How many from the UK

[libertysuzanne 1]

I have stayed with this site, I did look at wlsinfo but it didn't inspire me to join. I might rethink it though.

Saggij, it is tough when it doesn't work out the way you thought it would. I beat myself up frequently for standing on the scales too often. I have been very lucky that I managed to lose the first amount of weight so quickly, just remember it isn't the norm and unfortunately the weight issue does affect everyone differently, some boast and up the numbers (I did to begin with but the only person it affected was me), it doesn't help your well being when you are lying to others nad ultimately to yourself. That is where you are doing so well. Being honest is the toughest thing to be and I have to admire you for it! I'm there now but I was a coward!

To help me change I have stopped stepping on the scales everyday and I pay more attention to my chin. I know the chin is an odd one to focus on, but, I have rediscoverd my Kirk Douglas dimple! I can't remember the last time I saw that! So in a sense I am focusing on the small things, which takes my mind off my middle and gives me that little buzz that I so desperately need! At least I don't have to worry what size clothes i need to wear on my chin:D .

I have finally gone out and bought myself some eggs, I think for the next month I am going to follow the Atkins diet religiously to see how that altters things. Funnily of all my gimmick diets the Atkins diet was the only one that ever worked, I just drifted off course and back came the weight worse than ever. I tend not to go back on diets but I think it would be a good idea to just read the books and follow the induction, half the portions though, our bands couldn't stand all that Protein lol. Then if all goes well I will introduce those little foods that are banned on Atkins but allowed with the band. Have a system restore going on with my bod :mad:

If you ever need someone to chat to privately then feel free to email me anytime. I am at home most days, so you should get a reply pretty quickly

Hugs

Suzannexxx

[anon 1]

Just thinking about the easy band and wondering what would happen if you were on holiday and needed an emergency defill? Do they give you a telemetry box to do this if you really need to, or would you have to fly home immediately.

O was also wondering if you would be more likely to suffer from erosion. as the tightening device is a metal band won't it make it harder and more rigid?

I'm not trying to put you off this band, but these are the things that worry me about it.

[SaggiJ 2]

Hi Saggij,

The site is www.wlsinfoforums.org.uk. It has about 7,000 members but not all banders but a mixture of band, bypass and ds. I find it a really great site and very informative. It isin't free though and costs £15 per year, well worth it in my opinion.

Take care hun

Laura x

Hi Laura,

Thanks for the above info. I have registered on it but still cant get in. Hmmm Im not very good in this. Still fumbling around using this site let alone the wls site. Anyway, thanks alot. And good luck to your weight lost.

Regards,

SaggiJ

[SaggiJ 2]

I have stayed with this site, I did look at wlsinfo but it didn't inspire me to join. I might rethink it though.

Saggij, it is tough when it doesn't work out the way you thought it would. I beat myself up frequently for standing on the scales too often. I have been very lucky that I managed to lose the first amount of weight so quickly, just remember it isn't the norm and unfortunately the weight issue does affect everyone differently, some boast and up the numbers (I did to begin with but the only person it affected was me), it doesn't help your well being when you are lying to others nad ultimately to yourself. That is where you are doing so well. Being honest is the toughest thing to be and I have to admire you for it! I'm there now but I was a coward!

To help me change I have stopped stepping on the scales everyday and I pay more attention to my chin. I know the chin is an odd one to focus on, but, I have rediscoverd my Kirk Douglas dimple! I can't remember the last time I saw that! So in a sense I am focusing on the small things, which takes my mind off my middle and gives me that little buzz that I so desperately need! At least I don't have to worry what size clothes i need to wear on my chin:D .

I have finally gone out and bought myself some eggs, I think for the next month I am going to follow the Atkins diet religiously to see how that altters things. Funnily of all my gimmick diets the Atkins diet was the only one that ever worked, I just drifted off course and back came the weight worse than ever. I tend not to go back on diets but I think it would be a good idea to just read the books and follow the induction, half the portions though, our bands couldn't stand all that Protein lol. Then if all goes well I will introduce those little foods that are banned on Atkins but allowed with the band. Have a system restore going on with my bod

If you ever need someone to chat to privately then feel free to email me anytime. I am at home most days, so you should get a reply pretty quickly

Hugs

Suzannexxx

Hi LibertyS,

Thanks once again for your advice above. Sorry for the late reply. Im stil very new in using this website and am truly fumbling around. Sometimes I dont even know where to find the reply mails. Anyway, I just sent you a reply mail but on a different thread (???). Hope you find that. Thanks for your offer of help too. I've also registered recently on wls but for some reason cant seems to log in the forum. But Im reading our lapbandtalk website on other bandster, most from america, Mexico, canada etc. I dont actively take part in their chat but just trying to learn from their mistakes.

Look forward to reading your mail.

