BLUEZBANDIT

4th September here and I can't wait!!!!

Wear something vaguely fashionable + dance, dance, dance, when I go out to my Blues gigs.

My friend Kate was banded 2001 in Tasmania.

Getting banded in Tasmania, Australia.

Sept 4th banding date, I'm all excited, cannot wait, Hopefully someone will take my bait, As I looking for a bandit mate, See each other thru thick and thin, Have some fun, cause a din, This could be just the thing, To help us on our journey to be thin. P.S. you don't have to be a poet to apply but a sense of humour will be appreciated by this 54 year old woman who's younger than my grey hair leads you to believe. :biggrin:

Good Luck!

I've organised my surgery so it coincided with my school holidays. I have 2 week off then. Just to get me in the swing of the new eating habits before the rush of teaching begins again.

September 4th here! Looking forward to joining the September group.

OMG what a headache for you! Makes me so grateful to be an Australian where we have a national health system who will pick up some when the Private health providers finish (no evaluations needed) Then through our tax system I can claim back any out of pocket expense over $1500 that includes pharmacuetical, optical, dental, pathology etc etc. My GP gave me a referral to WLS doctor and I went for consultation, he told me that it would cost approx $7000 all of which is claimable one way or another and asked then I'd like the op. I could have had it 2 weeks later if I chose, but to fit in with my job it suited me to wait till my break was due. All follow up appoinments for check-ups or fills are of no extra expense as the government health system covers it. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EFFORTS. Dob the staff member in and hopefully the doc will throw the book at her.

Have you thought of apple juice, thin soups, v8 and skim milk with flavoured protein powder. Good luck, hang in there!

Kimmie K, just interested why your employer is sticking his nose into your personal business not allowing you to have WLS? Unless you are a fat-gram girl why should they give a hoot. If I was you, I'd be looking for a new job as your employer is unfairly restricting your personal business. Good luck for your future!

CONGRATULATIONS Ellendette, Glad to hear your weightloss has alleviated your medical issues. You give me hope as I am about to enter the realms if the incredible shrinking women (and guys). You give good sense advice as well. Thanks

travelinsnorkel I have carried my weight longer than you have been alive so my toxic relationship with food has gone on for 35 years and have the same to lose as you. Just knowing my health and fitness will be improved greatly makes it an easy decision. You wont regret it, just from my reading on here, if there are any problems its only for a few months (they call it bandster hell) then its just part of your lifestyle. Sure we can still have our favourite things, although it will be one piece of chocolate instead of the whole block. Everything will be in moderation. Only about 6 weeks before I'm an official bandit. Good luck with your decision. Think positive and keep smiling!

Thanks for all your great information.

When you talk about having a relationship with food, its obviously been a toxic relationship as its caused you to be overweight and have high blood pressure and untold other problems your body hasn't exhibited yet. This kind of relationship, you can do without. Instead, think of food after banding, as a pleasure, as you can take time to enjoy it, aiding you to taste it more thoroughly. The benefits to your health will be immense and you can truly love yourself for the fit and healthy person you have become instead of a person who takes refuge in food. If you always do what you've done, you will always get what you've got!!!!! Be brave, take the step and look onward and upward. Time for change is here!! YOU CAN DO THIS!

Thanks Simba, If I have any questions I will call upon you. Noticed Wilko was a bit of an oddball but I always had excellent reports about him. All the advice from other contributers on this subject have gone into my info bank for later when I need it. Thanks everyone!

Whoohoo Nic! There is no telling how you well you will be once you are a bandit. Just tell hubby that what you save in food will help pay the op bills. Using my Tax Refund for mine. Its a wonderful investment for a healthier, happier new you!

I am about to be banded in Sept and don't know how much out of pocket I will be, But please remember if you keep all your receipts and statement from Health care provider, chemist, dental, optical etc etc you will be able to claim anything over $1500 on your tax. Getting lapband on credit card would be a killer on interest.... unless you have a low interest card.

Hi Simba, you have me worried as I am about to get my op (Sept 4) with Dr Wilkinson and have been told the same as you about the liquids. The diet you mentioned is what I had planned out for myself for the first 2 weeks post op. Then I was told I'd be eating mushies for 6-8 weeks gradually adding lumpier stuff! I read on here that there was a lady who used imagery to beat the hungries, she imagined that her body was hungry eating her fat bum and belly. Whatever works for you! Good Luck and if your doc has some more advice for you, I'd be interested to know! I'm in Launceston, what part of Tassy are you?

Here in Australia (well in my state of Tasmania, really) you never hear of anyone having a pre-op diet. So it beats me why you guys have to have it!

Hey Bigfish (soon to be little fish) Hey that could catch on, Don't want to sound like a dopey Tasmanian but what does "I'm a Paw-Paw" mean, please splain.lol

Thanks for your words of support.

Hi and welcome 54 year old grandma here about to be banded on 4th Sept. Maybe we could be banded buddies?

Shame I can't get The chocolate vitamins here in Australia. They seem just the treat I could handle. Looks like I will have to stick to the Berocca, dont know if they are available in USA.