rubymum

Way to go - bitteroldhag!!!!! I cannot believe these people trying to quit smoking at the same time as having a lap band - when things get tough I rely on smoking as the one constant. This whole process is ultimately great - but - there are times when I feel like I have lost a companion (food) and I couldn't stand to loose another one (smoking). Although I am planning to quit eventually - I agree with you - I love it. I live in Australia and although smoking makes you a kind of outcast it doesn't compare to treatment I have received when visiting California to visit my sister. I feel really sorry for people who smoke when they have to put up with being abused and stared at. Cheers Amanda Melbourne Australia Banded 26th September 2006

Hi guys, I have just joined this site. I had my band on the 26th September 2006 here in Melbourne Australia where I live. I am really sorry for all the pain and vomitting and stuff that you have all experienced - however - I have to say that it has made me feel sooooo much better - I thought it was just me that was having days when it was really difficult to cope. Knowing what to eat - how much to eat - the gas pain - the lethargy. Now I have the issue of really missing the food - it is like loosing a companion. I think this sounds odd! But it is the way I feel. It is lovely when people comment on the weight I am loosing but it also feels strange (in a good way most of the time). Anyway - all the best to everyone. Cheers Amanda Highest 155 kgs (341lbs) Pre-band 142 kgs (312.4 lbs) Last Week 126.5 kgs (278.3 lbs) YAY already lost 15.5 kgs (34.1 lbs) in 6 weeks :clap2:

I had a lot a pain from the gas and alot of trouble breathing properly after the operation. I found that heat packs on my shoulders (particularly the left) worked really well. Also, one of the nurses at the Avenue in Melbourne gave me peppermint Water which worked really well. Perhaps you could try peppermint tea - it makes you burp and relieves some of the gas pressure. The gas that is pumped into your abdomen during the surgery is absorbed through the bowel and stomach lining this is what causes the need to pass wind from both ends. The gas is also absorbed up through your diaphragm into the area surrounding your lungs etc, this along with the nerve stimulation from around your stomach (from having the band put in place) causes the chest and shoulder pain. You should also try taking some pain relief as it is realy important to be as comfortable as possible so that you can take deep breaths, cough and keep moving. If it continues you definately need to call your surgeons rooms. Good Luck Amanda Melbourne Australia Banded 26th September 2006 Avenue Private Hospital Lost 15.5 kg so far (34.1 lbs)

Hey guys, Great topic to chat about. The really interesting thing for me was that I never realised the reaction of my actual friends to my obesity. It has only been since I commenced on the road to weight loss that I have seen the true feeling of my 'friends'. The couple of girlfriends that I thought I was closest to have been behaving really strangely since I had the surgery and started loosing weight. It is almost like they wanted me to stay the way I was. Why would a real friend want someone they care about to be effectively killing themselves. the only thing I can think of is that I made them feel better about themselves - you know - made them feel thin and attractive! I have to admit that this is only a couple of close girlfriends all the rest of my close friends have been great. On the upside - since the surgery - I have found that a bunch of people that I thought of only as acquaintances have stepped up and shown incredible amounts of support and encouragement. It is really quite strange - even one of my sisters is 'indifferent' to the whole process even though she always would admonish me for my weight because she was 'worried about my health'. I saw her the other day (she lives overseas) and she just said 'Hi!' - please note that I had lost nearly 35 pounds or more since she had last seen me. Interesting response I think! It really is a very interesting journey. Good luck to everyone working through the 'social' issues associated with being obese and loosing weight! Amanda Banded 26th September 2006

stop sending pervy messages Spawn

Hi Cassandra, Good luck with the surgery - it is easier to follow the Fluid diet etc after the surgery than surviving the liquid diet beforehand. Mine was Optifast - awful! Enjoy the smoking! Good luck when you decide to quit! Amanda

Thank for responding. Julie - are you from San Jose near San Francisco? If so - that is cool - my sister lives in Novato and my brother-in law works in San Jose. You are doing good to - it is a very personal journey I think! Jess - I was done at the Avenue too - who is your surgeon? Mine is Wendy Brown.

I am in the eastern suburbs (Box Hill North) but I had my band done at the Avenue in Windsor by Wendy Brown. Were are you and were did you have your surgery? I can't imagine ever running to the corner let alone 10 kms - well done. Cheers Amanda

I don't understand how anyone could consider quitting smoking before or soon after surgery. With all the life-style changes associated with the surgery how can you survive taking away the ciggies as well. I had my Lap Band done on 26th September 2006 and am planning on quitting smoking on the 26th September 2007 - sort of poetic. Good luck to everyone who is trying to quit - obviously it is healthier - hope you all succeed. ____________________________________________________________ Melbourne Australia HIGHEST - 341 lbs (155 kgs) PRE-BAND - 312.4 lbs (142 kgs) NOW - 275 lbs (125 kgs)

can someone tell me what PB means. Thanks

Hi - I am a nurse too and for some reason wasn't scared at all prior to the surgery just excited to get started with the weight loss. As far as fitting back into normal life - I haven't found it a problem apart from everyone noticing my shrinking girth. A girl who had her procedure the same days as me - didn't even tell anyone except her husband - her children don't even know - so she must have been able to carry on as normal (except eating way less). Hope it all goes well - apart from a few minor issues with eating the wrong things and them getting stuch - it is definately the best thing I have ever done. _____________________________________ Surgery 26.9.06 Melbourne Australia Highest - 341 lbs (155 kgs) Pre-band - 312.4 lbs (142 kgs) Now - 275 lbs (125 kgs)

Hi - I am from Melbourne too. Had my lap band on 26.9.06. Lost over 16 kgs so far - surgeon says this is on the higher end of normal. Depending on your size I think that light excercise like walking is better intially - don't want to put to much pressure on those poor knees and hips and ankles. All the best with it. __________________________________________ Highest 155 kgs (341 lbs) Starting 142 kgs (312lbs) Now 125 kgs (275 lbs)

Hi everyone, I have just joined - had my lap band 6 weeks ago. Lost 15.5 kgs (34.1 pounds) so far.