Trin

Congratulations Bron, I am dead jealous about your optifast free start, but I can't complain I only have 1 day to go. Tonight I went to a group lapband support meeting at Knox Private, it was wonderful to be able to talk to people (face to face) who were at all stages of their weight loss journey and there were some truely inspirational stories. Sussanah, you certainly have a very generous family who love you to pieces. Glad to hear you're progressing well. Katrina

Gee, the reasons for being banded for me are wide and varied. I have always been fairly active - I love hiking and camping and in the past I have done some wonderful multi day walks in the wilderness all around Australia, I am now unable to do this due to my weight and my sore knees (caused by my weight). I have also done tai chi for the last 7 years and have reached a point where I can no longer progress because of my weight. My father (who always struggled with his weight) suddenly passed away in October and this was my catalyst for doing something. No-one (except people who are obese) can understand the personal daily anguish that being overweight presents, it's not all about the clothes that don't fit, the shoes that you can no longer tie or the activity that you would love to do but know you can't achieve. It is about your failure to do anything about it, although you continuously try and continuously fail and then beat yourself up again and again. I have a 15 year old daughter and she unfortunately has inherited my genes and has a tendency to put on weight easily. I hope that me being banded is a good example too her, as continuous dieting certainly isn't! Thankyou all for your wonderful listening because I think that is the first time I have ever told anyone the real reasons for me getting banded. Katrina

I am into the second week of VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) meal replacement- shakes; surgery 14th Feb. My surgeon explained that since he has put his patients on the meal replacement for 2 weeks prior to surgery he has had a marked improvement in the incidents of band slippage. Good enough reason for me. Katrina

Well I'd really much prefer to be carrying around Hugh Jackman but I'm sure he is well over 45kg, maybe I could just cut off his arms and legs and carry his torso and head??? (Now I am being very silly) Tangles - I don't have much longer, Wed 14th Feb at Knox Private with the Ray McHenry (the same surgeon as Mark) and I realise now why they make you take that revolting Optifast (the shrinking liver is a ruse) it is so that on your day of surgery you're are actually looking forward to someone opening you up with a scapel and locking a chastity belt around you tummy because you know when you wake up you can actually eat food (all be it liquid) that has some flavour and is palatable. Sussanah, I hope all is well and you're feeling a little better each day. Katrina

I agree Bronnie, it is amazing the comments I get when I tell people I am going to be banded, someone said yesterday, " That's only for really big people isn't it? You're not that big!!!" Well I am 45 Kg (Megan Gale) overweight and really don't wan't to carry Megan around any longer!!! Though the people I know well and are the closest too me understand that this weight has been my issue all my life and are very supportive. Bronnie, I was surprised about how quickly everything was set in motion once I saw the Surgeon, so make sure you have your pre op diet (and I for one would purchase some Tony Ferguson that Dionnem mentioned as Pina Colada sounds too good to pass up) especially to me who has been on the Optifast (Vanilla or Chocolate)option for 7 days with 7 days to go. Dionnem where can you purchase Tony Ferguson any way? Katrina

Well done Susannah! Hope your feeling better very, very soon. Keep us posted on your progress - Thank God for Sisters!!! Katrina

Thanks all for your words of encouragement. Mark, I know what you mean about Ray but he does instill you with a great deal of confidence. I'm not sure who Di is as I have only seen Cheryl (Nurse) who was absolutely wonderful. I am going to the Lap Banding Support Group meeting at Knox on the 12th Feb to get any tips and advice before being banded and if the people there are as friendly as you lot I'll be as happy as a pig in s..t!!!! Thanks again Katrina

Okay, I thought I'd be very brave and stop being a voyeur on this wonderful forum. I am soon to be banded (14th Feb, Ray McHenry, Knox Private Knox) and are on my 4th day of Optifast which I might add is an unpalatable as 'Clag', thank God for the Optifast Bars!!! My long time friend (we went to school together) has just been banded yesterday and is recovering well. We have grown up together and gone to weight watchers together and we will now share this experience. I know you all will understand my feelings of both exaltation and dread and I would just like to add that reading all your personal journeys is enlightening and informative. Katrina