Brand New and looking for advice....... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

katie1974 · 06-19-2008, 04:19 AM

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 am tempted by Dr Dielmans, 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???
SO confused.......!

Katie

MsSarahJ · 06-19-2008, 06:06 AM

Theres another website dedicated more to the band - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - it has more people on there and everyone is incredibly supportive and overall just nice. IF you need any questions answered straight away instead of waiting a couple of days on here try there. They also have chat room on there where I usually go and theres usually a couple of people in there so if you have a question you can ask straight away!

katie1974 · 06-19-2008, 06:17 AM

Many thanks for this information - I have put my message on that introductions page too.
I am so in need of information and feel very lucky that there are people around willing to share stories and give support and advice.
Thanks again!
Katie

ericajones80@yahoo.com · 06-19-2008, 07:18 AM

welcome katie

Noonie · 06-19-2008, 09:22 AM

Welcome,
I was also very confused as to where to have my surgery and what type!!
I had planned to go to Leeds but whenever Dr Dillemans kept apearing on the internet i looked into Belgium and to my amazement it is working out approx 4 grand cheaper and thats for 8 nights stay including travel whereas Leeds price was for surgery only.........
Once i had filled out the pre-op enquiry form Dr D advised the RNY bypass as i have a very sweet tooth apparently the band does not work as well if you have a sweet tooth and after care is less as you dont need fills like with the band.
Finally everywhere i look i get positive feedback about Dr D he seems to be an amazing surgeon with a very impressive cv so i have no regrets or fears infact roll on 6 weeks i cant wait to become a new me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luv Noonie X:

txchick1971 · 06-19-2008, 09:25 AM

welcome to the party!!!!.......i'm not good at giving advice but i welcome you to the forums and i am pretty confident there are peeps on here that can help you

Noonie · 06-19-2008, 09:33 AM

Oh forgot to give you this web address check it out i think its the cheapest.
European-Weight-Loss-Surgery Leading Bariatric Surgery Organization,dr.dillemans
Good Luck in your WLS journey, keep intouch.
Luv Noonie X

katie1974 · 06-19-2008, 12:19 PM

Thanks for this address - so have you booked for surgery only? Have you booked your travel and hotel yourself?
I am leaning in the direction of doing this but also am tempted by paying the extra and having it in the UK. If I knew of a really good aftercare place locally I would be happier to go to Belgium for the surgery.....I dont know what to do!
I am pleased for you that yo have decided and booked - it must be great to know when it's happening. You are right that there is a lot of praise for Dr D - so I reckon it will all be fine.
Take care
katiex

Noonie · 06-19-2008, 12:52 PM

I only booked flights and airport transfers myself, Dr D has a very helpful personal assistant that books almost everything for you. They like to book the hotel as the nurse only visits certain hotels as you can imagine it would be impossible for the nurse to visit every hotel. Also Dr D informed me that he has informed hotel staff of dietary requirements in these hotels so all round its best.
If you want any more information then just ask,I will try to help you any way i can, i suppose if you e-mail them then they could inform you about aftercare for the band but as they told me there is very little aftercare needed for the bypass, but Dr D and his team would always be available to contact. Just for reassurance i was also told that there was little aftercare needed for the bypass in uk also so atleast that dosn't differ.
This site is very useful it helped me make my mind up WLS Help
Luv Noonie X

katie1974 · 06-19-2008, 01:17 PM

Thanks so much for this - it is unbelievably helpful to have this info and advice from you and makes it seem a lot less scary and a lot less lonely. How long did you have to wait for your surgery date from the initial enquiry? I am keen to have it done this summer, but I know he is pretty popular....
Thanks again
katiex