skinnyafatbody

i have no idea specifically - however one would think once you have lost weight it would be better for you, given Nitrogen has an infinity for adipose tissue - thats got to make SCUBA safer in the long run.

Remember: if you want something to be private, you are entitled to that. Not everyone needs to know everything.

This is what i will say - if it all goes ahead ... "please don't be offended but it is of a very private nature and at the moment i don't feel comfortable discussing it in any detail" ... that way you are not lying, you are being completely truthful and i would hope that statement is enough to make them realise you don't wish to discuss it any further. If they pressure further i would just say ... "i have asked you to respect my privacy, *smile* thank you".

Thats fantastic news ttallman - I have my appointment booked to see the surgeon on 25th of this month - fingers crossed it all goes well! All the best tracy

Hi Maria, I am in Hawkes Bay and my surgeon is about one block from where i live. Very handy. In response to your other comments The cost - yes it is expensive - but what price will you put on your health - my health is worth more than 13k (the price i have been told by my surgeon - though not sure what this amount does and does not include yet). I don't want to get to 50 or 60 years old and be so old and decrepit that if i fall over i can't even pick myself up off the floor. How embarrassing would it be to have to as someone to help you up or even worse - having to ring an ambulance to pick you up - that might sound far fetched but it truly happens. Exercise and diet - have you tried before - I am sure you have as i know i have - i have done Weight watchers, sure slim, natural way, zenical, reductil, various other diet pills, going to the gym, starvation, laxatives, seeing a nutritionist and thats all i can think of off the top of my head. Some work for a short period of time, some haven't worked at all. The end result is that i have no lighter and infact heavier than i started out. Failure - there are risks with everything we do, including the lapband, be it risks of mechanical failure or failure of the individual to commit to the long term lifestyle changes required. By mechanical failure i mean slippage or erosion though i believe both are very low as a percentage and there are things one can do to minimise the chances of it happening. Alot of studies talk abut failure and measure it to the amount of weight loss - this is fine if we all think we are going to get down to our "ideal" weight range - however for me personally, it is about being a healthier weight so i can live longer even if still considered "overweight" at least not putting the strain on my body i am now. Hope this helps ... tracy :nervous

Hi, I am NZ also, I have been to the GP and he is sending all my information to the surgeon this week. I have briefly talked with the surgeon already via email. Just now waiting to see when I can get an appointment with him. I understand the wanting to get it done yesterday, though in saying that, it is a big decision to make.

Ange, i hope all has gone well with the cyst removal, it would be a worrying time for you i am sure! i have been to see my doc today - he has given me the thumbs up for going to see a surgeon and writing a letter to the surgeon today with my medical history. What a relief! I feel very positive about this. Thank you

I am going through the process of deciding if this is the right thing for me or not. i am going to see my Doctor tomorrow, i think i am most nervous about telling him i am considering it. He is kind of old fashioned in his thinking - but i do want his support. With regard to telling friends and family, my husband is fully supportive and in agreement with me that i shouldn't tell anyone at first. for me personally, it is a very private thing, i feel i have been judged my entire life ... well adult life ... about my weight - the last thing i need if this is the path i am going to head down, is people judging me for making this choice. i am terrified it will be another failure - adding to the long list of diets, pills, exercise and other attempts that have provided short term or no success. In addition to that, i live in new zealand, i think people will be less "open" to the idea and believe it is me taking the "easy way out". If only they knew! Something you can never educate them on!

wow, 20kgs, thats great. Can i ask how long ago you had the surgery?

Well, i am just about to take the first steps ... i have spoken briefly with a surgeon .... i have the ok from hubby ... Going to see the GP on Friday - the thing i am most nervous about. He has been my GP since i was 8 years old - i am not sure on what his opinion will be regarding surgery. fingers crossed he says it is ok to explore further. Now for the questions: Do any of you know what Southern Cross's criteria is for accepting? I have been a member for like 10 years with them, so i meet the time thing ... what about the rest? Has anyone had it done in HB, at Royston? I have had contact with a surgeon there ... would be keen to hear about experiences! What is the average cost? What does this include - and just as importantly - not include? And to end of a good note - omg - those PB's sound positively revolting!! (though bareble if i can be the normal sized person i feel like - but don't look like)