Patient Stories

Lynn Kelley's Success Story

I had my first consult in London on july 13th 2005 I found Marc Focquet very polite but matter of fact and willing to discuss any issues I had. I have to admit I didn't have many other than how quickly I could get in and have it done, I never had a single shred of doubt that it was a wrong move. I knew I had issues with food I had become a compulsive over eater and not a lot would stopped me in my pursuit of killing myself while I happily sat back and told myself I was happy and my weight didn't matter what a liar I was!!!!!!!!

The eating problems hit a crescendo when I quit smoking in April 2005 and needed " something" that something was a huge amount of food any time I wanted it day or night I convinced myself I deserved it because I had quit the smoking!!!!!!!! As a result of the further weight gain a disc in my lower back became herniated and this in turn left me with limited mobility and yes you guessed it. More weight gain……. This is the point in my life when I wished not to wake up in the morning I couldn't even wash myself without assistance.

I booked my op the day of the consult for the 12th September and at no time did I question my sanity or think I would change my mind.

I booked tickets for Belgium on the euro tunnel and stayed at the hotel recommended (very clean very comfortable nice people) once you arrive in zottegem the hotel owner will come and collect you from the train station and take you to the hotel.

The surgery went well although my partner said she felt very alone while she waited for me to come back from theatre she did go around the local shops for a walk but I was gone for around 5 hours.

I came round shortly after the op and I felt a moderate amount of pain mostly I felt "manhandled"………….. I spent the night in hospital woke up early the next morning and was chomping at the bit to go home. I had my barium swallow to ensure the band was in the right place had a welcome cup of tea an injection for thrombosis got dressed and was ready to go home. We got home at around teatime that evening I booked return tickets for 4pm, which cost us dearly because we had to bring them forward to catch the train at 1pm.

Mr Focquet has been very open and honest he will not tell you that it's not a walk in the park you have to work with the band, obey the signs it gives you on what you can and cant tolerate in the food department and be willing to make life changes. I have not been the model candidate I haven't stuck to the rules all of the time I love chocolate and I do still have a little from time to time, I now eat a little white meat which I never used to, this is protein and helps keep you on the loosing side (bandster rules protein 1st, veg 2nd, carbs very last and then only non complex ones, no bread, pastry chips crisps and other assorted crap, unless you truly cant live without it in which case have a small amount as a treat assuming your band will tolerate it which mine wont.

Fills don't hurt a bit don't be tempted to ask for a big fill for more restriction it's a bad idea and Mr Focquet will say no anyway.

Six months down and 5 and a half stone gone I am the happiest I have been in years gone from size 22/24 down to a size 14 another 2 and a half stone to go and I will be a very happy bunny.

I only look back to remind me I never ever want to look or feel the way I did last year if my band ever broke or went wrong I would have a new one placed right away.

I have my life back and what's more I am having more surgery done in Belgium this summer 2006

Lynn Kelley April 2006

I am now down to 139 pounds - thats a total weight loss of 104 pounds. I have gone from a british size 24 to a size 8/10.

Lynn Kelley September 2006

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