rachel

Hi Jan, I'm in Perth. I had my surgery on 11th feb. and cannot believe how quickly I felt great. I was surprised how scared I was, but it all went smoothly. You will probably find everything you need on this site. Take care, Rachel.

Sorry, call me a bit thick, but where are the I Agree and Register buttons?

Looks like I didn't get the ticker happening after all, oh well, I shall persist.

Hi Trace, I did it, I did it !!! Well, I sort of did it. I've got the ticker happening. When I tried to put up more details I could only get info on fertility treatment. Could be a problem with their site so I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks for the info. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Everyone, Sounds like a great idea to me. I'm also in Australia - Perth. Take care, Rachel.

TO ALL ANIMAL LOVERS If you like black humour and haven't seen "Best in Show" , then do yourself a favour and get it out.......run, don't walk. Rachel.

Hi Everyone, Could someone please tell me what a "sticky" is? I went for my first check up yesterday and the news was all good. Everything is healing well (surgery was 11th Feb), I lost 7 kgs and I get my first fill in 2 weeks. I was thinking to myself that I don't remember reading any really negative experiences in this forum. Not that I want people to have bad experiences, but I was wondering if this was because it doesn't really happen, or that people don't talk about it. Take care all, Rachel.

Thanks Jamie, You never know - U.S.A is on my list of things to do, I might have you hobbling down to the local parlour with me when I'm 70. In answer to your question, Estela, I suggest you think about the end product - and GO FOR IT, GIRL!

I'd love to put some pics of Dodge up Zoe, but I don't have a digital camera or scanner, and wouldn't know how to use them if I did. We don't really celebrate Halloween here (australia) - it sounds and looks like lots of fun. I'm glad to hear she rebelled against the costume - earning her feisty reputation. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Totie, Yes, that's a relevant point for alot of people - growing out of their tatts. I look at mine like a diary, it reminds me of particular times in my life. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Jamie, Me again. I just realise that I've invited myself along on your weekend - how embarrassing - just as well I'm in Perth, Western Australia, eh? Rachel.

Hey Jamie, I'm there! Oh, there's one problem. I'm actually in Perth, Western Australia - bummer! Rachel.

Hi Everybody, Thanks for your invaluable input - I'm so glad I asked the question. Before I go any further, what is "bumped"?_ thanks for that Christina. Norma, I have a 2yr old ,which is difficult enough, but nursing a 15mth old must be testing. I found the best thing for me was to lay on the bed with her when I couldn't pick her up. This period isn't too long - just be careful about lifting. I think it's really important to listen to everyone regarding eating. This is supposed to be a new lease on life - not a burden. Your Dr. should of made it clear that losing weight is not a priority at the moment, especially when you're breast feeding. Just concentrate on healing. Are you seeing a counsellor? Once you are feeling healthier you might look at it differently. I hope it all works out for you. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Everyone, Firstly, what is a "sticky"? My husband was just having this conversation with our tattooist, on my behalf, after telling him I was having the surgery done. He reckons that it depends on where they are on the body, but he doesn't think they'll change alot, especially if you tone-up well. I have a vested interest because I have the following tatts. This will be the first time I've ever listed and counted them. I'll start from the bottom. 1. cherry sprigs on the top of both feet. 2. A tribal piece going from my ankle to my hip. 3. Comedy/ Tragedy masks on the inside of the ankle on the other leg. 4. Four large butterflies on the outside calf of that leg. 5. A row of multi coloured 1" stars around my right wrist. 6. A row of music notes around my left wrist. 7. Flaming eight ball and starter flags going down the back of my left arm from elbow to wrist. 8. Four aces and dice and music notes going down the back of my right arm from wrist to elbow. 9. A tribal arm band around my left arm. 10. A hard to describe symbol on the top of left arm. 11. A celtic arm band on my right arm. 12. A r+J symbol in a heart with dagger, roses etc. on the top of right arm. 13. A band (porno for pyros) symbol on the back of my neck. 14. A nautical star on the side of my neck. 15. A heart and name on my right breast. 16. Two swallows on either side of my chest with my daughters name (ruby) and birthdate in scrolls. 17. A black panther on my right shoulder blade. 18. A small black star on my hand. Well, that must have been really boring for some of you, and the rest of you are probably thinking " Is this woman a total lunatic"? I found it interesting, though. I also own a body piercing studio, in Perth, Western Australia. My starting weight was 335pounds, I had the surgery on the 11th Feb, and have lost 7kgs - don't know what that is in pounds. I'll keep all of you who are interested up to date on how the artwork holds up. Take care, Rachel.

