Mickers

A"manly" drink. What sort of mates doo you have. To me ordering a glass of sauvignon blanc is not unmanly in fact I feel it show some culture and to do it in a bar during a sporting match takes a level of manlyness beyond most fellows. I was a massive beer drinker before the band and have not missed it since, don't let peer pressure or the image of what a man is sabotage your weight loss. I work in a blue collar enviroment and was hesitant to tell my workmates about the band but since they have known they have been the greatest support so have a glass of wine at the bar and teell your mates why I bet they back you up. You wont be as interested in drinking as much anyway, feeling good is more addictive and boy I feel good.

My old shorts where looking like clown pants. I went to the old big mans section but alas I could find nothing that fit...IT WAS ALL TO BIG....so I went to a normal mens wear store and was able to get a pair of shorts. I havent been able to shop in a normies shop in over 10 years!!!! I feel awesome (still fat but awesome).

Aircraft technician. Working as a quality inspector on a large 737 modification.

I have given up the beer and at just over 10 weeks out and with 2 fills, the band is really doing it. I only notice that it is there when I break the rules (don't chew well enough especially). Greatest thing I ever did and I am not even half way yet!

I have done enough drinking in my life to ensure my Aussie status forever. Seriously I am drinking much (a couple of glasses one night a week) and I think I am finding that easy because I never decided to give up just get real. Previously I would put away a dozen cans of beer and 2 bottles of wine on a Saturday night and eat whatever I could get my hands on in the process.

My two cents for anyone feeling nervous. I am 7 weeks post op today, I have lost 48.4lbs spending my weekends walking and cycling. Not drinking much so no hangovers food bill is cheap. This is with out a doubt the best thing I have done in my life, ever.

I am almost 4 weeks post-op now lost a bunch of weight, went for a 4.6km walk this morning. I am saving about $100 a week on booze and food. Best thing I have ever done.

Brisbane, Australia. 17kg so far (thats a little over 37lbs)

I used Dr Copp $16500 as a self pay but I got $2300 back from the hospital and should get some more back at tax time.

Hi guys. I am two weeks post op now and am loosing weight at a good rate (-13.8kg 30lbs since starting preop). I am over the moon with the weight loss but I feel soooo tired. Have any of you felt this I seem to need to sleep all the time. I am back at work this week but I have an understanding boss and plenty of sick leave so I have just done half days this week so far. I like to sleep but I slept about 9 hrs last night, got up while my wife got ready for work the had a nap before I go night shift. What are your thoughts?

I had to stop taking my diabetes meds the day of surgery and was worried about getting it in for the first few days. Now day 15 post op I haven't taken it at all I've lost 13kg (28lbs) and my blood sugar this morning before breakfast was 6.8 and has been all week. I am not going to my GP tomorrow and am telling her I don't want to go back on the pills.

How long did you wait for soft foods? My dietitian has me changing to mushies at 14 days.

I am 6 days out now and have also lost my burp! I hope it comes back. I am finding that I wake up feeling fine jump out of bed and get into something around the house and then run out of steam in the afternoon. Is this how it is for all?

Well I am now officially a bandster had mine put in on Tuesday. I feel tired today but other than that just a bit sore around the port site, the other four incisions don't hurt at all. Just trying to sleep it off at the moment I think I will be a ok tomorrow. No chickening out now - onward to a new me.

Well guys I had my band in yesterday . Almost no pain from the incisions but gee that gas pain is makin me unhappy. I walked miles this morning. I think I just feel a bit crap after the anestetic also. Any way this is bad as it is ever going to get so chin up and of we go on the adventure.

Josh How did you go on Monday?

Hi Guys Mick from Brisbane Australia here. I am being banded on the 5th Feb. Just wondering if anyone has tried baby food for the mushie stage? I have found some great sounding varieties, Lamb Rogan josh, Beef and vegetables etc! What do you think?

My Dr also does a low carb diet. I have started a week early so I can check with the dietitian that I am doing everything right.

I am seeing Margret but these days she doesn't give you to much post op info til a bit later to save confusion. I am sure Benita was talking about eggs!

Well I am booked in to the hospital for the 5Feb08. I am currently working through the mourning of the foods that got me to this point but which have to be left behind. I have just received a couple of cookbooks for post surgey folk and they both mention "liquid egg substitute"? What is it, do I need it, where can I get it. There are lots of nice recipes in the books but a lot of them use this stuff. Those of you already banded, has your dietitian banned eggs or is this just one of those American things?

Well I told my folks and my sisters about the band on Saturday which was my birthday. It all went a lot better than I had expected, there where no shocked faces they all listened while I explained it then they all offered their support and we set about having a fantastic night together. Family hey, who can predict them.

I would love to here from anyone who has used Dr John Copp? I am booked with him he seems like a nice chap but I will be out to it anyway:)

I am having my band done in Feb at St Andrews in Ipswich. Self pay using super $16500 inc dietician, anesthatist etc. I also got prices from Wesley weight loss and they where very similar. My view is that I am going to be cut open I want the best. I am using Dr John Copp he bulk bills fills and you pay for 10 dietician appointments up front to make sure you go. If you get to a state where you need a band your super is moot cause chances are you want be around at sixty to get it. I know I wouldn't be anyway.

I am having my band done on 05Feb08. Nervous about telling my family. My wife is excited because she is sure she will eat less as well. I am 153Kg (337lbs) and would like to get to under 100Kg (220lbs) I haven't been that size since I was about 17-18 years old. My pre-op diet is just a super low carb diet.