Goannabanda

Kare - glad you didn't hurt yourself. ...hhmmmm, I know this thread is tongue in cheek and supposed to be fun, if not even a bit motivational, but am I the only one who finds it a bit negative and depressing???

We're sorry we won't see you either, Jachut. ...we'll just have to have another gathering again really soon!

Well, a BIG box of Optifast shakes arrived in yesterday's post (from my eBay purchase). I also bought a box each of the choc bars, choc mousse and chicken soup.:hungry: Not really motivated to drink or eat this stuff... ...but since I spent all that money on it, and want to drop some kilos right now before surgery, I'd better start. It tastes ok, but I'm not looking forward to hunger pains and feeling depived... ...at least its only a few weeks, and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. My work pants and jeans are both falling apart, and as I haven't any other decent clothes I fit into right now that are warm enough or suitable to wear out of the house:cry , a couple of weeks of meal replacement will do me good. I have several pairs of NEW pants hanging in the wardrobe - and all they need is just a very few kilos lost before I can wear them:) . So that's motivation to get started. So, from now until the final 2 weeks pre-op, it will be breakfast and lunch of Optifast, and a normal dinner with the family. Some days I have lunch functions, so will not Optifast at these events:hungry: . The last 2 weeks pre-op will be the full Optifast shebang.:speechles Exercise will be a minimum 30 min walk (work days), a 1 hour session of something else on the other days (walk, ride, gym or swim), or a full weekend "chores day" (gardening, laundry, cleaning etc). I must log back into fitday.com and get that log going. I got the rest of my pre-op appointments and instructions from ESV today. Appointments as follows: Sat 26/8/06, 11:15am - weight loss counsellor, Kew Thurs 31/8/06, 5:30pm - dietician group session, Mulgrave Wed 27/9/06, 8:00am - pre-admission nurse, Mulgrave Fri 29/9/06, 9:30am - specialist surgeon pre-op review, Mulgrave Thurs 5/10/06 - surgery, Mulgrave Mon 16/10/06, 3:30pm- post-op nurse review, Mulgrave Mon 23/10/06, 5:00pm - dietician group session, Mulgrave

Well, a BIG box of Optifast shakes arrived in yesterday's post (from my eBay purchase). I also bought a box each of the choc bars, choc mousse and chicken soup.:hungry: Not really motivated to drink or eat this stuff... ...but since I spent all that money on it, and want to drop some kilos right now before surgery, I'd better start. It tastes ok, but I'm not looking forward to hunger pains and feeling depived... ...at least its only a few weeks, and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. My work pants and jeans are both falling apart, and as I haven't any other decent clothes I fit into right now that are warm enough or suitable to wear out of the house:cry , a couple of weeks of meal replacement will do me good. I have several pairs of NEW pants hanging in the wardrobe - and all they need is just a very few kilos lost before I can wear them:) . So that's motivation to get started. So, from now until the final 2 weeks pre-op, it will be breakfast and lunch of Optifast, and a normal dinner with the family. Some days I have lunch functions, so will not Optifast at these events:hungry: . The last 2 weeks pre-op will be the full Optifast shebang.:speechles Exercise will be a minimum 30 min walk (work days), a 1 hour session of something else on the other days (walk, ride, gym or swim), or a full weekend "chores day" (gardening, laundry, cleaning etc). I must log back into fitday.com and get that log going. I got the rest of my pre-op appointments and instructions from ESV today. Appointments as follows: Sat 26/8/06, 11:15am - weight loss counsellor, Kew Thurs 31/8/06, 5:30pm - dietician group session, Mulgrave Wed 27/9/06, 8:00am - pre-admission nurse, Mulgrave Fri 29/9/06, 9:30am - specialist surgeon pre-op review, Mulgrave Thurs 5/10/06 - surgery, Mulgrave Mon 16/10/06, 3:30pm- post-op nurse review, Mulgrave Mon 23/10/06, 5:00pm - dietician group session, Mulgrave

We understand other fat people more completely than non-fatties can.

