Maria O’Broin – Blosse – Gastric band – November 2008

I made the decision after a lot of thought and discussion with friends and family to have the Gastric Band fitted. I researched the procedure fully on the internet and spoke to various companies and decided on WLS due to their excellent customer service, professional attitude and sensitivity around my personal situation.

I booked an appointment to visit at the Harley Street base to discuss further and was very impressed with Wendy’s attention to detail and her no nonsence approach. I was offered options on location to suit my financial situation. On leaving the consultation I felt reassured and confident that I had made the correct decision to go ahead with the procedure as the consultation was extremely thorough and answered all my questions.

Following my consultation I was contacted on a regular basis to ensure I was prepared and was under no illusion of what pre and post op committments would be.

I decided to have the procedure carried out at the First Trust hospital in Preston. I arrived and was greeted by Wendy personally which was very reassuring and She continued to be available to me throughout my stay (24 hours). The medical staff at the hospital were outstanding in a very friendly and professional manner. The hospital was clean and very comfortable. My friend who accompanied me was also made to feel very welcome and was kept updated throughout my time in surgery and recovery. The nursing staff were highly attentive and very pleasant to deal with.

As an asthma sufferer I tend to struggle post op with chest infections and breathing difficulties but due to the excellent foresight and attention from both the anaesthetist and Surgeon I did not suffer in this area at all.

I was not discharged from the hospital until the anaesthetist was 100% happy with my blood pressure, peak flow and that I had all the relevant medication to take home with me. At the time I was frustrated by this as all I wanted to do was get home but in hindsight am very grateful as the only discomfort I had was that which was to be expected in my stomach area. Wendy came to see me prior to me being discharged to ensure all was ok and to answer any questions also to advise on diet and reiterate that there was a 24 hour helpline should I feel the need to contact anyone.

Within the first week I received a call from the nutritionist to find out how I was getting on and to advise on any concerns I may have been experiencing. She has continued to contact me on a regular basis and once again there is a telephone number available to me if I have any questions re diet.

I returned to Harley Street after 2 weeks for my appointment with Wendy and was once again impressed by her professional and caring approach.

All in all a month into the programme I can say that I would highly recommend WLS to carry out this procedure. They most definitely provided the service they promised to deliver and I would say exceeded my expectations at every level by everyone concerned.