Zoe, She is adorable. Labradors are such lovely dogs - but feisty as well aren't they?Are you for real about the pineapple hat? Hope all is well, Rachel.

Hi Zoe, I can't find the picture - how do I do it? Thanks, Rachel.

Hi Alex, Everytime I read a message you've posted it really has extra meaning for me because I'm about the size that you started off at, and you always have something relevant and interesting to say. Thanks for your input - it really gives me inspiration. Take care, Rachel. P.S: Yes, I know I have to get one of those info things happening at the bottom of my messages, but for a computer moron it's a bit daunting. It's like instruction manuals - I just look at them blankly.

Hi Zoe, I do have photos of Dodge but not a digital camera or scanner - and wouldn't know how to use it if I did. I'm also a large dog lover - they're always so affectionate and don't have anything to prove. Dodge is glossy black, huge ,with the body of a golden retriever and webbed feet and definitely goofy. What animals do you have Zoe? Hope all is well, Rachel. How nice was it that the vet sent us a card.

Dear Nancy, I'm so sorry about Niko, it's unbelievably heart breaking when you have to make that decision - even though you know it's the right thing to do. I recently had my 19 yr old cat put down (I'd had him half my life) and this is a poem ,from a condolence card from the vet. Now it seems the moment's here,For me to say,"It's time", To thankyou for the life I've had, To bid you all goodbye. My life with you has been filled With happiness and pride, And filled with love and companionship, As I stood loyal by your side. My tail no longer wags with joy, I lay here quite content, My spirits in a higher place, With angels I've been sent, So don't be sad that I've gone away, Don't be lonely or blue, Just know this well my humble friend, I'll be watching over you. I also have a Newfoundland/Retriever/Labrador who is about 8 yrs old and is my daughter, Ruby's, bestfriend. Everytime I lose a pet I vow never to get another because I can't stand it - but it doesn't last. Take care, Rachel.

Oh Yeah, How's this for a charming practice. I was really young when I started going to Weight Watchers with my mum. I must of been about 10yrs old, so about 28 yrs ago. Anyone who gained weight had to go in the "Pig Pen" - a sectioned off area - for the entire night!!! Rachel.

These two things happened to me recently. I was walking through a shopping centre car park and a car slowed down next to me and the guy in the car told me I should go to a fat-farm. I was in a supermarket and heard a group of spotty teens making fat jokes and noises. I was horrified, but then I saw a woman who seemed to be in charge of them and told her that she should be teaching them some manners etc. What I find hard to accept is that these assholes must have fat auntys or mums or sisters etc. and they can still act like that. At school it was UFO - unidentified fat object - for some reason I find it slightly amusing now. Fatty boomba Kids are so cruel - chances were you would get picked on for some reason. That's all well in hindsight. Take care, Rachel.

I've been wondering this very questions. I'm finding it impossible to not only not do it, but to remember not to do it. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Jack, When I said normally I was referring to the types of food, definitely NOT the amount. Anyway, I've realised the errors of my ways and gone back to mostly mashed stuff. What does PB stand for? Haven't you done well - you're abviously feeling great. Congrats. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery two weeks ago. I was wondering how many of you, who are old hats at this, stick to a calorie amount - after everything has settled down. From reading this forum, it seems that alot of you do. What is the most common, and realistic amount? I'm sure my dietician will tell me , but I don't see her for about 3 weeks. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Sensy, I posted something similar afew days ago. I had my surgery on the 11th and was eating olives, crackers, grapes- all sorts of stuff a week later. I've since realised that we aren't doing ourselves any favours by doing this. What I didn't understand was that the food we can eat isn't about digestion, it's about letting the band fix in place. I don't think I've done any harm but I've gone back to yoghurt, soup, mashed vegetable patties - that kind of thing. I'm telling myself that this is great training for the restraint we'll have to have forever. I'm 38yrs, 155kgs, 1 x 2yr old - and I'm really looking forward to feeling healthy. Take care, Rachel.