greeneyez

I agree. A chat program would be fantastic! And I also agree that netiquette should be taken into consideration.

Hi K. I have been very lucky with the supportiveness of my friends and relatives. I haven't told many, but those I have have been pretty good. My boss was the only one who was a bit "wierded out" by it, asking "do you think that's a little drastic?". I told her that it isn't for everyone, but it is the right choice for me. Remember the reasons why you are doing it. I would guess that you aren't doing it for your friends and relatives, but so that you can get your life back. Good luck with your surgery. Jen

Hi Nikki, It is great to hear that. I'm being banded next week and was concerned about my energy level and being able to handle going back to work. Good luck with the rest of your journey. Jen

He he he lapbandit. Aren't there plenty of single men on here who would understand your journey? At least your grocery bill would be small! I'm married without kids.

hsbeach, good luck, hope your recovery is swift. Please keep us posted on how you are doing! Mine is next week.

Congratulations! Hope your recovery is quick and almost painless!

Good luck Babbs, it will be the best decision you ever made. I am being banded next week and wish I had done it sooner. Welcome to LBT, everyone is very helpful and supportive.

Good luck! Nine, I'm being banded the day after you. I'm also nervous, but more nervous about what will happen if I don't do it. It will be worth it, I promise. Jen

Everyone looks gorgeous already - Imagine the after shots!!

Hi Caroline, Welcome! I am 32 and from Sydney Australia. I will be banded on 15th Jan. Look out for the New Years Jan 08 banded thread.

Glad it has gone well for you. Hopefully mine will be as easy in 7 sleeps time!

It's such a difficult decision to make. I've been there. I'm only 32 but being a bad judge of character, I've been married 3 times. Life is short, so make the most of it. But, it is a bloody long time if you are miserable. Do what you feel is the right thing and have no regrets - that is my motto for life. Thinking of you, Jen

What cagstorm said! Yeah, the xiphoid process does stick out a long way. As an Intensive Care Nurse, we have to be careful with doing CPR - the bone can be easily fractured. I can't wait to feel mine!

Great idea guys. The first one is from December in New Caledonia and the second was from November in New Zealand.

I'm with most people. The other people attending the seminar are probably thinking the same way as you and worrying what you think of them. You are doing it for yourself and not anyone else, so just go and be proud that you are doing it.

Wow Amy, you look great! I really should start my own blog, but never been able to finish it. Oh well, I will just have to try and then in 10 years I will look back on it and laugh!

Good luck BigLuv. I can't offer much advice, as it is much easier to get banded in Australia. I am lucky to have DH being very supportive. I hope you can convince your family to come around - and if they don't, you are doing it for you and your DH, not for them, so I say, go for it!

I was told by my surgeon (I will be banded next week)- no drinking up to 30mins before a meal. He wants me to drink 2 glasses of water before. It washes the food through too quickly, you won't feel full and you might stretch the pouch and lose the restriction. He doesn't want me to drink 2 hours post eating. (I might have to check that). Good luck!

Good luck guys, I have mine next week. I'm getting a little nervous, but I guess I am more nervous of what will happen if I DON'T get it. Keep us posted on your recovery and results, Jen

Hi Ailie, You can vent here, many people have gone through what you are describing. Luckily we don't have the same problems in Australia. Good luck with finding the right insurance and eventually getting your band. Take care

Hi guys, I'm so grateful to hear that liquids can fill you up. I'm being banded on 1/15 and I'm worried I will be hungry during my 2 weeks of liquids. Luckily, I'm not on a pre-op diet as my waist measurement isn't that big - this is the first time my waist has helped me out! Good luck to all being banded in the coming days

Oh my, I'm seriously getting one of those tomorrow. Are the shops open now??!!!

Hi crackedpepper, I agree with what everyone else has said. Reading the posts religously on the board has been the best way to get information. Someone else said that pineapple juice is a great drink to get food unstuck. I've stocked up on it for my banded days ahead! I have started to practice chewing chewing and more chewing and have found myself taking smaller bites and not drinking at meal times. It really is a mindset I guess. Oh and exercise - personally I can't stand it, but hope that by doing it, I will learn to enjoy it.

Hi Lalah, I'm so glad I live in Australia! Insurance companies here are much easier. I decided to go with the LB, as it is reversible, adjustable, has a relatively quick recovery phase and doesn't have the side effects associated with malabsorption. I can always go back and have GBS later on if LB doesn't work very well (although on this site, there are amazing success stories). I guess at the end of the day, your surgeon will recommend what they think is the best solution to your problem. Hope this helps you and hope that whatever you choose to do is successful. Cheers, Jen

Great idea, I seriously wanted to have a look before replying to your post! I also want to do the same.