Hi from Australia

[greganddebra 0]

Hi all, I am currently on a waiting list for banding here in Aus.this can take up to 2yrs. That is unless I win the lottery and come up with $15,000 AUD.

I have joined this forum to gather as much information from REAL PEOPLE as I can so when I have my surgery I can go in well informed.

I am keen to know how fast the weight drops off, and all the other experiences that you have all been through, so I will scour this forum so thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.

Debra

[Sarah.R 2]

Actually the waiting list is more like 5years depending on where you go lol =( I'm being treated in brisbane and I was supposed to have my date/surgery by this month or next but you can't really trust the public system much when it comes to this kinda thing you know. If you look around the people on ehre arepretty friendly and usually open to answer any questions you want.

[carlyg 0]

Hi there!

Awesome to see some fellow Aussies on board! I was banded in Jan 08 and haven't looked back! I am definitely hoping you win the lotto asap as it will change your life - until then, stay positive and keep believing!

[anniedub 0]

Hi GregandDebra,

Do you have private health insurance? If so, the costs usually go down to about 4000. Might be just as well to take out private health cover, wait the exclusion period (6-12 months) then try again.

Otherwise, I can help with your other queries.

The weight comes off at different rates, depending on how hard you work. It's not just an easy way out, you still need to actively change your diet and increase your exercise. Foods like ice cream, cakes and biscuits just slide right through the band so if you eat these all the time, you may not lose any weight.

But if you work the band well, it works for you. I was banded in March and I've lost 27kgs since then, by eating well and exercising. That's almost a kilo per week. There are many others who have lost more than this -- the bigger you are to start with, (generally) the faster you will lose. It will slow down once you get closer to goal.

Every day I am thankful that I had this surgery -- without it, I would be even heavier than when I started and even more miserable. It cost me 6000 (my surgeon is a little more expensive than most) but it's worth every cent to me.

Any other questions, just let me know.

Annie.

[noosagirl 0]

Hello and welcome. I was banded 3rd Sept and for me its definitely worth it. My weight is not coming off as fast as others but it is still coming off!!!

[greganddebra 0]

Thanks for the great welcome....it's great to know there are others in the same position, the forum seems like a great tool.

Catch up soon

Debra

[tazziecat 0]

hi debra

i was banded back in april and have lost about fifteen kilos now. it took a while for my band to be at the right level, but i am sooo happy that i have done this. i would be heavier now if i didnt have it. check out insurance tho cause if u have to wait 2 years or longer it would be quicker to go thru private health if you can manage the gap