Denise Buchan – Gastric Band Patient – June 2008

After several years of yo-yo dieting, trying all the traditional methods such as Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Lighter Life as well as some of the fad diets like egg and grapefruit, cabbage soup (sound familiar? Yuk!) and then some of the un-traditional - slimming tablets - I had really come to the end of my tether. I was incredibly unhappy about the way I looked and the more depressed I became the more I ate. A very emotional eater, I would eat whether I was happy, sad, fed up, lonely or depressed, my drug was food!

I then searched the web and came across the gastric band. Having researched various sites, I chose to call WLS. They were incredibly supportive when I called, they organised an appointment for me and I immediately felt that they understood me and my struggle with weight; they were like a family and I felt completely at ease. Wendy explained the procedure in great detail and also talked me through how I would feel and what difference it could make.

I went ahead and booked the surgery. The support before the operation was just amazing, calling daily to see how I was, did I have any last minute nerves, reminding me of why I was going through it in the first place. The procedure itself was completely fine, the hospital was friendly, and I met with the surgeon before and after and they definitely had my best interests at heart. Throughout the night at the hospital, there was a nurse in my room every half hour, making sure I was fine. Of course there was some slight discomfort straight after the surgery, but 2 days later I was back at work (though they recommend you take a week off). What really struck me after this is that the care continued, I was regularly called by WLS group to check on my progress, had regular meetings with Steve and Wendy in Harley Street where my band was checked (all included in the cost).

The aftercare has been amazing and I feel like Wendy and Steve are old friends, I have their personal mobile numbers and feel I can call them anytime. They are never "clinical" just really friendly and easy to get along with! It has been over a year since my surgery and I have been back frequently, not always for an adjustment to my band, sometimes just to be weighed so they can check how I'm doing. I have lost 5 stone, am now a size 8 and have had to buy a whole new wardrobe! I’ve not been hungry at all, I fill up on much smaller portions, I don’t deny myself any treats and my confidence has increased!

I would recommend them to anyone without hesitation.