We are often fitter than we think - with strong muscles and reasonably good cardio fitness (from lugging our fat behinds around 24-7).

You can stand up and take your chair with you and still keep your hands free. You get told you have a big personality. You feel warm longer than everyone else.

Dawg, As you'll be busy doing $27.95 bands in the garage, I'm guessing you'll sub-contract the RNY revisions out to someone else (P'Nut??) who could work maybe out of the back of the car?? What method would you use? How much??? Details, details please. PS Oh, yeah, and sorry for the rude dancing bananas... ...but I'm still trying to work out exactly one would PB a mailman...

The week after our son was born, we sent our obstetrician's office a gift basket of lollies, coffee, cookies etc. At our 6-week visit, we took a personal thank you note we had made, that included a little pic of our dear boy. This got put on their "family" wall. I agree that if you send a gift, it should be addressed to the whole office. A personal note with before and after pics would be just as much appreciated. My surgeon's office doesn't have these on public display (they should!!!), but I am sure they must recieve them, and maybe they have them on a staff notice board somewhere... I know that these guys are just doing their jobs (for which they are well paid LOL!), but I think that it's nice to recognise the extra efforts they put in (eg. the weekend and late night calls, or the hours spent over their lives educating, learning and refining their skills), particularly when the results of their work are so life-changing.

Hi gang, I was hunting around to see where Funny had gone (I miss her posts too!), and found this wonderful thread. Hope she's back soon! I am the Christmas & Easter Queen in our family - I just love, love, love celebrating our saviour and His love with my family and friends. I've started shopping, but haven't set any weight goals yet. I'll think about this once I have had my op and am moving through the recovery. Cheers!

Hey gang, spaldo2 (Andy Spalding) - the "as seen on Today Tonight" guy lives in the SE too. I've asked him to check out this thread and to join in the gathering if interested. He's lookiing for bandit support for the Melb Marathon team. Wheeler - great work - can you list the final date time and venue as a new thread, for other SE bandits who haven't read this thread?? CHEERS!

Andy - Wow! Another local comes out of the woodwork... I'll email you tonight when I get home... ...would love to support your team. You might like to join us in Sept for a SE 'burbs meeting we are planning - see the thread "Mulgrave Bandsters - EPCP" in the Aussie section for details. Regards, Anna.

Welcome Slimmer Me. Congratulations on joining the band, and your positive progress so far. Look forward to hearing from you on the boards!

Hi Andy, Unfortunately I missed seeing your story on TT - is there a copy of it floating around anywhere on the www (couldn't find it on the TT website). The Herald Sun article was interesting, also did you see the story in August Notebook: magazine (www.notebookmagazine.com) about Anissa Levy, who was banded in 2003? I'll work on being in the 2007 marathon team - I doubt that I'd be fit enough in time for this year's event. I'll come and organise the cheerleaders for you if you want... Cheers, Anna. PS your website is FANTASTIC! I've added it to my fav's.

16th is OK for me. It will be my last weekend before Optifast stage starts. (hooray!) I think my mail option is on now.

BRAVO BARB!!! A job well done. I'm sure you are loving every minute of your new healthy life!

Way to go Vera! Glad to read your story, and note the healthier life you have now. I my thighs EVER look that good, I'm gonna try out for Ms Universe!!!

Sorry - my friend says it's just a joke. We use it instead of public casualty wards. My husband's been in there when he broke his foot, the place seemed to run okay, certainly better that some of our local public hospitals, and just as good as other private places we've encountered at various times. Anyway - I'm brave and I'm tough (NOT!!!!)

Wheeler - Yeah - I wish I was going to The Avenue too - my nursing friend says that an industry nickname for The Valley Private is Death Valley Private!!! yelp!! As for our meeting: I'll keep those last 3 Sep Saturdays free, until the group has spoken...

Thanks Jacqui - I really can't wait to meet you - you make so much sense, and are very reassuring to me. We must be very similar in some ways... Hug for you!

