It is unfortunate that the NHS doesn't provide the option for surgery in Northern Ireland. I met a lady from Ireland in the hospital I had my surgery in. She came to get her band removed because she lost too much weight!!! Can you believe it??? All of her sisters had surgery with the same surgeon but she was the only one who lost more than she bargained for.
What dates have they offered you for surgery in Manchester? You can maybe do your holiday with your kids first then have the surgery. Only problem might be if they want you on a very long liver reducing diet. That's a question worth asking the team how long the diet will be and what kind of diet they do. I was just on a low calorie diet so I ate lots of salad and fish for two weeks pre-op. I did't lose much weight on the diet but I guess it was effective as my surgeon still was able to operate.
Haven't offered any yet as I'm having my consultation with the surgeon on the16th of April. In my welcome pack they sent there was a copy of the pre op diet. It's low calorie for a week so not bad at all! Now I've made the decision to do it I just want to get on with it. How are you feeling now? Do you have much support?? I have my husband but everyone else will be totally against it. I've not told anyone but the hubby.
I've only told my partner. I didn't want to listen to the negativity from friends and family. If you chose a time where you don't have to socialise for a few weeks to a month then it'll be easier not to get others involved in your decision. Since your husband is supportive he could help you deflect others comments by just saying you are on a strict diet, which you technically will be on.
I'm feeling mostly ok. One of the things I read a lot about is the emotional mood swings that come with it. Its something you will have to be prepared for. This is a whole body experience, including mental. You have to be strong enough to choose your foods wisely post op and then deal with your changing hormones. Having your husband onboard and both of you being aware of the changes will help massively.
Have you researched other people experiences? I found the forum useful for that. I read so many diaries. I also am obsessed with vsg youtube channels. I've watched a few who had surgery within a month of me and others further along in their recovery. Seeing what they are going through gives me tips on how to handle my own situations and also makes me feel a bit normal. Even though your husband is supportive there is nothing like talking to someone real who has gone thru something similar to you.
Hi Rebecca, im nicola and from carrickfergus, so not far from you! I had a band fitted by Phoenix Healthcare (dr kirk) in the ulster independent hosp jan 2014. I am just starting back on my weight loss journey after having the band deflated due to HG in pregnancy. I met with the girl who does my fills on monday and she was telling me they cant even do the private surgeries here anymore, i cant believe that. My surgeon was more than willing to do them on NHS and even had a list of patients to show that it was needed but the funding was never approved it is such a nervous time leading up to your decision but you will feel great about it afterwards xx
Hey we've not chatted yet but good luck today. Totally understand being careful who you tell. My brother's a PE teacher so that was a right treat of a conversation! The consultation should be a breeze and any surgeon worth their salt will be nout but supportive.
Thank you. Not long back. It went really well. Met with the surgeon and he is happy for me to have the sleeve. So now it just waiting for someone from booking to call me in the next couple of days!
So..... Just got off the phone with booking people and my surgery will be in August!! Need to pinpoint dates but def sometime the first two weeks in August!
So..... Just got off the phone with booking people and my surgery will be in August!! Need to pinpoint dates but def sometime the first two weeks in August!
Awesome news Rebecca, bet you're buzzing! Will fly by. First day (and a half now) has gone fine thanks. Determined not to muck it up. 4 pints of milk and a tonne of water is surprisingly filling, it's just the head hunger you have to watch!
So I've a question? Did you tell work what you were having done? I think I'm going to have to at least tell them im have abdominal surgery or they won't let me have it off. Surgeon says two weeks off. I've enough holiday to cover it but short notice could be a problem. We have to book 80 percent of holiday a year in advance!
Would you not get a sick note?
Saying abdominal surgery sounds like a good idea. It’s the truth without going into to much detail & keeping your privacy at the same time.
Although they say 2 weeks I have read a lot of people needing more time off & some going back on reduced hours to begin with. X
I might do but id rather use holiday as my work will move onto further disciplinary action if you have more than 2 absences in 6 months no matter the reason. Tbh my contract is only 10.5 hrs anyway so I was planning on going back after and just not taking any extra hours for a while.
It's going well. But it's so hard. Just want to get on with it now. Still not sure who I should tell or not. How are you feeling now? The recovery is what I'm most worried about. I've 3 littlies!
Yeah that's understandable! I'm nearly a week in and I can't believe it. Time will fly and it'll be you a week in before you know it. Since the nonsense at the hospital I've felt constantly better as times gone on. Bit of discomfort but it's manageable. They don't want you heavy lifting but can move around okay. x
Not lots of meds no. They sent me home with some Lansoprazole which I have to have for three months. It's a stomach settler I think. Other than that it's just a fragmin injection in the thigh for 7 days. (Which was completely pain free until I hit muscle on my very last one earlier! Still wasn't as bad as you'd imagine at all.) Apart from that it's just liquid paracetamol/ibuprofen and a vitamin supplement and my regular meds. x
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it is such a nervous time leading up to your decision but you will feel great about it afterwards xx
