-acl-

Ohhh... I miss my salad too. I'm only 3 weeks post band, so I'm still on soft foods but craving salad, especially since it's just hit summer here. When the time comes for me to move on to solid food, I'll try the salad - but with extreme caution....

Personally I think it's who's inside the body that counts. If I were single, I don't think I could date anyone (large or not)though, only because of my own insecurities and self loathing of my own body. My husband is not obese but is a little on the larger side, and is totally comfortable in his own skin, and is 6'4.. and gets looked at by other women all the time (and sometimes men too, lol!). Moving back to the topic at hand - as far as looks go, I find eyes and smiles are what attracts me.

I spent a year looking into it at 30 - Then took the jump at 31...

$2500 - Surgeon $1700 - Anaethesist $3896 - Theatre Fees $2800 - Band $10,896 Total (Self Pay)

Chris I was self pay (we re-morgaged the house) and am now looking into private health for further down the track. The reason for me doing it this way was when you look at the facts - I am a heart attack waiting to happen. Like you I also have a family, the sooner I did something about my health the better... I say if you can afford to take the money from your super, go for it. Like the other Amy said 'health is more important than $$' ,and She Smiles also put across a good point re: longer life to earn the super back. I was banded only 3 weeks ago, so by all means I'm not an expert - but I'm pretty sure, so far, that I'll never regret taking the steps to try to make my life a healthier one. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make, all the best. Amy

Danna, Great to see you are now banded after what must have seemed like for ever counting down. Rest up and take things easy. Looking forward to hearing about your progress. Amy

What has me quivering like a jelly is the thought of "giving up eating" forever! I know that once I get through the liquids/mushies stage, we are supposed to be able to eat most things, just in much smaller quantities, but I'm scared to let go of the "big pigout". I'm especially scared about the reactions that some people have to certain foods, and not being able to eat them ever without having problems. What if I can never have lasagne again?? What if it turns out that my favourite savoury sausage casserole is one of those things that I just can't eat? One of the things I liked about this procedure was my original perception that, once healed, I could eat all types of food but just couldn't gorge myself on them. Now that I've read and learned more, I'm worried about those things - or is it just last minute nerves and I'm being silly? I also feared letting go of 'the big pigout', but to be honest after the surgery for me it hasn't been an issue. It doesn't bother me being around other people eating nice food - which suprises me... I'm still on soft foods. I think this is because I'm starting to see positive changes in my body and for me that is the aim of this game. Fingers crossed that you will be one of the lucky ones, who can eat all different types of foods. And fingers crossed for me too... lol.

Rhonda - Your positive outlook is great, keep it up and you can't fail. On the other hand, I don't mind reading about other peoples negatives - I find I can learn from their experiences. When did you get your band? I saw you joined in Oct. but got your band before joining. Take care. Amy

Fanny, I also had only 2 weeks from consult to banding, it was a bit of a rollercoaster as far as emotions were concerned and I found it quite helpful to write my thoughts and feelings down - I did this also so I will have something to look back on (besides photo's). I have to say I am glad I didn't have to wait any longer....I am finding this a really exciting journey, and I now think 'why did I wait this long'. Good luck with the op - I'm sure you'll be fine, I'm looking forward to hearing how it all goes for you. Amy.

Hi Everyone - I have not had my first fill yet, as I am only 12 days post op, but I was curious whether the time frame for first fills varies? Ta, Amy.

My sincere condolences to you, the people at your support group, this poor ladies family and her husband of 48 years.

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Thankyou all for your replies. Wendell, I had a look at the link you supplied - and found it very interesting, that's the most informative info I've come across relating to bands so far, Thankyou. Amy

Hi again - I was speaking with a lady today who had a fill put in at the same time she was banded - she has a 9ml band and the doctor put in 4mls. I can't wait to get some restriction happening!!

Thanks Julie

Thanks Sades, I have to admit I drink no where near as much coffee as I used to now, only 2 - 3 a day. Before band I was up to as many as 10, but have always used low fat milk. Anyway, thanks for answering my question. Cheers

Hi Maria, Just noticed we were banded on the same day! Take care, Amy - Perth Western Australia.

Hi Summer87, No Coffee!! I think that would be the end of me! LOL.... I was given coffee in hospital a couple of hours after my op - has anyone said why no coffee, I'm curious now.

I take Accomin liquid - 10mls a day. I'm still in the liquid stage (12 days Post op), but I'm finding it pretty good - I started taking it 2 weeks pre band. Banded: 13th Nov '07 Start Weight: 136 kg's Today: 126 kg's

Hello from another Perth person! My name is Amy. I was banded on 13th Nov 2007. Dr Kierath also did mine :clap2: I've just got through my first week, and am looking forward to a new healthy life. Amy

Sorry Lauri, I just realised I'm in Australia, and you are in the US. I got mine from the drug store (chemist), you will be able to find something simular if not the same, just ask for a good liquid multi vitamin. Hope this helps, Amy

Hi Lauri, I am taking a liquid vitamin called Accomin, 10mls a day. Hope your feeling better soon, take it easy. Amy

Hi Swindy, I get a jumpy feeling in my head if I miss a dose. Although I did miss a dose the day of surgery and I was fine, might have had something to do with all the other drugs they were pumping into me. But no, no bad side effects from missing my dose post surgery.

Hi ladybug, I was banded on Tuesday (13th Nov 07). Today (monday), I feel fantastic, no pain or feeling uncomfortable. I actually mopped and vacuumed the floors today! You'll be up and at em in no time. Take care Amy

Hi Jodie, I was banded 1 week ago and am also on Efexor XR 150mg. I haven't had a problem taking mine yet, they are going down okay at the moment, but then again I haven't had a fill yet. They are also working fine, I don't know about you, but on the few stupid occasions when I haven't taken them (pre op), I get a jumpy feeling in my head. So far this hasn't happened so thats why I am assuming they're absorbing fine in my system. Hope this helps and good luck with your op. Amy