rachel

Hi Tammy, Thanks for asking all the questions I've been thinking of. Don't feel stupid - I've found I have all these questions, since I had the surgery done, that didn't occur to me beforehand. I'll get alot more answer in my first appointment with the Doctors. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Everbody, Thanks to all of you who had something constructive to say. Also, the dialogue between Jasper and repliers has been really helpful. Well, I don't think any damage has been done - and I've gone back to just mushy stuff. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Everybody, Well, all I can say is that none of this has been as I expected, and it's all for the better. I feel more energetic than I did before the surgery, and I know it can't be from much weight loss - I'm sure It's the chinese herbalist I've been seeing. I've been eating things like olives, crackers, grapes, cheese and eggs, in very small amounts, with no problem. I have my first fill on the 2nd March - do you think this will change the food I can eat? I hope you are all keeping well, Take care, Rachel.

Hi Leatha, Thanks for the info - I had no idea that that is what's happening. I think that surgeons sometimes concentrate to much on the actual procedures, and a bit lacking in the before and after care and info. I'm going to take your advice and go back to the soft stuff. Thanks again, Take care, Rachel.

Hi everyone, Thanks for the info and advice - I'm not sure if I should go back to eating liquids and soft food, but I feel so good that it seems pointless. I'm eating really small amounts of varied food with no problem. Maybe I got it wrong about the fill on 2nd of March. I'm seeing the surgeon then and just assumed that's what it was for. Maybe it's just a check up. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Monica, Yes, I had the surgery 11 days ago and the only discomfort I feel is the occassional twinge where some of the incisions are - which have healed really quickly. I'm 335 pounds, and have bounced back remarkably quickly, From what I can gather, every surgeon says something different. You'll know what feels right for you when it comes to eating - I would stay on liquids for at least a week. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Darcy, Yes I've learnt my lesson with bread and chicken - definitely off the menu for a while. The incisions have also healed really quickly. I had chocolate today - naughty, naughty. I hope all is well with you, I'm not sure if this is the best way to send a message but I'm not computer savvy in the slightest. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Sammee, I live in Perth and was banded on the 11th Feb. I cannot believe how good I feel already. Congrats, I'm sure It's all gone well. Take care, Rachel.

Evening all, I've posted recently regarding having surgery on the 11th (tomorrow), then it looked like it wasn't going to happen because of a nasty bout of conjunctivitis but now it's back on. I have to front at the hospital at 9am. Shall keep you all posted. Take care, Rachel.

Me again, I got disconnected. I have to work out how to set up the weight scale and details that are at the bottom of everyones page. I saw someone else wanting to do the same so I'll read that. Take care, Rachel.

Well, I'm Back to tell my tale. It's now about 50hrs since the op and I think I can safely say that none of it has been as I expected. But so far so good. I'm fairly uncomfortable sitting at the computer so I'll keep it short. I'm surprised at the size and position of the incisions. The largest one is just below my left breast and is about 3-4" long, I have five others that I think are about 1" long. According to the surgeon it all went beautifully and I have a very healthy liver. The pre-op vein finding was a 40 minute ordeal but I expected that. The young ego-driven anaethetist decided not to follow my instructions on where to find one, and completely ballsed it up. Anyway,he finally gave it a shot and,guess what? he found it. Well, that's all behind me and now it's onwards and upwards ( or downwards,as far as my weight goes) Thanks to everyone for their info, insight and concern. The tip about shoes was a good one Zoe. And thanks for keeping an eye on my progress Darcy. I have to comment that you all look wonderful - post and pre-op, is anyone as big as me? I think I'm 335 pounds - we work in kilos in Australia (155).

The idea of not having to eat everything all the time is a strange one ,isn't it? We're all sensible adults who know where our next meal is coming from, we know we aren't going to starve but this doesn't seem to make a difference. I'm looking forward to not feeling full when I wake up. My bad news is that I have developed conjunctivitis which seems to be getting worse. I saw my G.P. yesterday, who gave me scripts for it but said I wouldn't be having surgery if it hadn't cleared up by Friday. I don't remember ever having it, especially as an adult. Anyway, I'm trying to stay positive but it's difficult. After such a long build up and the time finally being here it's hard to accept the possibility of it not happening on Friday. My husband has organised his holidays etc. We'll just have to wait and see. Take care, Rachel

Thanks again everyone - I'm starting to work out how to use this. Well, the bad news is that I have a severe case of conjunctivitis that only seems to be getting worse. I saw my Dr. yesterday who gave me scripts for eye drops and ointment but he also informed me that they wouldn't do the surgery if I still had it on Friday. When I woke up this morning it didn't look good so I've been scouring the net for alternative treatments. I can't believe it - I don't remember having it as a child let alone an adult. I'm trying to stay positive, thankfully I have a great husband. I'll keep you all posted - fingers crossed. Take care, Rachel.

Evening, or morning, all - depending on where you are reading this from, My name is Rachel and I'm in Perth, Western Australia - pop. 1.2 million. As you can tell from the title, I'm scheduled to have my surgery on Friday 11th. I've been given one weeks notice to get my head around the reality of it. I started the process 18 months ago. As this is covered by the public health care system ( if you are considered morbidly obese ) I have had to have interviews with the surgeon, a psychologist , a dietician and an endocronologist. Now the time has come and I have to admit to being a bit scared. Since I had my baby two years ago I don't take as many risks, so this has made me think. Not that I'm having second thoughts.As I'm 5ft4" and 153kgs ( don't know the pound conversion ) I'm in more danger now than having an operation. Anyway, that's my story so far. I'm sure you'll hear from me again. Take care, Rachel.

Thank you all for your words of wisdom. I'm slowly coming to grips with what's happening on Friday - I'll be glad when it's over. As far as overeating once it's done - I have to remember that this is my last chance. If I stuff this up then chances of me ever being a normal weight as pretty slim (pardon the pun). That's of course if they don't develop DeLarla's idea of plucking and cloning. Take care, Rachel.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my message. I've had a day of being really positive and excited to teary and nervous.It is so unlike me. Getting these messages has really made me relax. I'm not really sure what I'm doing when it comes to making my way around these forums so you'll all have to bear with me. What's the difference between this 'Quick Reply" and another reply? When do you leave this intro area and step up to the general discussion group? If someone could please inform me I'd appreciate it. Take care,Rachel.

Hi Darcy, I'm just new here and I was pleased to come across your message as I'm having surgery on Friday and this topic has concerned me.I've tried to discuss it with doctors but they don't really understand. My concern was that because I have a problem with food, will I continue to over eat and damage myself. Your message has assured me that you don't go that far. I still don't really understand why, though. Take care, Rachel.

Hi Sharon, I've just joined the group tonight and then I spotted you. You can read my history in the other message I sent if you're interested. I'm having my surgery on Friday and my heart is pounding just thinking about it. Congrats on your success. Take care, Rachel.