Sunwyse

Thanks Sam. New job is fantastic. Such a relief and all that stress gone! My only problem now is a chest infection that won't go away. Gonna throw drugs at it over the next week or so to see if that can take care of it. Don't want the op pushed back for any reason!!

Ok, haven't read the entire thread so apologies if my comment seems out of place, but if you are that hungry at the start of each meal, have you though of breaking it up a bit. Have half of it an hour earlier say, then the rest at the usual meal time?

Protein doesn't have to be meat. Where do you think vegetarians get it from? Not calcium either. A variety of legumes, pulses and beans will give you a good protein intake. Also, we don't need to have as much protein in our diet as most people think. Shouldn't be more than the size of your own palm.

I was thinking Bridge Road Richmond as well. All that area, there are a huge number of factory outlet places where you will get some amazing stuff. Also, the op shops there used to have some really great gear, but I haven't lived in Melbourne for 4 years, so that might have changed. Also, look at Smith Street Collingwood, going toward the Fitzroy end. Heaps of newer outlets there you can take a look at. The Alexandra Pde end may have some nice places. I know there's a trendy bather's shop there.

As far as I know, all the health insurance companies in Aus cover the band, as long as you've done the 12 month waiting period. As you've already had the op, the fills won't be that big a deal to cover I'm sure. Contact your insurer at home and see if they have any connections with companies here who they might have an agreement with to take on each other's customers.

Hi Susannah, why not save your favourite sub groups to bookmarks/favourites, then you won't need to trawl for them. I agree about life being in the way at times. I'm in the process of finding a new job and I've just developed plantar fasciitis, which is basically heel spurs without the spur. GREAT!!!! Can't do the exercise now for anything. Oh well *sigh* guess I'll just have to drag out the old stationery bike!! Can't wait for that op.

Less than 2 months to go to my op and the waiting is excruciating. I just want this thing done. I'm feeling heavier than I've felt in a long time and every time I look in the mirror I can see even more weight piling on. I feel like a barrel with arms and legs sticking out. I'm Ok most of the time, work keeps me busy. Its just the weekends that take so bl**dy long. And the fact I'll have 2 weeks off to just do whatever I want isn't helping. Want that time off now. I work in child care and we have entered our official accreditation window. Basically, we are waiting for someone from the government to come out and decide if we are nice people. I have no problem with this. What I have a problem with is my director saying I might not be able to have the time off after all, if they haven't come out by then. Tough whatsits I say to her!!! I'm having the op and the time off, even if I have to quit. I work for A Bad Childcare company who think they have a right to tell me what to do with my life. ha!! Anyway, just wanted to whinge. Go back to your regular viewing. :biggrin:

No such thing as a little success, lellow. All success is a big deal!

size 8 - awesome news!! congratulations.

Hi Jan, I know it seems like May is so far away, but trust me, the time will fly. I had to do the 12 month weight because of insurance as well. I've been champing at the bit to get this done since I took it out. Its been a long year, but now the time is almost here, it doesn't seem that long at all. M.

Plenty of room on my soapbox! lol @ Sam. I can just see your hubby now. Something I'd likely do - after a few that is. Hey! I once was driven down the main drag of the Gold Coast topless, by my partner. Lots of bright lights and my size E-s out for a play!! My partner got a kick out of it, the car load of size 6 girls we pulled up next to, didn't quite see it that way lol, but that's me.

Fanny, I couldn't agree more!! My personal view, not meant at anyone in particular!! I feel that if I don't tell people and lead them to believe I will lose the weight through moderating my diet and exercise alone, that I am perpetuating the myth that fat people are simply lazy and stupid when it comes to what to eat. It also makes me feel that I believe I am somehow cheating and have something to be ashamed of, why else not tell people? As for other people's reactions, I don't care what they think. I know this is a positive step for me and so far only encouragement. But then I often think what we fear people will say is really what we think about ourself underneath and are afraid to face. If someone really wants to see what another person might say, why not talk to a stranger in the street and tell them. Said it before and will say it again - I will tell anybody who will stand long enough to hear the words - I'll yell it after them as they leave if I have to. I am now 41 and I have struggled with excess weight since I was 13. I am glad I have reached a point where I can finally give up the fight or the pretense of a fight, because that way simply didn't work and is never going to work. And I'm so excited and happy to find there is a solution. What I have is a genuine medical condition, not a social/emotional/moral one. There is an answer which requires and operation, but there is an answer. For me its like saying my thyroid is playing up and now I take medication to stabilise it or I have a shot liver and can have a transplant which will cure that. At the end of the day, I have a dysfunctional 'something' and science/medicine has found a way to make it better, make it work right. I'm all for it and I'm happy to let others know. To hell with shame I say - Give me freedom! *getting off soap box now*

This is awesome news!! Well done. I'll take slow over not at all anytime!!

