Sazparella

Hi All Thank you all so much for your kind responses. I think it would be safe for the band as my PCOS consultant has suggested a few times that he thinks I should get a band but the usual NHS funding would probably be impossible, which is understandable given the state of the economy. My GP is pretty much useless whenever I go see him, with the standard "eat less and exercise more" routine. My PCOS consultant who has been trying to help me with my weight as well, actually said I should stop worrying so much about my weight as it's affecting my mental health and relationships. That's pretty hard to do though when every other health professional I see really lashes into me about my size, although your worst enemy is always yourself. It's catch 22 isn't it? Slinky: It's good to hear you're a lot happier and confident You look really good, well done! My downfall is quavers! Gillian: I'm glad things have worked out for you after a few set backs. I guess that's one thing doctors are right about, shifting the weight will make most illnesses better. You also look amazing and so happy! Julie: I'm so pleased for you PCOS is in itself so frustrating, even if you happen to be one of the skinny sufferers. I really wish you the best of success in starting your family. It's never too late. Even though I'm still fairly young, I too worry about never conceiving. I know if an overweight person does happen to get pregnant, it's always a high risk to the mother and child. Jane: Thank you. It gives you hope to see someone has been in your shoes before. I take it you've had surgery? Did everything go smoothly for you? Your words are really encouraging, especially about Chris and the UK office being easily contacted. I do worry, that if and when I tell my mum (who has even worse depression and health problems than me) she'll try to talk me out of it, especially with the operation being abroad. I feel as though I'm on a see-saw atm. I think I am going to go for it, I just need to to find the courage! How did you all approach this subject with your families? Thank you again and take care Sarah xx

Hi I'm new to this forum so not sure if I'm doing this right... please re-direct if necessary. I've been considering (and researching) a band for two years now on and off, always being put off by what could go wrong and not having the money. I'm now able to afford the surgery, but I keep going through bouts of being on the edge of booking a consultation, then thinking I must be mad to actually put myself through this procedure and worry about the future with a band. I'm 28 and have a few illnesses which are all related to my weight including severe clinical depression, PCOS, asthma, eczema and intracranial hypertension (pressure on the brain). Every time I see either my GP or neurologists, they "remind" me that I need to lose weight. I've been overweight since I was around 10 years old, so that's nearly two thirds of my life which I find so sad. I'm even too scared to look at how much I weigh as it gets me into really low moods for weeks at a time. I've tried appetite suppressants, Xenical and Metformin with no real success. Also been to see a dietician a few times which to me isn't very helpful as I'm a vegetarian and don't tend to eat conventionally "fatty" foods. New years eve was particularly hard for me as I tend to assess where I am in life, and to be honest 2011 was a really crap year, particularly as I had split with my partner of six years because I couldn't stand him touching me the way I am. I really want to lose this weight for myself. My ideal situation is allowing friends and family to take a single picture of me! The last picture of me was from when I was in school!! I'm sorry that I'm rambling and probably giving too much information! I guess I'd just like to know if anyone else went through these same doubts or personal problems that I have? Thanks S