Gastric wrap: what is it?

There are a few different kinds of gastric surgery, which can make matters confusing when you’re considering what gastric surgery actually is. The gastric wrap is slowly becoming one of the most popular kinds of surgery, and today we’re going to tell you – with all the gory details – what exactly a gastric wrap is!

A gastric wrap involves the surgeon making small, keyhole incisions in the stomach. The stomach is then folded in on itself, to create a narrower, tube-shaped pouch. In other words, your stomach will be smaller, so you’ll be able to eat less food, but otherwise your digestion works normally.

This means that the gastric wrap doesn’t restrict the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, as the gastric bypass does. This is one key reason why the gastric band is gaining popularity; you don’t have to compromise on your nutrition to lose weight with the wrap.

Gastric wraps can lead to very quick weight loss, and most patients are very happy with their operation. Of course, it’s something we only recommend to people who have already tried to lose weight through diet and exercise – but for some of us, that just doesn’t seem to do the job.

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk

Life after gastric band surgery

Gastric band surgery is often the last port of call for those of us who have put on too many pounds, and can’t seem to get them off again. It’s not, as a lot of media pundits like to pretend, an easy way out of obesity; there is nothing easy about undergoing serious surgery.

During a gastric band procedure, your stomach is banded in order to decrease its size, which means that you can only eat smaller quantities of food at a time. In other words, you’ll fill up more quickly and get less hungry between meals. It’s one way of ensuring that your body isn’t working against you while you try to lose weight.

However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to put in some effort yourself. It’s crucial that you don’t overeat after undergoing gastric band surgery, both for your health and for your weight loss. Regular exercise is also recommended to help the pounds keep coming off, and to make sure that your body stays strong and healthy throughout the diet.

It’s also important that when you’re cutting calories out of your diet, you don’t cut out any of those vital nutrients either. When you’re eating so much less than you used to, every bite counts – so make sure you’re eating lots of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

If you’re thinking of undergoing gastric band surgery, then just get in touch with us. We’ll be with you every step of the way, and we know exactly how hard it can be to make this decision. Whether you end up deciding it is or isn’t for you, we’ll help you get to the answer you need.

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk

Why have surgery?

It sounds like an obvious question with one answer: because I want to change my body. But it’s not always this simple – and actually, many people have different reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery. Some of them are better than others – so let us tell you which reasons to have surgery are good ones, and which ones are bad ones.

5 good reasons to have surgery

1. “I want to be healthier.” This is a fantastic reason to undergo something like bariatric surgery – the best.
2. “I’ve tried everything else, and I’m sure this is my only option.” When it comes to things like weight loss surgery, we need to make sure that you’ve tried to do it the easier way – diet and exercise.
3. “I have low self-esteem, and surgery will really help me.” What’s surgery for if it isn’t to make you feel better about yourself?
4. “I’ve always hated my nose/ears/boobs, and this is my opportunity to become who I’ve always wanted to be.” Yep – always be yourself.
5. “I wanted to treat myself, and this is something just for me.” That’s right – it’s just for you.

5 bad reasons to have surgery

1. “My partner wanted me to do it.” It’s got to be for you – it doesn’t matter what your partner thinks.
2. “My friends think I would look better this way.” But what do YOU think?
3. “It’s easier than diet and exercise.” No, it isn’t. Weight loss surgery should never be considered the easy option.
4. “I just suddenly thought it might be a good idea.” Surgery is a very serious decision, so think it over very carefully first.
5. “I think it will make me happy.” There’s a difference between having more confidence and being happy. Make sure you understand that surgery can make you feel better about the way you look, but it won’t change anything else in your life!

If you feel that you want surgery for the right reasons – take the next step and receive a FREE information pack and fee guide please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk

Telling all: things to tell your doctor before a gastric wrap

If you’re considering a gastric wrap like so many of our patients, you might be wondering what questions you should ask your doctor or consultant before confirming the procedure. Making sure that you’re the perfect candidate for the role is very important before undergoing serious surgery. Here’s what you need to bring up with your doctor:

• Take along some photos of yourself showing a few different angles so that your doctor can assess your suitability for surgery. The way your weight is distributed will affect your risk levels with a gastric wrap.
• Tell your doctor if you’ve had a history of yo-yo dieting.
• Discuss your racial origin with your doctor. Those of Asian origin may be more at risk when undergoing gastric wrap surgeries.
• Tell your doctor about any other serious illnesses you have, including type 2 diabetes. These can affect how likely your surgery is to go well.

