Newbie in Ireland - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

galaxy135 · 01-27-2008, 06:44 PM

Siepie

I have not had any problems with hair loss but I know some people do.

Conceiving - with the RNY you have to wait at least a year after your op before trying, with the band you have to be de-filled during pregnancy to allow all the nutrients through, thats something apparently they insist upon so a fellow bander tells me. Loads of women have had good pregnancies with the RNY, no problems as long as you keep up your protein intake which obviously can be done in various ways. You would also get extra attention throughout as well from your Dr and midwife as a precaution.

A friend of mine came home today after having a lap RNY and she is feeling great, tad sore but waiting for the year and then trying to conceive. Thats one of the reasons she wants to lose weight.

When you have surgery abroad you obviously have to look for a local surgeon that will fill a band and this can be expensive. I know that my surgeon charges £50 per fill/unfill but some go up to £150 - all depends on the surgeon really. Your aftercare is passed back to your GP afterwards but I believe that you can email for advice. With the RNY you would not need to be filled/defilled so no extra expense. Now the RNY is more expensive and classed as permanent whereas the band is not.

Difficult choice to make.

Gwen · 01-28-2008, 09:46 AM

Hi Siepie

I'm so glad you've heard from them - you're sure to save some money this way!

Dr D will only steer you towards the RNY if he thinks that that will be the more successful procedure for you.

When I went through the agency, they sent me a medical history form to complete and some of the questions were about my eating habits (large portions/sweet stuff/fatty foods/etc) and I think the answers to those questions combined with how much you need to lose makes a big difference in which procedure would be more successful.

If Marc sends you this form to complete be as honest as you can as Dr D will base his advice on the answers and then listen to him - he has done many of these (8000 or so) and he knows what he's doing

Good luck and please keep me posted

XXX

shereeks · 01-28-2008, 03:17 PM

Hi Siepie

Welcome to the forum!

I'm afraid I'm not going to be much good for advice on the band as I had the bypass myself.

I can however really recommend Dr D - I was one of the first ones on here that went through him and 18 months later I am doing great. I have had a little issue with hair loss but nothing noticeable - it's just a little thinner.

I believe it's not so much of an issue with the band as you don't have the malabsorption issues that you get with the bypass.

Just wanted to say best of luck with your journey and if I can help at all feel free to chat me.

;o)

Sheree.

lindsey78 · 01-29-2008, 08:54 AM

Hi, Please dont mind the irish doctor they are still in the dark ages here for this type of medicine!! It really annoys me that people think try a little harder etc for 'natural' weight loss!! Too be honesty there are surgens here that carry out the op's but go to the master which i feel is Dr 'D'!!!
Contact privatley Direct Healthcare were rubbish for me

Siepie · 02-03-2008, 03:01 AM

Hi Gwen,

Both Dr Dillemans and Marc sent emails, Marcs contained lots of the information and forms, Dr Dillemans was one offering to call to discuss options. My preference is still for banding but maybe RNY will be the better option. Realistically I have probably 40kg to lose to be within the healthy weight range, I think that is achievable through banding but Dr Dillemans is the expert so I will see what he has to say as well.

Im off to the US in March for a week so any surgery is going to have to wait till after that, Marc is saying that there is a 6 week lead time which seems pretty good. Ive got the raise the issue with my GP here as well as whatever option I choose will have an effect on my care for my diabetes. Anytime Ive raised surgery as a possible tool to assist me Ive been looked at like Im insane!

Hope you are having a great weekend, its snowing here in Limerick!

Siepie

Siepie · 02-03-2008, 03:05 AM

Hi Lindsay,

Good to meet someone else from Ireland! It seems to be a bit of a taboo subject here?? Back home in Australia weight loss surgery is promoted by nearly all GPs with patients who have significant weight issues. My diabetes specialist keeps telling me to try that bit harder to lose but after 20 odd years at this caper Im confident in saying that trying that bit harder doesnt work!

Did you have RNY or the band?

Siepie

Siepie · 02-03-2008, 03:09 AM

Hi Sheree,

Good to meet you! You have some fabulous results there in your pictures! It's proving to be a challenging decision to make, Ive lots of research here from Australia that says that banding would be the best option for me in relation to my diabetes - to be honest the idea of them cutting up my stomach frightens the life out me!

The hair thing is a real issue for me as well, I wasnt blessed with decent hair to begin with, its thin now, I dont think I could stand to lose any more!

Thanks so much for your advice, I know everyones experiences are different but they are all contributing to me making an informed decision!

Siepie

Gwen · 02-03-2008, 03:58 AM

..... things will fall into place for you

I'm glad you're making progress and thanks for keeping us posted

XXX

lindsey78 · 02-03-2008, 05:59 AM

Hiya, I had the RYN lap, to me i needed it my bmi was 47/48 which meant that the band was not really the option. Its awful here for this type of surgery, GP's either treat you like a freak or your their new experiment!!
Myself and two of my friends had the op and we are all doing fine, but to be honest if i was relying on medical support i'd be lost!! do what is right for you and put your faith in Dr D he is the master of this!!! As for traveling to get fills yep thats an issue esp if you go home to Oz but i am sure Dr D can release you so another surgeon can look after it for you!!! Anyho let me know how your doing!!

suemaca · 02-07-2008, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindsey78

Hiya, I had the RYN lap, to me i needed it my bmi was 47/48 which meant that the band was not really the option. Its awful here for this type of surgery, GP's either treat you like a freak or your their new experiment!!
Myself and two of my friends had the op and we are all doing fine, but to be honest if i was relying on medical support i'd be lost!! do what is right for you and put your faith in Dr D he is the master of this!!! As for traveling to get fills yep thats an issue esp if you go home to Oz but i am sure Dr D can release you so another surgeon can look after it for you!!! Anyho let me know how your doing!!

Hi there-nice to find the Irish "thread" Hope you are doing well after your op.
I have been reading the lapbandtalk site for months but have(one the advice of 2 surgeons)decided to go for the bypass instead of band(eeek!I wake up with panic attacks)here in Cork.There is a new Obesity surgeon appointed to the Bons Secours Hospital.I am booked in to be done on 2nd July with a 2 week liquids only diet beforehand.I am excited but terrified at he same time.My bmi is 42 but I have no medical problems except arthritis so Dr thinks I am a good risk.
Just wondering Lindsey a few questions
1.He has told me that I will be weak from lack of food for 3 months which is the biggest shock time to the body.I'm finding it hard to decide how much time off work I should take.I only work 2/3 days per week but its standing and walking.
2.Also have a weeks holiday planned end sept with Mother(I will be the one hauling suitcases)should I cancel that?
3.Does the dumping thing happen EVERY time you eat ANYTHING sweet or can you eat,say, a square of chocolate?/boiled sweet?
4.How FATIGUED are you-he has warned me of HUGE fatigue that just washes over you and you have to rest far more?
5.Did you need a catheter?
6.Can you eat anything now or are you finding certain foods disagree?
I couldnt agree more about the GPs.Mine is awful she keeps repeating the mortality stats when I go in-I am seriously thinking of changing(after 25 years)as she is just not supporting me.
One last question-what did you tell your friends(I have told my 4 best friends and my sister who are all trustworthy)I dO NOT want to tell anyone else-just dont know what to tell boss etc(bad back?)
I would really appreciate your feedback, since you are so newly operated on-
Sue