NHS nurse speaks of her VIP Experiance in Poland
Angie Matthews
So the VIP weekend to Wroclaw was nothing more than a booze up with woman who were not intelligent enough to research the surgery/surgeons they were having?? …………. Well where on earth was i, as this is a total contrast to the weekend i attended!
I attended the trip as Angela thought it important for her aftercare nurses to see first hand the facilities at EMC and the standards of treatment that Secret Surgery patients expect to recieve. She invited us along and had planned a very regimented itinary in order to maximise the knowledge and experiences we would share with the polish team and recieve in return.
Our trip included a visit to the hospital, meeting patients who were more than happy for us to attend whilst they were reviewed, checked for pain levels and had their dressings renewed. One thing i thought when i saw the wound dressing change was how exceptional the emphasis on wound cleansing was compared to the standards i have seen in public practice.
I was impressed to see that instead of leaving dressings on for days on end, or not even having a dressing……..the wounds were managed on a daily basis. This is primarily the reason that EMC has a Zero infection rate. We discussed the use of wound swabs for MRSA etc, and was pleased to here that they also are very strict in poland and will not take chances with anyone that could potentially have an infection. They would rather postpone someones surgery than risk cross contamination from another source.
EMC Hospital
Safety first is very much the impression i was left with. The surgeon Dr W was very impressed that as UK nurses we were interested enough to give up our time to go along to meet him, his team and tour the facilities. It gave us an insight and a first hand look at how professional the packages are run. When you initially think of surgery abroad, you think of cut price must mean cut safety and cut care. The total opposite is true in the case of secret surgery. The lengths that Angela Chouhaib and her team go to maximise patient comfort and safety is nothing more than outstanding.
The patients are chauferred to the hospital daily for their dressing changes, in constant telephone contact for support mentally, as well as all the physical care. Dr W has very strict guidelines on how surgery is assessed. For example, if you went to him asking for ridicolously sized breasts for your frame, he would assess your whole body, and would not do something that would leave you looking like a freak of nature, despite the obvious financial reward. He also has protocols that mean no one will be able to access more than one major surgery in one hospital visit. It is these strict protocols…………safety and comfort over money, that mean the hospital currently has a zero mortality rate. How many institutions can boast that??
What the sun journalists failed to mention amongst many things was the lengths Secret surgery go to, in order to make the whole process as smooth as possible and as anxiety reducing as possible. As a bariatric patient myself having had both gastric bypass and lower body lift on the NHS in the UK, i know only too well how extremely stressful the whole process is. Not only stressful for the patient but for the loved ones aswell. Angela included a service that can cater for a companion to keep the patients company, and offers them just as much support mentally as the client recieves. This is again an example of the extra mile that secret surgery goes.
We enjoyed meals together in relaxing restuarants, not the drunken nights that the sun portrayed us to have. I mean for goodness sake, some people had just had major surgery……..they would hardly be up to drinking poland dry!! i enjoyed half a glassof wine on the last evening, and other than that drank coke and water, as did almost everyone else. We enjoyed a shopping trip to the Renoma shopping centre which was primarily led by Tracy who gave us valuable advice on how to dress our new found figures and how to look after the inner person that maybe is still struggling with the effects that obesity left. Sadly Jennifer the journalist showed little or no interest in talking to any of us about our journies.
Jennifer Tippet – The Sun Journalist
We had so many stories ready to share, but she wandered around the shops looking at boots and jumpers for herself and took no notice of us all. It was very dissapointing on sunday evening when both jennifer and mike did not bother to attend the extensive traditional polish buffet that had been laid on at the very exclusive Pod Freda restuarant, rudely leaving Angela to pay the bill !!
This was the last opportunity for them to do the interviews that they were there to do, but sadly work took priority, or so we thought. Facebook pictures of site seeing at the time reflected how honest they were. Not only was the report in the sun, totally unfactual & unsubstantiated, it was also very insulting and demeaning. The people that were on that trip for surgery had done months and months of research, talking to surgical teams around the world, and asking millions of questions. Everyday they post in the facebook groups of both secret surgery and Weight loss surgery friends which have become a community themselves. The support that is given and recieved is unending and given with care and compassion.
There isnt a question that Angela does not answer!I agree there will be some people out there that probably spend 5 minutes and will choose the cheapest most convienient company and not even realise what they were getting into. Secret surgery clients however are nothing like that. They are simply not allowed to be for a start. Angela and the team ENSURE that their clients are well informed of ALL risks involved. They have infact turned people away that have had unrealistic expectations of surgery and the results. When Secret Surgery clients give consent for surgery, then it is 100% informed consent.
I am a trained nurse, i would under no circumstances risk losing my pin number for a company that i wasnt sure would be totally legally and ethically moral. I think the sun report tainted what was a very special weekend.
VIP Trip Attendees outside EMC Hospital – Wroclaw, Poland
Is the Gastric Wrap for Me?
Last week, we did a feature post about the gastric wrap, so most of you should know a little more about what it is and how it works, now. (If you missed it, read back! It’s an effective, reversible and relatively simple weight loss procedure.)