If you discuss all of these things and have a BMI high enough to be considered for the surgery, you’re well on your way to a successful gastric wrap operation. Of course, it’s important to remember that there is always a risk when undergoing any kind of surgery.

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk

Weight loss surgery: should I?

Weight loss surgery is immensely popular over here at Secret Surgery. We get so many requests for the procedures every year, and one of the most common things we hear is that our patients have been struggling with the decision of whether or not to have surgery for years.

One of the common misconceptions about weight loss surgery is that it’s, well, ‘giving up’. Or even the ‘easy route’ to weight loss. Well, this isn’t true, for a few reasons. How can weight loss surgery be giving up? Since when was making a decision – a really, really tough decision – to do something which is going to help you achieve a long-term goal, ‘giving up’? That doesn’t sound like giving up to me.

It’s not exactly easy, either. You don’t just have surgery and then carry on as before. It’s a life-changing surgery, and you still have to put in the effort to eat right and keep your body in shape even after you’ve had the procedure. This isn’t an easy fix: far from it.

What we tend to find is that the people who come to us seriously wanting weight loss surgery have tried everything else; this is their last resort. Frankly, that’s how it should be. If you’re thinking about weight loss surgery and you haven’t tried to achieve your goals through diet and exercise yet, then just pencil that in first.

Of course, if you have tried diet and exercise and found that you’re not getting anywhere, then you shouldn’t feel remotely ashamed about considering surgery. Losing large amounts of weight is very, very difficult – and due to metabolic differences, can be trickier for some of us than others. It’s not giving up to ask for help – it’s wise!

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk

Secret Surgery: How It All Began

Angela Chouaib, MD and founder of Secret Surgery Ltd., has recently been had an exclusive interview with Business Traveller – and in it, she told the story of how Secret Surgery began. It’s one that should interest all of our readers, since Angela began her story just like most of you – unhappy and looking for somewhere to have high-quality, affordable surgery. Want to know how she turned this into the opportunity of a lifetime? Read on to find out…

“My name is Angela Chouaib. In 2009 I was in the same position as many others are now – trawling the internet, leafing through piles of medical marketing literature and altogether overwhelmed by the options available to a woman considering cosmetic surgery. Surely there was an easier way? I remember asking myself.

My frustration was compounded by more than just the search for a perfect plastic surgeon. Having shed 10 stone through weight-loss surgery, I now had to face the long wait until I’d ascended the NHS waiting list. The length of time I would have to wait would be two years. I needed an alternative solution. There were so many factors that I had to take into consideration in making a decision, from the cost of the procedure to the safety, skill and reputation of the surgeon.

Finally, my seemingly endless search bore fruit. I’d found my dream hospital and surgeon. The fact that it was in Poland didn’t concern me so long as the treatment I received was top-class.

In April 2010 I flew from the UK, to have my long awaited tummy tuck. Any previous reservations I had were unfounded – not only was the customer care exemplary, but the treatment exceeded all my expectations! I returned a short time later for a breast reduction and uplift and Vaser Liposuction to reshape my thighs.

When I returned home from my second procedure, I couldn’t help but feel the hospital and surgeon deserved more recognition. Back in the UK people were paying exorbitant rates for treatments they could receive in Poland for a fraction of the fees, and with the same level of expertise, safety, and professionalism as was offered in the UK.

My life changing and positive experience of elective cosmetic surgery in Poland was to be the proud banner I would wave for other women researching safe, overseas cosmetic surgery options, after all I learnt in the process of my extensive research that choice is something we should be entitled to as long as it is always a safe well informed one.

I spoke about my experience very positively in many forums, groups, and mediums; I soon became an information point for other women considering their options, by speaking truthfully I removed the stigma associated with overseas cosmetic surgery, and dispelled the myths that circulated in the press and media. It was at this time with great passion, enthusiasm and belief, and as a result of my own journey of transformation that Secret Surgery Ltd was born.

Since the beginning of my venture, I have created strong links with surgeons the length and breadth of Europe. I have set up support groups here in the UK to allow people to meet face to face or online to discuss concerns, I have sourced fully qualified practitioners at the forefront of their profession, and accommodated the needs of clients looking for the right procedure and surgeon to achieve their personal objectives – just as I was looking for, several years ago.”

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk.

Angie’s Weight Loss Surgery Story

Not long ago, Angie from Thanet came to us at Secret Surgery looking for someone to help her in losing weight. Here’s her story.

