nikki_s

Hi there, I know i've had a similar problem.. My kids are 2 and 5yrs and squabble at dinner on a regular basis. I find it very stressful and I know it has caused me problems with the band, like eating too fast or not chewing properly etc. sometimes leading to discomfort and/or a PB. I now give them dinner a bit earlier than me, so by the time I start, they are more than half way through theirs. At least we get to sit together this way. I have had dinner completely separate to them on occasion and they don't like being away from me - so I use this as a threat. If they play up, Mummy won't sit at the table with them. It is still a struggle but it has improved alot. Sorry I don't have more advice, but if anyone else has ideas, I'd also like to hear them!! Nikki

OMG how horrible!! I also want to send my best wishes to Jen and wish her a speedy recovery! Nic

Congrats Jen! Glad to hear your hospital experience went well. The pain will get better. Every day will be better than the last. I also remember not feeling like drinking anything much for the first 2 weeks, but like you said, it is important so keep sipping! It'll only get better from here on in. Good luck and I hope you sleep well tonight. Nic

Hi there, Just wanted to wish you guys all the best for the 15th!! I know all will go well! How exciting to finally be on the way to the "new you" Let us know how you are going. Nic

Hi Jen, Congrats on making the decision. The 15th will be here before you know it!!! What a great way to start 2008. Good luck with everything. Let me know how you go! All the best Nic:clap2:

Hi Greeneyez, Welcome! I had my band at the end of Aug 07 by Dr R Brancatisano and have so far lost a little over 20kgs. I am so happy with how things are going - I only wish I'd done it sooner! Good luck with your journey! Nic:)

Hi there, Glad to hear that your operations went well (Sage, Ginaki & Longhorn). I can fully relate to how you guys are feeling. I'm nearly 10 weeks out now and I felt how you are describing. I thought I'd be fine after 2 or 3 days, but it took 3 weeks for me to feel better physically and emotionally! (especially as I have 2 small children) It is like a grieving process of sorts. Don't be too hard on yourselves yet as this is the healing phase. Use your support networks and remember every day is one step closer to the new you! I'm so happy I was banded. I look forward to hearing of your progress Nikki S

Good luck tomorrow Sades, Let us know how you go. Nikki S

Thats great Tonks, you must feel really good ! Can't wait to get closer to my goal. I'm about 1/2 way now and hope to make a little more progress before Christmas!! Nikki

Hi beck & Tonks Prior to surgery I too was worried it wouldn't work, but it does for me. It is just a tool, but if you are sensible and follow the rules, it's great. That being said, I don't always follow the rules but it is trial and error! - and I'm only human. I'm concerned about reaching a plateau now. On previous diets, I usually last around 3 months (or 12kg loss), then I lose motivation and pile it all back on again, plus some! So far I've lost 15kg (sorry,not sure how many pounds) and I'm happy but have around another 16.5kg to go. The difference is now that I still see the support team so I'm hoping at my psych and physio appointments that I find the secret to keeping motivated and keep losing! This site also helps keep me motivated. Becks, you asked about being able to lose all the weight you need to lose. This was a concern for me also. My surgeon believes I can and so do I. Just look at the before and after section. In particular, a thread by Chickie is big inspiration for me. She lost 100% of her excess weight and looks fantastic!! Nikki

Hi beck, Welcome! This is a great site with lots of information. We all have one thing in common - our weight issues, but our experiences with the lap band can differ from person to person. Thats why it is great to be informed, good and bad, enabling you to ask questions and be fully educated before you undergo surgery. I'm 8 weeks post surgery and am pleased I got the band. It hasn't been easy, but I don't regret it at all and as long as the scales keep going down, then I'm a happy camper!! Good luck in your decision making!! Nikki

Hi Jacqui, do you remember what they are called?? (If they are higher in fat then I guess I shouldn't be asking!!) Nic

I too have some form of protein shake most days for breakfast. I can't tolerate food very well until around lunch time. This suits me fine as I'm often rushing around in the mornings after the kids, so it's easier for me. Better than skipping breakfast altogether - I'd rather have the nutrients! Nikki

Hi again Sades, I had my surgery at B'Hills Private by Dr Roy Brancatisano. Have been very pleased with them. Good luch with your appointment on the 10th! Nikki

