ChrissyD

Hi Goodtimes I'm an aussie and got my band in on the 17 December. My doctor does a lot of follow up in the first year - I think a total of 12 appointments but a lot of these are dietician, physio and psychologist. I think my program includes 3 fill appointments in the first year and probably 3 appointment in the first year with the actual doctor for follow up. After the first year they encourage you to come for a consultation with the doctor every 6 to 12 months. ChrissyD

Hi Meg, I'm glad you posted this one becaused I'm being banded on 17 December and have been feeling like a complete failure because I have so absolutely stuffed up the pre-op diet thus far. I was just wondering if I am the only person who has done this. Most people on these forums seem to be quite successful at it. It is a major struggle for me as I think I might eat because I'm nervous about the op and other things at the moment. Every night I go to bed having the best intentions for the next day only to end up blowing it. I guess the only approach is realising today is a new day and doing our best with the days we have left before the op. Hope all goes well for you. Chris

I find the Optifast soup is only really good for the bin. shakes are ok and the dessert is really quite nice. I'm supposed to be on my pre-op optifast diet but have fallen off the wagon rather spectacularly. Bit nerve racking because my op in on 17 December. Will have to get back on and absolutely punish myself for the rest of the week.

Hi everyone. My names Chris and I have a surgery date for 17 December. I'm in Australia and have been really excited and looking forward to the op. I'm not covered by health insurance at the moment so it will cost me approx $15,000 to have it done now. If I wait a year I can get $9,000 of this covered. I've only told 2 people about my upcoming surgery and I guess I may be starting to second guess myself (and panic a bit). I'm kind of turning over whether I should wait for another year to save $9,000 or if getting it done sooner will be worth spending the extra money. What are your thoughts on this?? Im really getting indecisive. On one hand I know that this is a lot of money to my family but on the other hand I know I could benefit from putting my health first and getting on track now. I've always been a big fan of instant gratification (probably how I got to this place I'm in now) and I wonder if I'm being selfish when this money could be paid off the mortgage or something. I'm actaully getting it released from my Superannuation which is something you can do in Australia if your condition is considered life threatening. This has been approved so theres no problem there. Anyway, this is becoming a long story but I would like your thoughts on what you think. Is getting a 12 month head start worth nearly $10,000? Thanks for listening. Chris

Sades, My doctor is Roy Brantacisano from Circle of Care in Baulkham Hills. Chris

Thanks Geneva and Cindy for your answers - I really appreciate your feedback. I've been thinking about this overnight and really feel that I should go ahead now. This has all fallen into place for me so quickly - getting the surgery date, super released etc and I don't want to miss my opportunity. I've even arranged to have the time off work and prayed and psyched myself up for it. I really appreciate your prayers as well. God Bless you!

I think Julie is right - I shouldn't let 9K stand between me and my happiness! It's amazing how booking in for a lap band operation has made me think about how many times in my life my weight has stopped me from doing something, caused embarrassment or just made me feel plain miserable and not even able to socialise. I've been remembering moments even as a young girl that I was made to feel shame or embarassment because of my weight. I have joined a health fund and this will kick in after one year but I think the sooner I go ahead with this the better. I guess I've been fotunate to be able to release my super and get a surgery date so soon!

Sades, Im from Sydney too. Thanks everyone so much for your help - I really appreciate feeling like I can get some advice.

Hi there. My name is Chris and I'd like to part of this thread. I'm a christian and feel like I could use some support at the moment. This is my second post on this forum and I would like to ask the same question that was in my other post to you guys as I'd really like a christian perspective on this:- I have a surgery date for 17 December. I'm in Australia and have been really excited and looking forward to the op. I'm not covered by health insurance at the moment so it will cost me approx $15,000 to have it done now. If I wait a year I can get $9,000 of this covered. I've only told 2 people about my upcoming surgery and I guess I may be starting to second guess myself (and panic a bit). I'm kind of turning over whether I should wait for another year to save $9,000 or if getting it done sooner will be worth spending the extra money. What are your thoughts on this?? Im really getting indecisive. On one hand I know that this is a lot of money to my family but on the other hand I know I could benefit from putting my health first and getting on track now. I've always been a big fan of instant gratification (probably how I got to this place I'm in now) and I wonder if I'm being selfish when this money could be paid off the mortgage or something. I'm actually getting it released from my Superannuation which is something you can do in Australia if your condition is considered life threatening. This has been approved so theres no problem there. Anyway, this is becoming a long story but I would like your thoughts on what you think. Is getting a 12 month head start worth nearly $10,000? Thanks for listening. Chris