How did you get introduced to Secret Surgery? I first met Angela at her gastric & plastic support group when I went with my partner Elaine who was completing her journey by having a tummy tuck, we discussed gastric wrap that week & I thought to myself – I want and desperately need that! A friend was travelling out to Prague so I eagerly followed her journey & wonderful weight loss so I set to hard saving. In October 2012 I managed to book my surgery for 15th January 2013 – a new start for a new year! I couldn’t wait for Christmas to be over so I could start my pre-op diet on 1st January.

What happened nearer the time of your surgery? 1st January arrived & I started on my diet of soup & yoghurt which I found surprisingly easy but I did suffer with ketosis, mainly smelly breath. Finally we’re on our way on 14th January but it decided to snow at Gatwick but there was no hiccups and we arrived in Prague at lunch-time.

How was your arrival? We were met by Paul who took us to the clinic, he has limited English. When we got to the clinic we were met by Tina who checked us into our apartment which was very comfortable, she answered any questions and showed us where our surgery buddies were. Once we were all unpacked we headed into town on a tram and the underground, we found Tesco which was great as our companions got their provisions, this was lucky as we found out the restaurant on site shut at the weekend. I had most of my pre-op checks (BP, Temp, urine, ECG, weight, peak flow, MRSA check, bloods).

How did the surgery itself go? On the morning of surgery I was up early in the shower eager to meet Tina at 7am, we went through paperwork & signed consent form, had a group consultation with Prof Fried as there was four of us having surgery that day and one the day after, seen by general Dr, psychologist, and then had ultrasound scan and also had gastroscopy, this wasn’t a nice procedure but is necessary & doesn’t take long. I was then taken to my room which you share & there is an en-suite bathroom between 2 rooms. I was given a gown & sexy white stockings, given pre med medications & within minutes pushed into theatre, Elaine was told I would be back in 4 hours. All the theatre staff were extremely friendly with ok english, I was set up in theatre & the next thing I knew I was chatting to a lovely male nurse in recovery, I always chat in recovery. I was back in my room in 2 hours!

Great! And what about post-op? My recovery went really smoothly, in the evening i was allowed to suck on a ice cube which was great, the following day I was allowed fruit tea & broth. The following morning I was given tiny balls from 2 capsules but I really struggled to swallow these as took too much water & was promptly sick, I spoke to the Dr’s & Prof Fried & he said I could take them whole but to take them slowly. The nursing staff were really nice but some of their English was difficult but they understand sign language. Later on this day I was discharged to our apartment which was lovely. I slept loads in the apartment, it was so cosy. The clinic was very clean & 4* standard.

That’s excellent. Would you recommend your experience? My overall experience was very good & would recommend this weight loss procedure to anyone struggling, I’ve lost 2st 13lb since 1st January & feel so so much better. I’m on my journey to a healthier, happy life.

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk.

6 Things That Can Happen After Gastric Surgery If You Don’t Follow the Rules

Gastric surgery is without a doubt one of the most popular surgeries we perform. The greatest risks of the gastric surgery come from not following the diet properly. If you eat too much or eat food that you shouldn’t, you could have complications. Here’s a countdown of the six things that could happen to you if you don’t follow the rules!

• Dumping syndrome. This complication occurs most often after eating foods high in sugar or fat. These foods travel quickly through your stomach pouch and “dump” into your intestine. Dumping syndrome can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and eventually diarrhea.
• Dehydration. Because you’re not supposed to drink fluids with your meals, some people become dehydrated. You can prevent dehydration by sipping 48 to 64 ounces (1.4 to 1.9 liters) of water or other low-calorie beverages throughout the day.
• Nausea and vomiting. If you eat too much, eat too fast or don’t chew your food adequately, you may become nauseated or vomit after meals.
• Constipation. If you don’t follow a regular schedule for eating your meals, don’t eat enough fiber or don’t exercise, you may become constipated.
• Blocked opening of your stomach pouch. It’s possible for food to become lodged at the opening of your stomach pouch, even if you carefully follow the diet. Signs and symptoms of a blocked stomach opening include ongoing nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms for more than two days.
• Weight gain or failure to lose weight. If you continue to gain weight or fail to lose weight on the gastric diet, it’s possible you could be eating too many calories. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about changes you can make to your diet.

If you have had gastric surgery and you’re experiencing any of these problems, talk to your nurse or doctor straight away – the good news is that sorting out your diet should help to fix most of these problems!

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk.

