nearer I would def consider the Spire. Have you been to see them yet? Katie

Thats good to hear - I will let you know how I get on ! Katie

Hello there I am seeing Guy Slater in Chichester next week about getting a band and may well also end up getting it in August. There are a couple of people on here who have been to chichester, but more on another site WLS information and Support - Home I am a self funded patient and am trying to find the right place for me. Chichester sounds good though, and they seem to be supportive with aftercare which I think is very important. I am really new to all this but would be happy to share experiences and problems along the way? I'm 34 from Sussex with about 70 pounds to lose. Take care katie

Hello everyone I am brand new to this site and have been doing lots of research to find the right procedure/surgeon etc. It feels like a bit of a mindfield! I have pretty much settled on the gastric band, but am unsure as to where to go to have it. I live in the UK and am tempted by Dr Dillmans, but a bit worried about aftercare and support in the UK - has anyone one had a band done in Belgium and had aftercare in the UK? Has it worked out ok???:rolleyes2: SO confused.......! Katie