Regards

SaggiJ

[Slim Jim 0]

Hi I'm from Lancashire and had my Lapband fitted july 06 although it wasn't until my second fill in November 06 that I actually started to drop the weight. i've lost 2 1/2 stones up to now but may need another fill as I can eat more and seem to be sticking weight wise

[ally 0]

Hi, Im from Derbyshire and on the NHS waiting list for a band. I had a consultation last week with the surgeon (Prof. Lavin) and was told it's upto a 5 month wait in this area. I'm not too concerned about the wait as it will give me plenty of time to get my head around the changes to my eating habits; but I must admit I really cant wait for a date to come through.

[anon 1]

Welcome to the site Ally.... Only 5 months on the NHS... That's wonderful! it took me 5 months to find a surgeon and save the money to pay for it.....

Keep us posted won't you!

[louise162 0]

Hi I'm from the UK and was banded in February. I paid for the surgery privately. I had my first fill on Wednesday but have not noticed too much difference. I could go back this week for another fill but my consultant is away the following week so wouldn't be available if I had any problems with being too tight so I am waiting for the following week.

I could have gone on the waiting list for the NHS if I'd been prepared to try weight loss drugs etc first but I wasn't prepared to do it due that. I also didn't like the idea of having to wait ages for fills. I was treated privately last year for two other operations which were covered by my health insurance and was really impressed with the level of care.

I also believe that quality of the aftercare is a major factor in the success of the lap band. The package I received from BMI Healthcare included all operation/hospital fees, all fills/adjustments, 1/3/6/12 month appointments with my consultant, monthly one to contact with a nutritionist/dietician and a support group. I have been very happy with the whole experience so far!

[ally 0]

Thanks anon; althought the wait "should" be 5 months from seeing the consultant to having the op. - I was first referred last October, so bearing that in mind it doesnt seem so quick. I've also been on Orlistat since then too - not much weight loss and really gross side effects!

[GC53 0]

Not posted for a while. Had surgery on 11th March so three weeks today.

Just gone on to mushies yesterday..

I ended up not getting the easy band as the surgeon decided that it was too big for my stomach and that I might not get the restriction needed.

So abide by his rules and his expertise. So far am really happy with the band, have lost 14 lbs and don't feel in the slightest bit hungry. Think my first fill is 8 weeks so hope this continues and I don't start to feel ravenous.

Ally you poor thing - Orlistat is gross. Couldn't deal with it myself.

[ally 0]

Well done GC53! Just as a matter of intrest have you been able to drink fluids properly - or do you have the sensation of it "coming back", this is the main thing that worries me at the moment. Keep up the good work and fingers crossed you dont feel any bad hunger pangs!

[GC53 0]

Well done GC53! Just as a matter of intrest have you been able to drink fluids properly - or do you have the sensation of it "coming back", this is the main thing that worries me at the moment. Keep up the good work and fingers crossed you dont feel any bad hunger pangs!

Hi Ally

I think I have been so as I haven't had any problems with drinking fluids at all. In fact first thing in the morning I have a glass full of Water with my orange soluble Vitamin in it, a protien shake sometimes with the addition of a banana, a large cup of coffee. I drink lots of flavoured Water during the day along with endless cups of coffee - would die without my coffee!!

Started on the mushies on Saturday [3 weeks on liquid only after surgery] but as I have never felt hungry at all I am having a problem remembering when to eat. I so far have had just a little mashed potato with gravy, some shepherds pie, scrambled egg with tinned tomatoes, yoghurts, tuna, sweetcorn and cottage cheese all of which have tasted fab but I've only had a little. I also put quark in my mash as it is a great source of Protein and Calcium and almost fat free.

[SaggiJ 2]

Dear Louise,

Hi Ive just read your mail. Congrats on being banded last Feb. U mentioned there's not much restristion after yr 1st fill. Dont worry thats how it always is. Hv u hv ur 2nd fill yet? How much hv u lose 2date?? How many fills will be included in yr pyt? I had mine done privately too cos my BMI was on the borderline, and NHS wud not even consider me. Neither was I willing to wait for my weight to climb any higher. I put on 3stones after I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and none of the doc bother re my increase weight even though I keep going to see my doc and the consultant. After all my tried diets, I decided to do the drastic and have the lap band done. I had it done last Sept. Ive gone down between 1 1/2 stone - 2stone, (the 1/2 stone keeps going up and down, depending how good or bad I am) I have another stone to go, and if I want to pursue it, another 1 stone on top of the 3stones I put on would bring me down to 10stones. Its early days yet, and Im not as discipline as I should be. Somedays I get abit frustrated that I cant eat cos Im banded near maximum now, so most of the things I eat will come straight out if I dont chew very very very slowly. Thus I comfort myself by eating sweet desert. I know Im bad, but I guess I hv to learn not to fight my band, but work with it. Only time will tell. But its sure nice to be back in size 14-16 these days.