However, you might still not have decided whether gastric wrap surgery is really for you – so today, we’re going to help a couple of you fence-sitters to make up your minds. First, there are some people who are considered ‘high-risk’, which means that – if you fall into one of these groups – you’re more likely to want to explore other options first. You’re a high-risk patient if:
- You’re aged over 50.
- Your BMI is over 50.
- You’re man.
- You have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
- You’ve got a history of breathing problems, including asthma.
- You’ve got a history of hiatal hernia, GERD, stomach ulcers or a history of chronic diseases of the digestive tract.
- You’ve previously undergone an open major abdominal surgery in the upper abdomen.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a gastric wrap, but it’s important to be aware of the risks you’re taking on when you opt for any surgery. These risks would be discussed in-depth during a consultation with us.
Of course, as a radical weight loss surgery, the gastric wrap is generally for people with high BMIs, and your doctor will consider your BMI when assessing your suitability for surgery. However, it’s a good idea to bear in mind:
- If you’re a yo-yo dieter and experience vast fluctuations in weight, be sure to tell your doc this. If it’s likely that your weight will ‘go up’ again in the future, you may still be considered even if your BMI isn’t currently that high.
- You may want to show your doctor or consultant some photographs of yourself to help him assess your suitability, because the way your weight is distributed around your body will affect the level of risk you are at.
- Depending on your racial origin, you could be more likely to develop co-morbidities associated with obesity. Those of Asian origin may want to consider a gastric wrap more strongly for this reason.
- If you have any co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, you can be much more at risk than others.
Of course, you’ll want to talk about your decision much more before you take the plunge – but that’s why we’re always there, at the other end of the phone.
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
Vanessa: My Gastric Wrap
Today, we’ve got another very special Secret Surgery story from Vanessa, who underwent a gastric wrap with us some time ago. Vanessa is very kindly going to share her story with us – so listen up!
“I would like to start with how easy the process was from the beginning. Angela looked after me and answered any questions I had, day or night. I paid my deposit, and Angela booked my flights, apartment and procedure – I had to do nothing. She even checked me in for my flight!”
Did you arrive OK? “On the day of my flight, everything went smoothly and I landed in Prague to be met by my driver, Paul, who was very nice. He took us to the clinic where I was met by troy. I was shown to my apartment, which was lovely, and given a welcome pack with a full itinerary for the following day.”
How did the operation itself go? “The day of the op, I was met downstairs by Troy and taken for pre-op tests. The clinic was clean and most of the staff spoke very good English. Professor Fried was amazing and he sat and answered all of my questions. He explained the procedure in detail, too. I was taken for my op, and when I woke up I felt OK – just a little sick, and I was given meds for this.”
“I felt amazing. A few days later I was discharged back to my apartment, where I stayed until my driver picked me up and drove me back to the airport. Oh – I forgot to add that I was given a phone call every day by Angela to see how I was… Secret Surgery have been brilliant, and I will be coming back for plastics! Thanks Angela!”
What a positive story! We’re always up for hearing more Secret Surgery stories, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with your experiences!
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
Angela Chouaib’s Top Weight Loss Surgery Tips
Angela Chouaib – founder and MD at Secret Surgery – is here today to share her weight loss surgery secrets. It’s easy to think that weight loss surgery is about sitting back and letting science do all the work, but that’s not true; after weight loss surgery, it’s important to remember that it’s up to you to develop the habits and behaviours that are going to last the rest of your life.
“Remember that your weight loss surgery isn’t going to do the work by itself. Think of your surgery as a tool, or a stepping stone, which is going to help you get to where you want to be. It isn’t a magical fix.” It might seem like a magical fix when you’re losing pounds and pounds every week at first, but as your weight drops, you’ll find it harder and harder to lose that extra weight, and this is when good diet and exercise will matter.
“It’s just not possible to eat whatever you want and lose weight. Weight loss surgery doesn’t alter your metabolism, so if you’re eating the same foods you were before your surgery, you aren’t making the most of it.” Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial; in the later stages of your weight loss, you’ll only find the pounds dropping off if you’re still eating well and staying active. Don’t let yourself down by falling into old habits.
“Ease yourself slowly into exercise after the surgery. Rest up for six weeks, and then start with light activities like walking and gentle swimming. Exercise will help you to stay toned while the pounds are dropping off.” Losing a lot of weight quickly can be quite a shock to your body, so it’s important to keep your muscles healthy by maintaining a good weekly fitness regime. It doesn’t have to be vigorous, and you shouldn’t start before you feel ready to – but it’s something to factor in after your recovery.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that it’s you who’s in control after weight loss surgery. If you stop losing weight, don’t assume that something ‘isn’t working’ – look at your diet, and think about how it can be improved. It’s not just what you eat, but how much; and you’re the only person who can affect this. Good luck!
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
Barcelona Hosts Weight Loss Surgery Experts – Including One of Our Own!
