Greetings from Bangkok

bangkokcritter · June 24, 2008

Hi,

This is my first posting. I'm seriously considering giving myself a lap band as a birthday present to myself. I'm an expat living in Thailand, where the medical care is outstanding and reasonably priced. I'll be checking out hospitals this weekend - there are 3 that actually do the procedure. Since there aren't any books here about the Lap Band, I'm relying mostly on the Internet (though I have ordered a couple of books from Amazon) for all my information. I guess my biggest concern is longterm success and side-effects. Any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Chrisann · June 24, 2008

I am always leery of medical care in Asia, but if you have the confidence in them, do the lapband surgery.

It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Its not a magic pill, you don't get it and then you lose the weight. Its a tool. You have to learn to eat again, recognize your triggers, recognize the foods you abuse and harness it all.

Follow any rules your doctor gives you. Mine had me on a very restricted liquid plan 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. Didn't progress to solid foods for 5 weeks after surgery. All of that helped me get a grip on my eating and why.

I am losing it slow, and am happy about it. I didn't get fat in a year, and don't expect to lose it all in a year. Have a realistic goal and don't beat yourself up if you have trouble reaching it.

Good luck:thumbup:

bangkokcritter · June 25, 2008

Hi,

Thanks for the speedy reply. I can understand your concern about medical care in Asia, but in some countries (Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore) the care is as good as the States and a good deal cheaper. I had knee surgery here about 2 years ago - both the surgeon and the care I received were outstanding. Actually, almost all the doctors in the private hospitals here have studied either in the States, Canada, or the UK and more often than not are board certified in these countries.

I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions. If one isn't ever hungry, how does one know if we are eating enough or getting the proper nutrition? When one reaches one's goal weight, how does one 'stop' losing weight? Can one be a vegetarian and still have the lap band? Why can't we drink and eat at the same time? I'll be using this site as my support - I'm sure there are no support groups here!

I see you are from the New York area - me too!!! I was born and raised in New York!!!

Again, thanks.

Chrisann · June 25, 2008

I can't answer all of your questions, but can get to some of them.

You do get hungry, and you learn how much you can eat. You fill up fast too, so always chew, chew, chew and then chew some more. Focus on Proteins. You should get a plan from your doctor. I am averaging about 4oz of food at a sitting.

The problem I had last month was that I was dehydrated, not eating or drinking because I didn't feel like it. So, I had a trip to the doctors and was told to at least drink Protein shakes or eat yogurt if I am not hungry to get some food down everyday. You are not supposed to starve with the band. I also take a multi Vitamin everyday.

I can't drink and eat at the same time. I usually make sure to drink about 15 minutes before eating, and then don't drink for a hour after eating, if I drink sooner than that, I wind up coughing everything back up. I can't tolerate really cold drinks anymore either and you have to sip.

Sure you can be a vegetarian, there are threads on this site for that.

I can't tell you about being at goal, as I am far from goal.

The band allows you to live a normal life. You can still go out with family and friends to dinner, you can still go to a bar. You are just living a healthier lifestyle and making right food choices. I make mistakes, we all do, but you just get right back up and continue on your journey. I think the best advice I would give now is to learn how to eat properly, how to choose the healthier food, learn to not give into cravings, be conscious about binging emotionally. Its tough and its a learning process everyday, but I am finding that by making these choices, and being proactive, I am comfortable with my progress.

I love living in NYC and wouldn't trade it for the world. It must have been a difficult decision to move to Bangkok.

pastorraymond · June 27, 2008

Hi!

I'm also considering to get the Lap Band surgery and I'm reviewing my options. I have a few questions:

1.) How much money should I prepare in getting the lap band in Bangkok?

2.) Is the medical care in Bangkok really that good? Are there any websites I can go to to learn more about this?

3.) How long should I stay in Bangkok for the whole procedure? I hear that there are required follow ups with the doctor.

Thanks and best regards!!!

:thumbs_up:

bangkokcritter · June 27, 2008

Hi,

The medical care in Bangkok is excellent. I had knee surgery here a couple of years ago and was very impressed by the care I received. As far as the cost of the lap band procedure, I'm in the process of getting all the information. I'll pass it along as soon as I get it. The three hospitals that I'm seriously considering are: Bumrungrad, Samitivej, and Bangkok Nursing Home (BNH). They all have websites, so you can google them and even email them. Language isn't a problem - almost all the doctors who work in these hospitals have studied in an English speaking country. Most of the nurses speak English as well. The one thing I really like about the hospitals here is that they really pamper you. Unlike the States where they ship you home asap, in Thailand, they will probably keep you as in-patient for a few days. The cost of a hospital isn't expensive (compared to the US). If you want any kind of info from Thailand, let me know. Since I live here, I can probably answer most of your questions.

pastorraymond · June 28, 2008

Thanks for the reply, critter.

I was able to locate the three hospitals u mentioned in the web and I called them up through the telephone as well.

They all have impressive websites and friendly staff who spoke to me.

My question is among the three, how would you rank them in terms of excellence? (practice, facilities, price, etc)

Thanks

bangkokcritter · June 28, 2008

Hello Pastor Raymond,

I'll be visiting two of the three hospitals and "interviewing" the surgeons in about 10 days (I teach at a university, and we are in the middle of finals). Bumrungrad is the most famous of the three - Sixty Minutes did a report on them (I'm sure you can find the transcript on google). I had my knee surgery there - excellent hospital, but on the expensive side, at least for Asia. They get most of their patients from Medical Tourism. My biggest complaint is that they have gotten a bit too big for my taste. It is a very luxurious hospital - they even have room service!!!! Starbucks anyone? You will be assigned a pretty 'hostess' who speaks your language and she'll accompany you through the maze of the hospital as you go from department to department to get your various tests. The rooms are wonderful, more like an hotel than a hospital.

The other two hospitals cater more to the rich Thais and expats. I'm probably leaning towards one of these two, but will know more after I meet with the doctors. The care is on par with Bumrungrad, but less luxurious and less expensive. I've gone to BNH for dental care and was very impressed. I've had friends who have been hospitalized at both and were very happy. If you can wait till mid-July, I'll give you a complete report of my impressions of both the doctors and facilities.

Cristina