I went back to see Dr Lim today, for the results of my echo. He said that my heart murmur is caused by noisy blood ("turbulent flow"), and is nothing to do with faulty valves or heart disease. That's a relief. It's also nice to know that my blood fats, cholesterol, blood sugars etc are within mormal ranges. Guess that suggests that our family diet is fair (apart form my portions being too BIG!) LOL!!! I just worry too much... Sooooooo: I am good to go. In 48 days. Karen from ESV said I could have surgery on Aug 29th (Tues), Oct 5th (Thurs) or Oct 9th (Mon). Pity there was nothing available in mid-Sept as I had hoped, because August date is too close (only 2 weeks away!!) and would be bery stressful and inconvenient, with Mike and both sets of parents all away during that week. Plus it would be a juggle for work days, and I'd only be 2 weeks post-op when we go to the snow. Pre-op diet would also be challenging, with the large number of parties we have in the calendar this month! At first, the Oct dates seemed a bit too far out, however, on balance, Oct 5th is the best, as it fits in the best with everyone's work, holiday and social schedules. It's far enough before Christmas season so I can relax that I'll not be in recovery mode during the festive rush. Plus, we can keep our calendar free where we need to, so as not to put undue pressure on pre- and post-op diet etc. It also gives us all five weeks to prepare - spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially... I plan to start pre-op preparation as soon as the Optifast arrives. Here's the strategy for the 5 weeks I have pre-op: 3 weeks - 2 meals Optifast, normal dinner 2 weeks - full pre-op Optifast In the next five weeks, I also need to: pray and to prepare my road to recovery and success with the Lord's help, organise for annual leave during post-op week, reduce credit card down to zero, so the hospital bills can go straight onto it, clean out and restock the pantry and freezer, plan post-op diet for recovery weeks - for myself and family, rearrange and recommit to my exercise and fitness schedules, renew gym membership (due to expire on 25th Sept) update my workout plan with the gym (update the current long plan to suit our home equipment, and add various short routines to target different areas - abs, arms, butt, legs etc), finalise as many large work projects as possible, finish the spring-time gardening jobs, buy post-op presents for Mike & James, let Paul know dietary needs for the wedding, plan one or two post-op outings - both child free recovery days and special family days. *********************STOP PRESS************************* Wow - a Truly amazing day - my Dad called (they are in Carnarvon today) to say that the has got a redundancy package from his work, and therefore will be retired within a week of them coming home from their trip - by Friday October 6th (day after my banding!)!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! It's exactly how we've all hoped and prayed his retirement would be for him for years. After all his years working there, he deserves to go out with the bonus of a redundancy package. With Dad retiring, and me getting banded - that WILL be a notable week in our family's life! Mike & I will organise a surprise retirement party for him - late October looks good for that at this stage. That will give us something very happy to look forward to - and something to distract us from the banding and the adjustments it will bring. Ooooh goody, a party!! Even better - a free DAD!!!

