josnjos

Hi all, I have seen some interest in the forums about a possible support group for those of us bandsters in Brisbane (or even regional QLD). I am about to be banded on 14th January, and although the support and information from the website has been fantastic there is nothing like a group of people all in the same boat meeting up for a social gathering. What I wanted to do was get some sort of gauge on the level of interest in a local support group, and what area people are in for a possible meeting location. If you are interested and have any ideas as to what we can do send me an email brisbanebandsters@hotmail.com Take care, Josh (josntra)

Well as of yesterday I am officially a lapbandit! Got home from hospital this morning and am very sore around my wounds and shoulders and a very sore throat! Also lots of wind pain, that is made feel much better through lots of burping and farting!! Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart for your kinds words and support. I will keep everyone updated on my progress. So far since 1st January I have now lost 10kg! Take care, Josh.

It's my surgery day tomorrow too! I have been keeping myself busy today and trying not to stress! I am all prepared though! Good luck Jess! Hope all goes well.

Well I got some fantastic news from my dietician yesterday. I called her just to discuss how I was going on Optifast and I told her I was struggling a bit. She asked how much weight I had lost, I told her and she was blown away! She said I have done very well and I have lost enough weight for surgery and to shrink the old liver! So as from last night she is letting me cut back to 2 shakes a day and having a 200g serve of Protein with my evening meal. Well that may not seem like much but it was music to my ears lol. Last night I enjoying a lean piece of steak (chewed it very well in practice!!) with mushroom garlic and onion sauce. It was heaven! lol. My dietician said I don't necessarily need to lose any more weight before surgery but I need to maintain my current weight and not fat up my liver lol. Today is Thursday and surgery is on Monday so it will be easy. Just remember fellow optifasters - there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you have lost weight and are struggling then talk to your dietician!

My dad had health insurance through Blair and it still cost him about $6k I think. My surgeon is costing me about $9k after rebates which isn't too bad. My only drawback is I have been waiting since September for the surgery date - I am having it done as a private patient in a public hospital. The APRA process is fairly easy, I got approved no problem. Just make sure you follow their guidlelines very strictly and also make sure your super company actually allows early withdrawl with APRA approval.

Don't worry too much I actually did the same thing on Sunday night. I won't do it again though it was enough carbs to take me out of ketosis and make me feel like crap and have headaches for 24 hours. Lesson learnt for me lol. Although if I had known I had lost 8.9kg I don't think I would have done it! Feeling a lot better now though.

Well everone as hard as Optifast is and as much as I have complained about it - I just weighed myself at the doctors office and I have lost 8.9kg from being on optifast for 6 days. I am so excited you can't wipe the smile from my face! Its very very hard but totally worth it!

My Dad was banded by Blair Bowden, and he was very very happy with how everything went. I am going through George Hopkins, only because I don't have private health insurance and couldn't afford Blair!

Of course kids will be welcome, it will be fun event for the whole family. If you can let me know what area you are in it will help find a suitable location central to everyone. Josh.

Yes it is perfectly normal to lose that amount of weight in 4 days. I am hoping to lose up to 10kg in the two weeks that I am on Optifast pre-op. Josh.

Hi there thinner-or-bust, I too am on Optifast, I am on day 3. It has been very hard and I have felt like giving up, but luckily I haven't! I found today that if you mix the shake powder with Water and 3 or 4 ice cubes and crush it all with a stick mixer it turns it into a thickshake - quite yummy. Also if you have vanilla optifast shakes you can add chocolate, strawberry or caramel DIET topping, making it even yummier lol. I too am being banded on 14th January, only 10 days to go. Keep in touch about how you are going. Josh.

Hey y'all, I am from Brisbane too (outer northern suburbs), and being banded on 14th Jan. Is there are sort of support group or meetings set up for those of us in Brisbane?

Hey all, My name is Josh and I am from Brisbane. I am 29 and weigh 160kg. I have always been big and am just about at wits end. I am finally having my lap band op on 14th January and I can't wait! I am hoping to have some support either online or a support group around Brisbane. I am a litte nervous but very excited about how it is going to change my life. I can't wait to go out in public without people staring at me, to buy clothes in a 'normal' shop, to be able to go to Dreamworld and actually go on the rides! It might seem like I am whinging but its excites me that I will be able to do all these things and more! Hoping to chat to you soon, Josh.

Definately well done Nigel. I only hope I have the same success that you have had. I will keep in contact to let you know my progress and incase I have any questions! Josh.

Hey all, My surgery is costing just over $9000 out of pocket. I have no private health insurance and I am having it done in a public hospital as a private patient. I know its a lot of money but I think its a small price to pay. I withdrew the money from my super to pay for it. I can thoroughly recommend this - there's a bit of a hassle involved, but it means you can get it done even if you don't have the cash laying around! Josh.

Hi all, Thanks again for all your words of support. I have been there and done Tony Ferguson, and never want to taste another TF shake again! I am going to give Optifast a try, despite everyone's dislike of it! lol. I figure that its the means to an end and I will just persevere. Its only 2 weeks! Will keep you all posted on my progess after 1st Jan!! Take care, Josh.

Thank you so much for your kinds words and encouragement, it really means a lot. I was having a bit of a downer last night! I am starting Optifast on 1st Jan, which just happens to be new years day so I thought I would make it a new year challenge. Firstly to stick to optifast, and then to get to my goal weight of 100kg. You have both had your bands in very recently and it gives me great encouragement that you have lost so much weight in the short time since, that is so fantastic. I will definately be around here chatting with you, and will more than likely sending a PM when I am having a hard time! Thanks again, Josh.