theresa2mum

Mine was puffy for about 4 weeks. Hope yours doesn't take that long!

Welcome and GOOD LUCK for no more delays! Since joining this site, I have renewed respect for our Australian health care system.

OMG Vines...you don't eat the wrapper...the dust goes in the bin lmao. Not that I've ever had chocolate long enough to get dusty

Hi Bruce. I know it's different in America. (I'm in Australia) I had a BMI of 37 with some pretty heavy overeating before the surgeon's appointment as I thought you needed a higher BMI. Anyway mine was 37 with absolutely no co-morbidities. I was going to exaggerate my snoring lol but it was never an issue. I made a joke to hubby that I clearly LOOKED fat enough lmao. Private health insurance and medicare cover most of it here and you don't need to 'battle' like you guys seem to. Good luck and don't let a low BMI stop you.

Yes, I was given two. I keep one in my wallet and one in the car. Mine appears to be directed at other doctors to seek his advice before prescribing medication. I don't know how I'd go using it in a restaurant...time will tell lol.

My BMI was 38 - 103 kilo start weight (I'm 165cm) and my doctor said everyone does it no matter what...or risk open surgery instead of lap surgery....or NO surgery. That kept me on track every time I considered swaying. Every doctor is different and quite frankly I'd have dressed as a clown for 2 months if that's what I had to do to have this surgery.

Well I figure wine IS a liquid lol. My lapband booklet actually talks about the health benefits of small quantities of red wine - I didn't need much more convincing than that lmao

That's exactly what it's like - a detox. Day 4 was good for me. After that I had more energy than ever. You will still miss 'eating' but the vegies help. I think the motivation of knowing what happens at the end is well worth it. Having said that - I could NEVER do it again lol. Good luck. Not long now till you're a bandster

I had this problem, but not as bad it seems. My dietician warned me it would happen from the drink they give you to do the xray before you come home. Could it be that?? Good luck and keep up the fluids

Last exam today.......yeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaa!!! 3 years down, 1 to go OMG

If you really wanted to do some research on this, don't forget that banding has been in Australia around 10 years and I'm not sure how long in Europe. My surgeon definately said that there has been big changes in the way the band is applied that has greatly reduced the slipping and eroding (however, it does still happen). He mentioned it is put much higher now than the early days and more stitching. I would love to Google this...I'm sure there would be heaps about it. Unfortunately, I'm sitting uni exams atm...and really should be studying lol. Good luck

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Just throwing my little B cups worth in here lol. Firstly Jess, you probably don't want to hear this but I know a man who has had the snip twice and has a little bundle to prove the first one didn't work... Also, ruling out bubs lol, the first thing I thought of was your bra but too much coffee would absolutely do that to me. Good luck. Pity about the price tag OMG

I have just 3 words (banded or not) DON'T DO IT!!

To be happy and healthy...To get off the yo yo dieting that was messing with my head...to look in the mirror and see ME... Having this surgery was finally admitting to myself that the problem was bigger than me simply over eating. This operation gave me hope.

Hi again Debra This is a recipe for chicken stock (clear soup) that a lovely chef on an Australian lapband site gave me. It is yummy! Do you have to be on clear liquids for the whole two weeks? Because two lovely friends also made me the yummiest pumpkin soup. Both different but that saved me during the liquid phase. About caffiene...I was the biggest coffeeaholic going. I have not had a coffee since I started the pre op diet. I drink only tea and never look for coffee. So yes, your tastes do change. Still like chips (crisps) though lol. CHICKEN STOCK <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> Chicken bones (add a wing/leg as well) Celery – few pieces Carrots – a few Onions – a few Peppercorns – dozen Bay leaf - 1 Parsley – small handful Garlic clove – 1 Chilli flakes – a sprinkle <o:p> </o:p> Put into a large pot and cover with Water. Bring to boil and simmer for 3 hours. Remove all ingredients and strain. Leave in fridge overnight for fat to settle on the top. Scoop off fat the next day and freeze in small portions (1/2 cup usually).

Within 5 days I was pretty much normal. Just a little 'aware' of the incisions in my belly. I was more tired the first two weeks probably from the general rather than the op.

(((hugs))) Tammy. Take deep breaths. Hope you are ok.

Wow, you seem to be very organised. Do you have some liquid pain relief, or will the doctor provide that? I also had a freezer full of clear Soup and other Soups for when you progress through the different stages. Follow your diet protocol of course. Also, when I felt better but still on liquids, I would set aside 1/2 cup containers of stews etc to blend for the mushy stage. I'm still pulling meals out of the freezer and I'm still topping it up now I'm on solids. I had too much soup but they are there for fills etc. Good luck! This is the best thing you can do!!

I do that! I am NOT a morning person, but a low weigh-in the night before is a sure way to get me bouncing out of bed lol.

Hi Tomorrowsdream I had to wait a couple of months for my surgeon and yes it was hell (I'm a very impatient person lol) but it seemed to come around so quickly. In the meantime I learnt everything I could and more. I think I probably know more about the after care than my surgeon. Only you know wether paying now or going to Mexico are good options for you. I do think February isn't that far away though and think of the money you'll need for new clothes Personally I would wait. I'll admit, if my surgeon had been able to do it on the spot I would not have hesitated. So I know how you feel. But having said that, when it did eventually happen, I knew exactly what I was doing with no doubts at all, as I'd had time to research research research. Also, time to break the news in my own way to the handful of people I wanted to know. They also had time to get used to the idea, which was important for me to have that support network. Only one warning...I went on the never ending last supper but lost it all again on the pre op diet. Good luck with your decision

I thought I would feel the way you do before the op. I had a fair few frozen things to use while I was recovering. Pasta sauce, casseroles etc. But when I felt better I actually found I was in the kitchen a little bit more than usual. AND I wasn't cooking to my tastes. I didn't realise until the op, alot of our meals were what I felt like lol. So once the liquids went down fairly easily I had more spare time. I'd cook a yummy meal for the family and rather than sit there watching them I'd be straight into the kitchen and tidying up while they were still eating. You'll be surprised how much more time you have while you're on liquids. Good luck

Hi. Don't panic it won't be a problem. I would phone the hospital you are going to and ask the to speak to a nurse on the ward you'll be in (it's called the surgical ward here, not sure about there sorry). They will have seen this a million times. And good luck for Monday! See you on the skinny side

WELL DONE!!

My info pack (can't remember the exact words and too lazy to search for it lol) acknowledges the empty/liquid calorie issue, but says it may help in social situations which some overweight people may have withdrawn from. Also acknowledges the research that moderate red wine may have health benefits. I like that bit