greeneyez

My band fills will be bulk-billed, but my surgeon charges a co-payment of $15 for each appointment - they call it a "needle fee".Not sure if I will get any back from private health.

He he Shandra, I have already warned my boss that I might be grumpy when I come back to work!

My dr's instruction book says that I can have diet soft/soda drinks, but I'm going to use my banding as an instrument to not drink it so much and change to water. I probably won't feel like it anyway, if it makes you uncomfortable.

Hi Anya, I am being banded next week and had a gastroscopy a few days ago. My surgeon took a sample from inside my stomach to test for it, given my history of reflux and indigestion. He said I will need antibiotics after my surgery if it comes back positive. I will let you know how I go. Jen

Yep, what everyone else said! It takes you by suprise, no matter how much fat you eat. I've never seen anything like it and I will never take xenical again! Well, hopefully my banding will ensure I never have to resort to pills ever again.

Fibreglass is lighter than plaster and I would say about 2 pound.

I know what you mean. It's kind of like when you buy a new car. For the first few weeks you notice many more of the same model than you ever had. The media don't tend to talk about success stories with WLS, only the ones that went pear-shaped. Just last night in Australia they said that lapband surgery was "drastic". Read through the post-op posts, you will find most people have good experiences post op, albeit with a little discomfort. Before and after pics are also a great inspiration. A must-read is the "would you do it again?". the majority of people would do it all over again and they are very happy. I'm being banded a day before you on the 15th. Want to keep in touch so we can encourage each other? Jen

I'm not getting nervous yet, I just can't wait to start my new life. I will probably get nervous as they wheel me into surgery, like I did when I had my gastroscopy last Monday. I know I've made the right choice.

Yes, it is from the breathing tube, it should go away in a couple of days. Try to gargle some salty water, or you can get throat gargle with some anaesthetic in it from the pharmacy.

Hi Jenna, I don't know if I can help or not. I understand your concern. When I put myself in your shoes, I would probably tell him - he might do a gastroscopy to have a look pre-op (I had a gastroscopy on Mon to check if I have a hernia that needs to be fixed at the same time). I guess it is better to be safe. Good luck, Jen

They are probably dissolvable and will go away in time. Catalyst is right, you don't want to leave any behind if you cut them, they are probably running sutures. If you are worried, contact your surgeon.

Oh my goodness, how cute is this thread?? I have 2 puppies - Bailey is a cavalier king charles spaniel and is 1 yr old; and Max who is 4 months old and is a Maltese x jack russell. They are really my kids!

Hi all, I'm in Australia and don't think we have gas-x but we have De-gas capsules which usually work for me when I feel bloated. I stocked up for after my surgery next week. Hope my recovery is as good as yours seems.

Good luck all, my date is 15th. So excited, not nervous yet. My surgery was booked within 2 weeks of my first appointment with the surgeon, so I haven't had the chance to be nervous! Good luck, Jen

HI can't decide, I understand how you feel, it is a big decision. For me, it is more of a risk if I don't do it. I guess you will never know if you are approved, unless you send it in. You can always change your mind anytime before the surgery. Good luck, Jen

Hi Ashley, congrats on being banded and finishing your exams. I'm being banded next Tuesday (5 more sleeps!) and it is great to hear that you are happy and feeling good. Keep us posted, Jen

Congratulations on joining the "banded ones", I'll be joining you next week.Hope my recovery is as good as yours seems to be. Take care

My husband knows roughly how much I weigh. We are very open and honest with each other. He loves me the way I am and doesn't see my weight - we were just in the shops a few days ago and he pulled out a mini-skirt and offered to buy it for me! I just laughed and gave him a hug.

Thanks for posting the link, it was interesting to see how it is done. As for doing a good job, I don't know, I'm not an expert.

HI Jean, Welcome to LBT. I'm being banded next Tues, so hope that I can post a successful weight loss like yours. I'm hoping to get to goal by Christmas this year - I have 40 kilos to lose. I'm in Sydney. Jen

Good luck redtulips. I had never had an anaesthetic before until last Monday - I was so nervous I could hardly speak. I was suprised at how easy it was - I just went to sleep and woke up in the chair (don't know how I got there!) I'm not anxious or nervous about my surgery next Tues at the moment.

I'm a Nursing Unit Manager/RN working in Intensive Care like nkosoana. Unfortunately, when I became a manager I had to go back to 5 days a week from 3 x 12 hour shifts per week. I said I'm never go back, not sure what happened!

Hi CJV, good luck tomorrow. Lapbanders all over receive prayers every day from me, but I'll say a special one for you tonight. Jen

Congrats on your banndiversary, weight loss and getting into a 16! I can't wait to be that size again and buy trendy clothes in the regular section!

Hi Jeremy, I'm also being banded on the 15th. I'm not having second thoughts, I just keep thinking about why I am doing it in the first place. I went shopping today and dreamt about buying clothes in the regular section, I called my mum and I even placated my mother-in-law who asked if I was doing the right thing! Keep in touch, we can be buddies if you like. I don't have a pre-op diet, which I praise whoever, but I can send you thoughts and encouragement. Good luck, Jen