I started looking into having weight loss surgery about a year ago as I kept yoyo dieting. I had looked on Google for weight loss surgery especially Gastric Sleeve and lots of different places came up. I wanted to go private as I didn’t want to wait months or years for the NHS and also price was a factor but so was my safety.
I contacted a few places then I spoke to Ivy Health Surgery (Laura) who is amazing and very knowledgeable and helpful and able to answer all my questions. After I had a chance to absorb all the information that was given to me I decided to go ahead with my Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Laura sent me a Medical Questionnaire to fill which I did then came back to me to check on a couple of the questions before then confirming the Surgeon Tomas Paseka had accepted me for the Gastric Sleeve procedure.
At this point I was able to look at available dates and book my flights. Laura then took over from there any questions in the mean time laura answered. She rang to tell me the Surgeon wanted to chat with me over the phone to make sure I clearly understood about the procedure and what to expect. A date and time was arranged by Laura. This I have to say was exceptional and very reassuring to be able to speak to your Surgeon before departure.
On the day of departure the fight uneventful my transfer (Private Car) was waiting. A gentleman was waiting for me in arrivals, holding a board up with my name on he took my case and on to the Surgal Clinic.
on arrival David, my driver took me upstairs to where the nurses were and introduced to me. I was shown to my room which was lovely with an ensuite .They had provided me with a DVD player to use as I had been informed by Laura to take DVD’s if I wanted to watch films during my stay. That evening there is lots of paperwork to fill in and an ECG to be performed, which again they do in the comfort of your room after this was completed I could then relax. A light meal was provided for me which consisted of salmon, bread and vegetables washed down with water and a cup of tea.
Early the next morning around 5.30am I was woken for canula and bloods,then loads of visitors I met Tomas, my Surgeon, Anaesthetist and other members of the Medical Team. I was taken down for some pre op procedures which included bloods, urine, X-ray, GP, Phycologist, Gastroscopy. I certainly felt safe and secure with all the precautions that are taken.
Then off to theatre i had to have an infusion before i could go as my potassium was low, but I was soon off to sleep. I woke up in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) which had been explained to me by Laura as perfectly normal, where they could run their checks on me. The next morning I was taken back to my private room. I was able to shower and slept for most of the next 1 to 2 days,nurses came and did checks on me,the surgeon Tomas Paseka came to see me everyday,checked on my stomach and asked me how i was and Laura kept in touch by phone at least a couple of times a day. As soon as you pressed the buzzer the nurses came,very friendly nurses Nina in particular was outstanding .
I was feeling fine just shattered i didnt have any gas pain to which I’m very grateful for.
When Friday arrived the day of my departure the Surgeon said I could be discharged.
Vendy, the Clinic Manager came in and thoroughly explained the medications etc to me.
I was then collected by my driver who carried my case and proceeded to the airport. A short flight home to where my Husband was waiting for me at Stansted to drive me home.
I am 6 days post-surgery and feel great surgery weight 219lbs today 209.5 lbs.
I cannot thank Laura enough for all the support before during and now, she was in touch at least 3 times a day and always there for me when and if I needed her.
Thank you Laura xxx
Many thanks to Tomas Pasaka my Surgeon, Vendy and all the other staff at Surgal Clinic.
Trudy.