I went back to see Dr Lim today, for the results of my echo. He said that my heart murmur is caused by noisy blood ("turbulent flow"), and is nothing to do with faulty valves or heart disease. That's a relief. It's also nice to know that my blood fats, cholesterol, blood sugars etc are within mormal ranges. Guess that suggests that our family diet is fair (apart form my portions being too BIG!) LOL!!! I just worry too much... Sooooooo: I am good to go. In 48 days. Karen from ESV said I could have surgery on Aug 29th (Tues), Oct 5th (Thurs) or Oct 9th (Mon). Pity there was nothing available in mid-Sept as I had hoped, because August date is too close (only 2 weeks away!!) and would be bery stressful and inconvenient, with Mike and both sets of parents all away during that week. Plus it would be a juggle for work days, and I'd only be 2 weeks post-op when we go to the snow. Pre-op diet would also be challenging, with the large number of parties we have in the calendar this month! At first, the Oct dates seemed a bit too far out, however, on balance, Oct 5th is the best, as it fits in the best with everyone's work, holiday and social schedules. It's far enough before Christmas season so I can relax that I'll not be in recovery mode during the festive rush. Plus, we can keep our calendar free where we need to, so as not to put undue pressure on pre- and post-op diet etc. It also gives us all five weeks to prepare - spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially... I plan to start pre-op preparation as soon as the Optifast arrives. Here's the strategy for the 5 weeks I have pre-op: 3 weeks - 2 meals Optifast, normal dinner 2 weeks - full pre-op Optifast In the next five weeks, I also need to: pray and to prepare my road to recovery and success with the Lord's help, organise for annual leave during post-op week, reduce credit card down to zero, so the hospital bills can go straight onto it, clean out and restock the pantry and freezer, plan post-op diet for recovery weeks - for myself and family, rearrange and recommit to my exercise and fitness schedules, renew gym membership (due to expire on 25th Sept) update my workout plan with the gym (update the current long plan to suit our home equipment, and add various short routines to target different areas - abs, arms, butt, legs etc), finalise as many large work projects as possible, finish the spring-time gardening jobs, buy post-op presents for Mike & James, let Paul know dietary needs for the wedding, plan one or two post-op outings - both child free recovery days and special family days. *********************STOP PRESS************************* Wow - a Truly amazing day - my Dad called (they are in Carnarvon today) to say that the has got a redundancy package from his work, and therefore will be retired within a week of them coming home from their trip - by Friday October 6th (day after my banding!)!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! It's exactly how we've all hoped and prayed his retirement would be for him for years. After all his years working there, he deserves to go out with the bonus of a redundancy package. With Dad retiring, and me getting banded - that WILL be a notable week in our family's life! Mike & I will organise a surprise retirement party for him - late October looks good for that at this stage. That will give us something very happy to look forward to - and something to distract us from the banding and the adjustments it will bring. Ooooh goody, a party!! Even better - a free DAD!!!

Hi all, I got my surgery date!!! Not til 5th October, which gives us plenty of time in Sept, if another date is needed for our catch up. Apart from the 9th / 10th, all other Spet weekend days are free for me at this stage. Cheers, Anna PS The physician says my heart murmur is caused by noisy blood ("turbulent flow")!!! That's a relief. It's also nice to know that my blood fats, cholesterol, blood sugars etc are within mormal ranges. Guess that suggests that our family diet is fair (apart form my portions being too BIG!) LOL!!! I just worry too much...

Once again, the house is in bed, and I'm still here trawling LBT!!!! I should go to bed, but my mind is occupied with thoughts of banding, and life after banding. I'm also a bit anxious about tomorrow's physician appt, and hoping to get a surgery date by tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. I ordered 4 boxes of Optifast for pre-surgery preparation from eBay today - I can get it posted cheaper than buying it at the shops! I'm going to start it as early as possible, to try and lose some more weight before banding. As I try to prepare mentally for my new life, I find myself pondering over the fact that I really don't know how I will feel about losing weight and being thinner, as I've never really had much success at it. This makes me nervous, and almost feel too afraid to try (fear of failure perhaps?)... ... at least the band will keep me on track, and as my weight drops, I will be forced to deal with weight and food issues, as well as the self-image perceptions that I can still barely define. Already, since deciding to be banded, I have come a long way, from hopelessness and depression, to a new sense of energy and hope for the future. I find I can, for the first time in my life, talk and write about being obese, and not cry about it at the same time! This is incredibly empowering for me, as I take it as a sign that my concious AND subconcious mind have both finally accepted my condition for what it is, after spending half my life being in denial. No more "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" mentality for this black duck! I know the band will help deal with the meal time hunger and volume, and that it won't help as much to control snacking and emotional food habits. I know that I will have to define a whole new set of values about how I see myself and my place in the world, how I relate to food, how I socialise, how I deal with boredom, frustration etc. I am not a huge emotional eater (I don't binge to the degree of others, but I do on occasion have a "brain snap"), but there are aspects of those habits that need to be sorted out. I am more of a compulsive eater driven by the physical sensations of food, eating, chewing and swallowing. I am also a big social eater - showing hospitality and love towards my family and friends by breaking bread with them. The social eating will be hard to change, as it's such an ingrained thing. I know that dealing with some of these things will be driven by the lifestyle changes the band will bring, some will be driven by the weight loss itself, but that most of them will have to come from within. This is scary, as I don't yet know where to start. I don't think that this will really begin until I am some fair way post-band. Maybe these things don't really kick in until months or years post-band, until it too has acceptance and has become just another part of the fabric of my life. Maybe I am already along the way, just don't feel I've got very far yet... HOWEVER (and now for the biggest plus at this stage): For the first time in my life, I feel ready to face up to these old habits and demons. Finally I have accepted my condition for what it is, and also feel that I have the mental space in life at the moment, and physical stamina necessary to seek my victory... ...and the VERY best part - I feel that this is all part of God's plan for me - whatever the outcome. I feel that now God is guiding me to change my heath for the better - something I have never experienced before in any of my weight loss attempts. I wouldn't say that "God told me to get a band" or anything silly like that, after all, the band is merely a tool. But I feel enveloped by His love, and truly guided towards success. Yet another sign of my acceptance - handing over my life and trusting in God is something that I've always struggeld with. Praise God!

