various

[Guest guest]

First, Sorry to Dorit, I actually went back and checked several times

whilst I was preparing my response and for some reason, the message

regarding discussions is actually headed by Dorits email address, on

checking back today, it is still headed that way but when it was

attached to a response from someone although it has Dorit's address it

is signed Lori. Perhaps it is because I receive mine in digest, and

yes, I did read them carefully (over two hours !!!).

Ronke

Yes, I am scheduled for a fill this coming Friday. He did offer me a

fill in early December but I declined as I was heading off on holiday

for five weeks and I felt that if I was in difficulty I would not have

ready access to a doctor experienced with the band. Mr Fiennes offered

to give me the correct needle to take along so that any competent doc

could adjust the band but I declined the offer for fear of infection.

I decided not to go back for a fill in January because I had had a

barium test in Nov. that revealed that the band MAY have been placed too

HIGH and in fact is forming an oesophogeal (or esophogeal for the US)

pouch vs stomach pouch. This was queried by the Radiologist who did the

test and Mr. Fiennes felt it to be inconclusive. Therefore, he sent it

to Dr. Klieber in Switzerland for his opinion. The letter I received

from Mr. Fiennes as a result of this " second opinion " did not say

categorically whether or not it was too high but rather that there was

no surgical intervention required and that if it was too high a " normal

pouch " should develop in a year. Well, ten months down the road and no

pouch in site. (Also, I read a letter over my other docs shoulder that

said that Fiennes didn't believe I had the power to stay on a calorie

controlled diet and therefore would be unsuccessful with the band, that

REALLY PISSED ME OFF)

Also, I have not gone back for a fill because I now have 6ml in the band

and don't want to risk having too much for fear of migration. Having

said that I am going back next week. Mr Fiennes is a surgeon and does

not offer dietary advice other than to stay on liquids for four weeks.

He does not have the time to do such follow up and has never asked me

for a food diary and is not a dietician. If you are having the band on

the NHS you may be able to see a dietician or nutritionist through your

GP's practice.

Yes, we do need some " aftercare " support here in the UK but it is proble

matical, especially with private patients (as Helen and I are). Mr

Fiennes did insist at first that I went to the Priory clinic and see one

of their " occupational thereapists " but I opted out of that after

several sessions because the gal I saw was experiecned only with

anexorics, she cound not answer any dietetic questions (took notes to

ask their nutritionists), and had Zero experience with the band - in

fact told me contracdictory things from the material published by

Obtech. (At £80. (£150 USD) a pop I figured I would get more talking to

a beauty therapist whilst having an aromatherapy massage and manicure

!! I felt like I was being ripped off, was gettng nothing of value

from them and most info focussed on overcoming anexoria.

Reminds me of a joke Jo Brand tells (Jo is a large size, UK

commedienne). She said she read that anexorics look in the mirror and

think " I am fat and disgusting " She said she looks in the mirror and

says " I am fat and disgusting; therfore I must be anexoric " )

If I am honest, I find his manner offputting mostly. He can be charming

and approachable but at times he has been extremeley brusqe - and yet he

can also be quite chummy. I think he " tries it on " at first and then

backs down if one doesn't cower to his ego, but this is frankly tiresome

.. Mostly I have had my husband with me who is also a professional.

Although is soft spoken he doesn't take any bs from anyone. On

the whole, we get on well with Al but this is not without some posturing

at first. Does that sound toooooo weird ?

Ronke, I believe you hit the nail on the head in saying that he has a

poor opinion of overweight people. He even told my husband that I was

" more together " than most of his patients and that he contributed this

to our strong marriage !! Yes, its true, I was a druelling heap before

- Somehow, I managed to move to London from the US with my company

and survive for eight years before we met - must have been leaning on

another man, but funny I don't recall him.

I think I have babbled long enough, this is the problem when our dog

alarms go off at six o'clock and want to go out chasing the early birds.

Sorry. Ronke, I would be glad to talk to you more,(0118 9401711) I am

glad that Helen feels she is getting the support she needs and Helen, if

you are choosing oranges over choccies, you certainly are !!

Debe, I can define your sabouters in one word, JEALOUS. I have been

fat and I have been thin and there are certain " friends " whose

relationship with me changes when I am thin. You are after all viewed

as their fat friend, the one who makes them look good, the one that they

can allow to be powerful and strong in other areas beacause after all,

look at her size !!

You go girl, keep putting those choccies in the coffee room !! We are

rooting for you. !!!

,

Whoops, there goes that word again. I am still laughing about flapping

!!! Can't wait to visit OZ, one of my very best mates lives in Brissie

I will have to get some vocabulary advice from you before I am allowed

in polite Australian company.

Suz