Hi Sades, Welcome. I'm from Sydney and have been banded now for nearly 6 weeks. So far I've lost 13kg so I'm happy. I know the band will help me continue losing. I was so nervous in the beginning too. It hasn't been all smooth sailing, but I love my band! This is a great site for support - it has really helped me. I wish you lots of luck in your journey! Nikki

Hi there, I'm also in Sydney and had my band around 4 weeks ago. I had Dr Roy Brancatisano at circle of care in baulkham hills. He and his support team have been wonderful. I know they have several clinics in Sydney. If you want to check out their website, it is Home | Circle of Care Good luck Nikki

Hi there, my youngest is 24months. The first few days, my husband did the lifting. If she wanted me, then I'd sit and let her climb up next to me. I kept telling her that mummy's tummy is sore and she was fascinated with the scars. Every 5 minutes she'd say "Mummy, I look at tummy?" The hardest part I found was lifting her out of the cot. I put a kids table next to it so she could climb up so I wouldn't llift her as far. Also the baby seat in the car was difficult. After 3 weeks I am doing all as normal. Good Luck!! Nikki

Hi there and welcome Ganuple!! The last 2 posts are spot on! Great advice. All I want to say is the article sewenup1 provided a link to is fantastic. I have been banded for 4 weeks and this article made me so emotional. I'm going to get my husband and parents to read it so they fully understand why I am on this journey. They have been supportive but this explains things so well. Good luck with your journey and thanks sewenup1! Nikki

Chickie, you really are an inspiration. Thankyou so much for posting your photos! You really look fantastic and should be so proud. I am only 3 weeks out, and your photo's are what sticks in my mind at the moment. If I can achieve anything like what you have, I'll be one very happy woman!! Nikki

Hi there, I was banded 3 weeks ago with a BMI of 34. I am in AUS and the only real comorbidity I had was that I have suffered from depression in the past. My weight being the major reason. I have tried every diet and I too have family health issues that I know I will also have if I don't do something about it. I want to be proactive and do it now, not in a few years when I know my BMI will be higher and I may already have developed more health problems. I have done alot of research and I am well informed. My surgeon understood this and was supportive. At a BMI of 34 I am considered obese, so I do have a problem! Hopefully soon this problem will dissappear!! Good Luck Nic

Hi there, I'm Nikki from Sydney AUS and I have my surgery booked for Aug 22nd. I am excited but very apprehensive. Look forward to chatting with you and sharing experiences - I need all the support I can get. One question though. Is it normal to have second thoughts as your surgery date approaches? I'm hoping it's just last minute nerves!!!

Hi Louise21, As you were banded one day prior to me, I was wondering how you are feeling now. I thought I would be fine 3 weeks out, but I have very bad wind? pain in my lower abdomen and I get occasional pain over my sternum which is very frustrating. I actually went today and they removed some air feom the band. Hopefully this will solve the problem. I know I really don't even feel like mushies at the moment. I hope you are fairing better. Nikki

Hi there, I've had my band now for nearly 2 weeks. When I first discussed having the procedure with my husband, he was not keen. He is tall and slim and has never had a weight issue. He also thought I should be able to do it on my own. That being said, he has seen me try and try with limited success and has seen the toll it has taken on me emotionally. I said that this is something I really need for myself. Not only do I want to be healthy, but happier and this could only benefit us both and our 2 small girls! I convinced him to come and see the surgeon with me, and he asked him alot of questions and after that her was satisfied that if it is what I wanted, then he would support me. I do wish you luck. It would be very difficult having no support. It's still early days, but I just hope my hubby continues supporting me the way he has so far.

I must say that the team working on me were all great. The OR nurse stood and chatted to me for a while. Then the anesthetist spoke to me. I remember saying "please just let me wake up!" and he said "no problem". Then the surgeon came in and put his hands on my arm and said "you'll be fine". As I was the last to be banded and he had been working around 7 hrs already, I asked him if he'd had a cup of strong coffee. He said "I'm going to have one now!" The assistant surgeon also spoke to me and was very reassuring. They all made me feel at ease. Last thing I said before I went under?? I think the nurse said she might take my glasses away now and I said OK!

Hi there, I feel the same way! I have my surgery on Aug 22 and I'm so worried something will go wrong. I have 2 little kids, and the surgery is all I am worried about at the moment. I'll be so glad when I wake up after the proceedure!! That part I am looking forward to. Good luck on your journey Nikki