Recently, Barcelona – one of the most beautiful cities in the world – has played host to a collection of experts in the field of weight loss surgery. One such surgeon who attended the conference was Dr. Martin Fried, our own weight loss surgeon here at Secret Surgery.
The conference featured only the world’s top weight loss surgeons, and featured a section on innovations and new techniques, which explored the new methods and technologies that we’re on the verge of discovering in the weight loss surgery industry, with a focus on gastric plication, which is a similar procedure to a sleeve gastrectomy.
Our own Dr. Martin Fried was the Chairman of the course, and has been working in bariatric surgery for over 25 years. At Secret Surgery, we know that the quality of our work is very important, which is why we only work with surgeons at the very top of the tree!
We also know how crucial it is to stay at the front of the pack when it comes to emerging technologies; while all of our procedures and treatments and tried and tested, we’re aware of what’s out there, and what’s coming next, and we assure you that we’ll always be offering the very best and safest surgical techniques available!
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
Angela Chouaib’s 10 Rules to Health and Happiness after weightloss surgery
As someone who has undergone weight loss surgery herself, Angela Chouaib, MD and founder of Secret Surgery Ltd, knows all the pitfalls and obstacles that a patient can face after their surgery. Luckily, she’s here to give us all some crucial advice about how successfully work with our weight loss ops. “If you stick with these”, she says, “they will be the lifestyle changes that will lead you to a normal BMI, health, and happiness…”
1. Stop Dieting. Remember that you aren’t on a diet – it’s a lifestyle change. Don’t count calories; just place a small portion on a saucer or tea-plate and use that as your guide for portion control. Never plate up more than you need, or you’ll stretch your pouch over time.
2. Eat every three hours, whether you’re hungry or not. This will keep your metabolism going.
3. Only eat until you feel full – then stop. Place the rest of your dinner in the bin; don’t save it to snack on later.
4. Sip water throughout the day from a sports cap bottle. This will limit the speed that you can drink at. Don’t drink and eat at the same time – stop water consumption around 20 minutes before and after each meal. Avoid alcohol wherever possible. Empty calories and fizzy drinks aren’t good for us!
5. Try to eat mainly high-protein foods. Avoid bad carbs, such as rice, pasta, potatoes and bread.
6. Chew your food well when you’re eating. Try to pace your eating by placing your cutlery back on the table in between mouthfuls.
7. Limit yourself when it comes to processed foods. Even if they’re low-fat, they probably don’t contain the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy.
8. Take daily vitamin supplements, and find a time of day when you’ll always remember to take it. For me, it’s with my morning coffee, so they sit next to my sweeteners in the cupboard.
9. Weigh yourself once a week, at most; look at your monthly weight-loss to get an understanding of your averages. Aim for seven to nine pounds per month.
10. You don’t have to treat yourself with food. Nail painting, earrings, massages, face packs and flowers can be just as nice as a sweet snack, but won’t leave you feeling guilty. This, over time, will help you learn to love yourself again without the need for chocolates.
Stay strong! For anyone who has recently undergone weight loss surgery, everyone here at Secret Surgery is rooting for you. You’ll get there!
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
Gastric & Plastic Friends ISG Meeting – January
This is a FREE meeting is arranged by Secret Surgery and it is designed for anyone in the Kent or South East England area that needs Information, support or guidance with weight loss surgery or plastic surgery whilst meeting similar minded people.
The group is non-clinical and we discuss all lifestyle related issues to help you be the best you can be!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO INVITE ANYONE WHO LIVES IN THE AREA AND MAY BE INTERESTED IN JOINING US
This is a regular meeting (which is normally) where on the 1st Monday of each month we can share our experiences and grow happier and healthier and stronger with the support and motivation of one another.
In January – we have set the meeting to take place on the 2nd Monday (as a one off) which is the 9th January 2012. At this meeting we as joined by Jane Michelle – She is a specialist bariatric dietician and also the MD & Founder of http://www.janeplan.com
For anyone a little nervous to attend the meeting on their own please email Angela@SecretSurgery.co.uk and I can meet you outside and we can walk in together.
If anyone is traveling by train then please call me and I can pick you up from the nearest train station. TIME 7PM – 9PM The full address is:
Terrace Bar – Opposite Reception
Bridgewood Manor Hotel
Walderslade Woods
Chatham
Kent
ME5 9AX
Gastric & Plastic Friends ISG Meeting – December
This is a FREE meeting is arranged by Secret Surgery and it is designed for anyone in the Kent or South East England area that needs Information, support or guidance with weight loss surgery or plastic surgery whilst meeting similar minded people. The group is non-clinical and we discuss all lifestyle related issues to help you be the best you can be!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO INVITE ANYONE WHO LIVES IN THE AREA AND MAY BE INTERESTED IN JOINING US
This is a regular meeting where on the 1st Monday of each month we can share our experiences and grow happier and healthier and stronger with the support and motivation of one another.
On the 5th December We are joined by Kents very own Gok Wan… AKA Trayc Randall and also Talita Wigg a digestive health expert. (more…)