You go home the same day?? In Australia they make you stay in overnight just to make sure its all ok. Congrats on the date, hoping all goes well for you.

I will be done 22 October, which is 21 October to any nothern hemisphere people here. as for what to call us, I have no idea. I noticed a lot of halloween related themes. That would suit the Americans amongst us, but what would people who aren't American be called, since halloween is an American holiday and not universal? As for October here, its a perfect month to be done in. Weather getting nicer and we are gearing up for summer, so I get the double whammy of an op that reduces my hunger and the weather making me not want to eat much anyway. woo hoo.

Damo, you will be fine and you ARE going to be banded. If for some reason, APRA do knock back your first application, don't let it upset you. Many people have been knocked back on the first application because of silly things like a word out of place. Just contact them to find out why (if they don't explain it) and then go about getting it all re-done. At worst it will mean a delay, not an end to the process. If the surgeon has written many of these, then you have no problems. Any mistakes they might have made the first few times, would have been all fixed by the time they come to write your letter. After all, they don't want to waste their time re-writing these things! Ask your surgeon, he probably has a template on his computer and just fills in the relative details of each patient when needed! lol. Its gonna happen mate, now its just a matter of time.

Nat36, I know exactly where you are coming from! Almost 10 years ago I had a medical condition that controlled every aspect of my life. I couldn't work because of it, just horrible. Then I was finally given an operation that fixed it and it took me a while to get used to finally being free of the condition, but I got there. Now it interferes no more! I am liberated to do what I want, when I want. It will be the same with this, I know. I have already made my list of what I want to do when I finally get fit enough to be able to walk without limping again! lol Part of my list is, belly dancing, scuba diving, some other form of dance, more visits to country areas to get out and walk. Get back into hobby photography (means more walking! lol). None of these are things I have to force myself to do, the most expensive is scuba diving. All are things I want to do and love doing when my weight is more manageable. Watch the olympics (that always inspires me) or if you really want to feel good about moving til you nearly drop, adopt a friend's kid and take them to the park!! I have spent far too much time in my life doing things I hated because I *needed* to. Bugger that! As soon as I am able to move freely again, its what I want, never what I feel I ought to again.

Awesome news Denise! Way to go!! Thank you for sharing.

If you don't love the gym, you could end up paying an expensive membership you never use. Ask yourself what sort of activities might you enjoy, belly dancing, line dancing, swimming, hiking or just joining a walking group and going on weekend walks away to hills and mountains. Is there something you've always dreamed of taking up? Sky diving, scuba or horse riding? If there is, then you'd be far better off spending the money on lessons or club membership than gym membership. Are their groups who meet in your area to go for walks together? Can you take up gardening? What about rowing, kite flying, feeding the ducks in the park? It doesn't have to be pump and grind. If you do something you really enjoy, then you are going to keep at it and not even realise you've been exercising. Do you have a friend or two you can talk into taking a regular walk with you?

Agree. Look into a fill first.

Had my appointment with psyche yesterday. Went really well. It was a challenge on a personal level as well, as I have a fear of heights and the appointment was on the 2nd floor. My partner would have come but I was determined to go on my own. Anyway, all went well and he's approved me from his side. Now its just the dietitian in October, then the op. Can't wait! Michelle

Thank you lellow. It won't be long now.

Have not applied but I've heard they do knock some back. It needs to be worded exactly right for some crazy reason. They should have given you a letter explaining the wording. Just get your GP and surgeon to write the letter, using APRA's wording and it should go OK.

Hi Big Damo! Welcome. I'm being done 22 October. Same place, same doc (why does batman come to mind??). I saw the psyche yesterday and my dietitian appoint. is in October. If you're interested in meeting others, come along to the Brisbane get togethers. They are held once a month and you get to meet some people from here and all have been done or are going to be done. Michelle

Hi Tiffany, welcome. I know what you mean. Women used to look funny at me when I said I enjoy my period in a sort of weird way. It reminded me I was a woman because they were so far and few between. I am not doing the same process as you, we don't need to do the 6 month diet in Australia, but I can be here for you while you are going through it. I do know oh so well, those rollercoaster feelings you are speaking of. Best of luck with it all. Michelle