Under the Skin of Secret Surgery: Professor Fried

As part of our ‘Under the Skin of Secret Surgery’ series, we’ve got Professor Fried is with us today to tell us all about his own thoughts on work, life, and… everything else! Lots of our past patients will already have met the lovely Professor Fried, our bariatric surgeon and expert, but if you haven’t had the chance yet… here he is!

What’s the biggest challenge in your job?

There are several big and important challenges in my work. One of the most important is to always remember my credo, which means to perform surgeries in the safest possible and optimal way for the patient. To be able to fulfil this credo my work necessitates continuous concentration on what I am doing in the OR as well as to stay up-to-date in my professional education.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part is to see and to talk to a satisfied client/patient at the end of his hospital stay and to hear from him that he would chose the surgical care in our hospital again.

Do you have a favourite procedure to perform?

Generally,  I am fond of laparoscopic (key hole), minimally invasive surgeries. From obesity surgery/bariatric point of view my favorite procedure is gastric plication (wrap), however each and every bariatric procedure is very interesting and nice to perform. As I am in favour of surgical treatment of type 2 diabetes, I consider so called metabolic surgery (treating some of the metabolic comorbidities of obesity through surgical operation) as indeed interesting.

If you hadn’t become a surgeon, what do you think you would have been?

A lawyer or writer.

If you were going to treat yourself to some surgery, what would you get done?

If surgical treatment of obesity would be of consideration, than my choice would depend on my overal health condition. If, for example, I would have been obese diabetic dependent on high doses of insulin, suffering from the disease for many years, I would go for the BPD. On the other hand, in case I would be an obese patient with a mild degree  of diabetes (on medical treatment, or on lower doses of insulin), I would chose between gastric band and gastric plication. However, I would very seriously listen to the team of experts whom I  would go to and ask for their opinion on the best treatment/surgery for me. So, the overall conclusion is that there´s no ideal one type of surgery which would fit all patients, and choice of the best surgical treatment depends on the actual health status of each individual.

What do you do to relax after a long day?

Walking in the countryside and having a glass of good wine after such a walk.

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk.

Rachel’s Secret Surgery Story

Today, Rachel from Wolverhampton is here to tell us about the rollercoaster ride she’s gone through in losing ten stone and finding herself again after many years! How did her experience with Secret Surgery go, and – will she be coming back?

Tell us how it all started? At a fraction under 22 stone and only 35 years old, I was miserable. I had two herniated discs in my spine, I could barely stand… even walking around the supermarket was just too painful. It wasn’t a life – I had to do something about it, so in April 2011, I had a Gastric Bypass, and it was the start of my new life.

And then what happened? Fast forward 18 months, I’m 10 stone lighter, much healthier, but stuck in what can only be described as a deflated, wrinkly old fat suit. I still felt ugly, and ashamed, and I knew what needed to be done, so I started looking for surgeons on the internet… this is where I found Angela and Secret Surgery.

Great – did you find our Facebook group? I joined the Facebook group, which I have to say, is one of the best things ever. I had the chance to talk to other ladies, and even some men who had the procedures I was interested in. I looked at the amazing results they were getting and I knew it was the right decision to make, so I sent my photos, explained what I wanted to be done, got my report back, and booked. From start to finish it was all so easy, not having to worry about a single thing, other than getting to the airport on time. Everything is done for you – flights, accommodation, transfers… the most stressful thing is working out what to pack!

And you liked the staff, didn’t you? Jack, the lovely taxi driver, is great, and so helpful. The beautiful Aga can’t do enough to help, and Dr W is a genius also, very funny and approachable, which is something you don’t get with a lot of surgeons!

But what of the hospital? The hospital is lovely, small enough that you don’t feel lost, and very very clean. The only thing I will do differently is bring my own food to the hospital next time – they don’t seem to understand breakfast, and I for one can’t do bread, cheese and tomato first thing in the morning!

And the accommodation? The apartments are lovely, light airy, and comfortable, close to the town, and ideal for Tesco, which is just a 10 minute walk up the road, great for some light exercise after surgery.

Fantastic! Any final comments? My results are amazing and I couldn’t be happier. I am happy and more confident, something which I haven’t been in years, and it has given me the boost I need to have further surgeries to fix the problems associated with huge weight loss. I really cannot recommend Secret Surgery enough, I tell everyone who will listen…I cannot wait to head back in March for my next two procedures!

To take the next step and receive a FREE personalised info pack and quote please visit www.SecretSurgery.co.uk or call 0843 289 4 982 or email Info@SecretSurgery.co.uk.