JustaGirl

I got all my paperwork for my inital appointment which is this Tuesday and it can't come quick enough! The pre-op workup is huge and I was really hoping to get this done in November, the last two weeks I have annual leave. I am going to ask if I can book a date for theatre on Tuesday so I have a date set. If they have to cancel, I am sure someone else will fill the spot anyway. The doctor does an endoscope to see what the inside of your stomach is like and you have to see the dietician, bariatric assessor (never heard of one of these before) and have bloods done and then the decsion is made by the team as to if they will go ahead and you go back to find out. So, I have 7 weeks till annual leave. I hope all this can be done in that time and I get on a theatre list. I've been working extra shifts to get the $2000.00 I need to cover out of pocket expenses. I'm only just going to make it by November $$ wise. I've not read about anyone else having a pre-band endoscope, although I did have one some years ago and was supposed to have a follow-up one and still haven't been...it's about 6 years + overdue I am so nervous and so excited at the same time...meaning I can't sleep so am working extra to get through the days! I hope I don't have to stay in hospital too long. I have epilepsy and have got neurologists approval for the band, now just waitin till Tuesday which seems weeks away even though it's not...it's 2 more sleeps, not that I am counting

I've only told my friend who has the band, I've asked another person about it and did say I was considering it but that's as far as it got. I said to my mum I was thinking about it. Now, I have thought about it and have booked everything and the only person who knows for sure is the friend who had the band. I've not even told the cat so things are going to look grim when there is no take away chicken extras for her. Damn, that animal scares me. :smile2:

When people get to the mushie stage, what is wrong with just buying baby food. It's the right size portion. Like, I hate cooking and was considering this option. I am hoping for a november band. I find out on Tuesday.

OMG! WHat a difference in your before and after photos..and a jog happening there as well. I just can't imagine being a normal weight. I been overweight all my life...well 13 years old onwards anyway. I'm hoping for a band in November. How much was the tummy tuck? I think I'll be needing one too...my tummy hangs down bad at the moment. :smile2: I should really start saving now and not wait until the last minute and find I don't have the cash! The only way to get a tummy tuck on medicare or private health insurance to to get it under "scar revision". I might ask my surgeon do do a bad scar so I can get a free tummy tuck :bored:

Hi, I am going to get the lap band. I had thought about it for over a year, lost some weight, 30 kg on my own almost 2 years ago and then put it back on. The story of my life. That was my last try. At the time I told myself if I didn't suceed I would get the lap band. I was doing really well cause the thought of the band scared me. So, I have spoken to a specialist I see regarding my chronic medical illness (don't want to say what it is just yet) and he is happy for me to have the lap band which is great. Now I am waiting to hear from a surgeon as well. I did have an appointment for Dr Watson but decided I wanted to go elsewhere. So, now I am working extra days at work to get the money for out of pocket expenses. I am hoping to get it done in the 3rd week of November, I have 2 weeks off work then which I can stretch to almost three. I am not too worried about the surgery, I have had lap surgery before and was fine. Now I have made the decsion I need to give up smoking real fast. :rolleyes2: I am trying to do the cut down and stop thingy and have got some nicotine replacement stuff.

Hi, thanks. I now have a new medicare number, saw GP today and got a referral and have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday morning. All so quick I'm hoping to have the surgery then in November but wont know till tuesday. Still haven't given up the fags :smile: :confused:

I got a message back from the surgeon I have decided to go with and he is going to get me in for an appointment early next week. :rolleyes2: I just have to get a referral from my GP and am still waiting for my medicare card as I got my purse stolen about a month ago. I'm ringing them both in the morning, otherwise, I'll have to make the appointment for the week after next which still isn't too bad I suppose. My GP is on holidays. I was going to go with Dr Watson but have changed my mind. I had an appointment to see him in November. I've 4 ciggies left and then I am going to transfer to the nicotine lozenge and gum I have. I really have to just sweat it out. I've given up before and can stop for a few days when necessary, like when I went to Hong Kong with my mum and dad, I didn't smoke for 5 days. Work is the hardest though and I am working friday.

Thanks Ladies, I have had a response. I really appreciate all your offers to help.

Hi, I want to PM someone in this thread who is a Perth person and sees this doctor. I have valid reasons for not being able to post on this forum at this stage so even though I am new, can someone please post to say they don't mind me sending a private message. I don't just want to PM anyone, as I think thats a bit rude considering I am new. I am waiting to have the lap band. I have an appointment booked with Dr Watson. I weigh about 150Kg, am 170cm tall and female.

I wasn't going to tell anyone bar 2 friends who have had it. Now, I find out I need about $3000.00 out of pocket after health insurance and may have to ask my parents who just lost $7000.00 in the stock crash so not sure what to do!