clover_brisbane

I am about to go ahead with banding, currently on Day 8 of Optifast (which is unbelievably hard, might I add) and SO, SO nervous. I have a BMI of 35, the heaviest I have been is 104kgs, currently 92 (was 95 before Optifast). When I first found out all the info and read all the threads here, I was so sure it was right for me. Seeing the nurse and doctor only confirmed it and I couldn't wait to have it. Now I'm four days out and really starting to wonder if I should go ahead..I'm a an all or nothing girl..I can eat really heathily for a while and quite enjoy it and then completely blow out and gain 20 kgs in a year. I'm just sick of the constant battle, the never-ending diets, the wardrobe consisting of six different sizes and hating myself every day. I also want to fall pregnant and know that I must get the weight off before I'm likely to..I haven't been able to do this myself over the past six months. Today I'm just worried about it being such a big lifestyle change, about whether it will hurt or if I'll find myself vomiting every day (I'm someone who vomits easily)..I am scared of the unkown. I need to hear from others who've felt this way and gone on to love their band.. Is this amount of anxiety normal? TIA xx

I was banded exactly 2 weeks ago. I wrote a thread about how happy I was to have lost over 7 kgs (15.4lbs) between Optifast and post surgery only last week. The past four days, I have gained back 1.5 kgs. I cannot for the life of my understand it..I have 3 x sustagen a day (protein drink recommended by the nutritionist - around 250 cals each) and one small serve of soup at night. That's it. I have not had one single other thing. I'm not particularly hungry unless it's night where I start to look forward to the soup. All in all I feel it's working very well and I'm still thrilled I did it but how can I be gaining weight? I have done a little walking, nothing huge but still being active. I'm trying not to get discouraged, can someone give me insight here? TIA C xx

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the insight. I'll hang in there.

Just wanted to pop in and say thankyou to all who encouraged me as I approached surgery last week with huge fears... It went extremely well - I had very little pain and have found the whole recovery period so much easier than I imagined. Apart from day 3 where I got a bug and felt pretty ugh I have felt really good and am almost normal today Of course I have no interest in food and I know that will start to fade soon but for the here and now I'm so happy I went ahead and can't wait to get to my goal! I've already lost 7ks - 15lbs since starting Optifast three weeks ago so I'm ecstatic. Thankyou again everyone, this forum is wonderful! C xx

Thankyou so much for all the words of encouragement..I appreciate them tremendously. I feel a little better today, I seem to be coping with the Optifast a lot better and not quite so scared after reading all your comments. I'm also absorbed in "The Lap Band Solution" so all round I'm getting excited Thankyou thankyou thankou and good luck to everyone else about to be banded :thumbup: xx c

Beautiful photos, congratulations - you look amazing. Just wanted to let everyone know I'm a pinup photographer in Brisbane. I'm always looking for curvier girls so don't fret if you're not a Size 10. I will gladly forward my website if you PM me. Regards Clover

I have had my first appt with Dr Bowden's nurse and was very impressed at the whole consultation.. I am seeing Dr Martin next week. There is a $1500 difference in OOP between the two and I can have surgery with Dr Martin about a month earlier than Dr Bowden. I am hoping to have the banding done ASAP as I have an IVF cycle booked in July and want to be fully recovered and ready to tackle that. Do I wait the extra four weeks for Dr Bowden, knowing he has such a great name or go earlier with Dr Martin who also has a good reputation and is cheaper? Help! C xx

Hi guys. I have my first appointment on the 8th April with Dr Martin in Brisbane. I am 34 BMI and worried he won't accept my case. For the first time in my life, I'm trying NOT to lose weight!!! So glad I found this forum, what an amazing resource. Looking forward to sharing my journey. Clover xx