Once again, the house is in bed, and I'm still here trawling LBT!!!! I should go to bed, but my mind is occupied with thoughts of banding, and life after banding. I'm also a bit anxious about tomorrow's physician appt, and hoping to get a surgery date by tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. I ordered 4 boxes of Optifast for pre-surgery preparation from eBay today - I can get it posted cheaper than buying it at the shops! I'm going to start it as early as possible, to try and lose some more weight before banding. As I try to prepare mentally for my new life, I find myself pondering over the fact that I really don't know how I will feel about losing weight and being thinner, as I've never really had much success at it. This makes me nervous, and almost feel too afraid to try (fear of failure perhaps?)... ... at least the band will keep me on track, and as my weight drops, I will be forced to deal with weight and food issues, as well as the self-image perceptions that I can still barely define. Already, since deciding to be banded, I have come a long way, from hopelessness and depression, to a new sense of energy and hope for the future. I find I can, for the first time in my life, talk and write about being obese, and not cry about it at the same time! This is incredibly empowering for me, as I take it as a sign that my concious AND subconcious mind have both finally accepted my condition for what it is, after spending half my life being in denial. No more "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" mentality for this black duck! I know the band will help deal with the meal time hunger and volume, and that it won't help as much to control snacking and emotional food habits. I know that I will have to define a whole new set of values about how I see myself and my place in the world, how I relate to food, how I socialise, how I deal with boredom, frustration etc. I am not a huge emotional eater (I don't binge to the degree of others, but I do on occasion have a "brain snap"), but there are aspects of those habits that need to be sorted out. I am more of a compulsive eater driven by the physical sensations of food, eating, chewing and swallowing. I am also a big social eater - showing hospitality and love towards my family and friends by breaking bread with them. The social eating will be hard to change, as it's such an ingrained thing. I know that dealing with some of these things will be driven by the lifestyle changes the band will bring, some will be driven by the weight loss itself, but that most of them will have to come from within. This is scary, as I don't yet know where to start. I don't think that this will really begin until I am some fair way post-band. Maybe these things don't really kick in until months or years post-band, until it too has acceptance and has become just another part of the fabric of my life. Maybe I am already along the way, just don't feel I've got very far yet... HOWEVER (and now for the biggest plus at this stage): For the first time in my life, I feel ready to face up to these old habits and demons. Finally I have accepted my condition for what it is, and also feel that I have the mental space in life at the moment, and physical stamina necessary to seek my victory... ...and the VERY best part - I feel that this is all part of God's plan for me - whatever the outcome. I feel that now God is guiding me to change my heath for the better - something I have never experienced before in any of my weight loss attempts. I wouldn't say that "God told me to get a band" or anything silly like that, after all, the band is merely a tool. But I feel enveloped by His love, and truly guided towards success. Yet another sign of my acceptance - handing over my life and trusting in God is something that I've always struggeld with. Praise God!