Calling all Brugge Babes (Dr Dillemans' patients) - Page 6 - ThinnerTimes

Bella · 12-02-2007, 10:41 AM

Hi v and v,

To answer your questions:

Any tips of things to bring with for hospital or hotel? (Gwen did suggest own pillow!) I didn't bring anything special

Any particular place in Bruges not to be missed? I stayed in the centrum... but honestly ... you are gonna be so into your wls - you won't be interested.

What did your partner do whilst you were at St Jan? I was on my own. How soon did you feel like walking down the corridor? (My op will be 07:30 am, when I am normally asleep anyway!) I had surgery about 5:00 but I was supposed to have it at 8:00 that morning. They had delays so I got bumped back ... everyone in my group got flip flopped around on their time so you might not have surgery when you expect it.

What did you feel up to do doing once you left the hospital?I got a taxi and went directly to the local grocery store so I could pick up a few things to eat those first few days. I got some cottage cheese, yogurt etc. Then I went directly to the hotel and crashed. Make sure you get a NICE HOTEL as it will make your stay much better!

A stroll around town?I mostly stayed in the room and watched TV, read and made a few calls. I was in very good spirits though so I kept moving too fast and OPENING one of my incisions. I went back to the hospital where they told me to STOP laughing on the phone and STOP moving around! hee hee!

When did you start feeling really tired and needed to sleep? The first 2 1/2 weeks I was on sick leave. Everyday about 1:00 - I HAD to take a nap.

Are you aware of anything special that would appeal to the hospital staff by way of a token "thank you"? Ohhh those folks do soooo many of these surgeries. Dr. Dill... was into 7000 when I went in .. just say thank you!

How many people to a room? I had a room with 3 other people. We each had our own locker thingy for our clothes etc. There was a bathroom with only 4 sinks where you went everyday to have your birdbath on your own and fix yourself up. One toilet that we all shared. I was enough.

Were you able to comfortably wear the same clothes when leaving as arriving to the hospital or were you "swollen" or "bloated" - did your shoes fit? Yep, everything was the same. I did not feek any pain .. just a tightness around my chest. No bloating. I WAS walking the day after surgery though. Every day I made myself take a couple of short walks down the hall. DO THIS!!

Did you feel up to going out in the evening the last few evenings? Nayyy just stayed in the hotel. I wouldn't make any plans.. YOU NEED YOUR REST!!!!

What are the injections for if you receive them at the hotel? They came in on day two and gave me 1 of the injections you MUST GIVE YOURSELF for the next 10 days. That was scary until I did it and it became nothing!
YOU'LL BE FINE!!!!

btw - Ladies .. I'm not British, I'm American, I'm just living in The Netherlands!Bella

Vim&Vigour · 12-02-2007, 12:21 PM

Positively brilliant replies Bella! Many many thanks indeed! My husband and I are off at 07:30 tomorrow morning so your post came in most timely! (Thanks for the injection warning!) I have been to Bruges but look forward to taking my husband, hence a one day earlier to calm him down and clear any stage fright! I can't wait to go shopping after RNY!

Bella · 12-02-2007, 01:56 PM

Good luck to you!!!!

See ja on the other side!!!!

Gwen · 12-03-2007, 07:12 AM

Dearest Bella

I am so glad you've joined us to share your experience with all of the other Brugge Babes and wannabe Brugge Babes - I am not sure whether the others know this but you are one of the original BRUGGE BABES (and please feel free to use the Title

)!!!

Toni (Celtic Toni), Sheree and you were the first Dillemans Babes to share your experiences and if it wasn't for you I would have never found this wonderful online community.

I LOVE YOUR NEW AVATAR!!!

XXX

Vim&Vigour · 12-03-2007, 09:30 AM

Dearest Gwen my instigator!
I am writing this from the lounge at Park Hotel in Brugge, having taken the Eurostar from the new St Pancras International station. Blue skies and my husband and I were picked up from Lille and driven to our hotel. The hotel could be "better" at 4 stars, but indeed centrally located (our room is right on the main square) and of course spotlessly clean. Very many British elderly (and less flexible) who are obviously enjoying themselves here!
My email connection is not working in my room hence the light and airy foyer. Stunned husband was dragged to all the best chocolate shops and two cafes in two hours, having stopped at the bookshop on the way (he had forgotten I had spent a few days here with an old friend and can sniff chocolate a mile away). I wonder whether our sense of smell, ie. what attracts us as nice now (roses, lavender, chocolate, a good roast etc) will have the "smell" appeal post operative?

Subsequent to all the above vagaries, I suggest you become Mistress of the Brugge Babes and, as with our Gym Rat Membership, you set up a BB Membership!

Pre-op consultation tomorrow....
Cheers for now (off to steak and fries and moules!)

Gwen · 01-02-2008, 07:17 AM

Happy New Year Girls!!!

Here's to a Skinny New Year to each and every one of you

Let us know how all of you are doing?

XXX

Gwen · 01-14-2008, 04:46 AM

We are trying to arrange a get together at Alton Towers and everybody is invited:

Alton Towers Get Together

Hope to hear from you soon

XXX

Gwen · 02-08-2008, 07:24 AM

Hi Kim, Claire and Mick

How are you guys doing? I would love to hear from my podmates

XXX

Brugge babe kim · 07-31-2008, 02:49 PM

Hi Lovely
Its kim wait lost stopped now ,but only recently found out i had a problem with my gall bladder and was admitted and had my gall bladder removed .I was a lovely colour of yellow. Hopefully things will settle down again soon . How are things with you .I haven' t heard from anyone but hope all are ok .
Lulu now a size 10 she looks amazing . take great care xx

dizdan · 09-17-2008, 03:41 AM

Hi everyone !
My name is Cathy and I live in Oostende, Belgium. That's just next to Brugge. I have an appointment Sept.30th with Dr.Dillemans. My doctor told me he was a renound surgeon and the best in his field and that I should go to him if I was considdering this kind of surgeory.

Since then his name keeps popping up everywhere ... I am convinced that I couldn't have chosen a better doctor ! Every word you read about him is apositive one ! His patiens seem to adore him. It certainly gives me a lot of hope, thank you !