*Shell*

These look so cool. Might have to order myself one as well

I ran out of my nexium at about 2 weeks post op and forgot to get another script when I was at dr's appt so haven't had them for close to 3 weeks and don't think I have acid problem. My stomach grumbles a lot though morning and nights when lying in bed so don't know what this is but this is all I am experiencing

That is great news Julie. I really wanted to do my op on my birthday 9/7 but couldn't get done until 20/7. So I have something to push for as I'm 40 next year and hope most of me is long gone by then . Count down is on now and before you know it will be your time

and Michelle - thanks for your help.

Thanks for this Cookeeeeez. I went onto my surgeons website and found the following which peeves me a little. You would think being an Investigator for Qld Govt, I would have checked this out first as usually I am very efficient in my research. Oh well - cant complain as I'm very happy with the outcome, just would have been nice to get something, even a little back The program fee must be paid in full before your surgery. Please note that you cannot claim a further rebate from your health fund or Medicare as these discounts have already been taken into account in our program fee. However, you may be eligible to claim a further rebate when you lodge your tax return as our program qualifies for the Medicare Safety Net.

Did anyone get a rebate from Medicare with the surgeons gap. I heard a few people on previous sites say they did but I have been told by the office girls of my surgeons that I will not. I received my receipt for $4500 from surgeon yesterday and was going to take it to medicare to see if I am entitled to anything but under item number it just says 'Known'. Has anyone here been successful in getting a refund from their surgeons account? From my anesthetist costs of a $2000 account and I did get about $500 back and I know my initial consultation with my surgeon which cost me $150, I got about $70 back from medicare. Interested to hear your thoughts

Lila, I had a throbbing headache for about 4 days straight on my optifast and honestly struggled for the first week. 2nd week I got through no problems. Hang in there, it'll be over soon

Omg girls, decided to walk 10 levels of stairs at work today and for a exercise that took possibly 15 minutes, I have never been in do much pain, my heart was going so fast and at the end, I was light headed, unsteady on my legs (still am 8 hrs out)!! I am going to do this 3 times a week such a great work out and heart rate perfect for weight loss. I started to struggle 2 floors up but just pulled myself up, then had to come back down. Susie & Lila - time will fly by and before you know it you will be on the other side. It was about 2 days before op I started getting very anxious but surprisingly on day of op I was really calm and couldn't wait to have it done. As soon as I was wheeled into theatre, I was a bit shaky and then my sleep doctor asked how I felt then I was out, woke up 3 hrs later

No sorry Kelli - didn't have an issue with that

Hi Susie I had heard all about the gas pains and obviously expected this when undergoing my surgery, but thankfully I did not experience this so very happy My best friend whom also works with me wanted to support me on opti stage. So sweet of people being so supportive - she only lasted the week and had to give up. I think if you know you have to do it for your op, then you soldier through it ok. It mustn't have been that bad as I am 4 weeks post op and have an opti shake for Breakfast 6 days per week. Good luck with your flu - time is ticking down for you know, I would have rathered to have my op with the effects of the flu instead of day 2 of the dreaded monthly visitors. Was a nightmare having to deal with that in hospital

OMG that's terrible. Like you said after major surgery with all the possible other complications and you get this. Hope you get some relief soon

So so true.. I used to hate exercise but now have to say I am wanting to do it and really striving for an active outdoor lifestyle. Hubby and I went walking to and around markets this morning, then this afternoon dragged my daughters for another hour walk. I love my horse riding which haven't done for last 5 yrs as didn't want to cripple poor horses so this is one thing I keep picturing to help keep me on track, oh and things like weekend bike rides around south bank - too much fun - great healthy life ahead of us all Looking forward to meeting up with any of you from Brisbane that can join us next Saturday, it will be great:)

My stomach starts making all sorts of noises in the morning. I really don't know if it is hungry as prior to my surgery I never ate Breakfast so don't know what is happening. Lately I have been having an opti shake that gets me through to lunch except today was 1 egg and cottage cheese scrambled with 3 small mushrooms - delicious. Yesterday after our walk family ate their weekly takeaway at McDonald's for lunch and I was amazed that I had no interest in that food and got myself a small apple juice instead. Weighed myself today - 1 day short of 1 month post op and very happy with my 10kgs loss since surgery day. My aim was 10kgs a month if possible and I know this will not be the case as everyone is different but least I can say it was for my first month.

I got approval via phone on day 10 for some super. At first they rang me and said my doctors letter was not acceptable. I couldnt reason with them that it covered all elements but instead of arguing i drove out to doctor immediately and got a new letter and faxed it in. All this was done within 45mins from the first call. I called them back and confirmed they got the new letter and was told a further 10 days for further processing. I demanded that I speak with the assessor which he finally agreed. Anyway speaking to assessor I explained that my first letter covered what was required and that I work with legislation in government so this running around was unnecessary. He was trying to argue with me at first then said he would take a couple of minutes to look at it again, then within 2 minutes said he was sorry and that I was correct. So was approved It was then about 10 days max for my super company to release the funds.

Yeah I heard that you have to wait like 2 years for skin to adjust after weight loss. I have a total of 50kgs to lose so just have to wait and see the outcome. Just came back from an hours walk so ready for my crusket, salmon and cottage cheese and aiming to get through a heap of Water today as I think I am dehydrated a little. Going to go and swim a few laps of the gym pool tomorrow so really looking forward to that It's great to see all the newcomers joining us on this great thread. I never even go on the other sites anymore as I get all the support and info from vst.

I have just been watching some YouTube on WLS and the excess skin and then the reconstructive surgery. It is major major surgery but it is definitely something I will not hesitate to do if I am left with this which I am sure after 4 children my stomach will need some attention. I have checked my phi and it covers reconstructive surgery and been advised that anything with a Medicare item number will be covered. The last thing I would want is to be left with all this skin. I have joined a gym this week and will start on a program to help minimise the skin issue Interested to hear your thoughts on this?

Sounds great. I have my work function on Friday night do can give you an update of my first experience of having some alcohol.

Hi guys, hope you all enjoy the weekend , Anyway I had the dreaded before pics done as my husband is going to document my journey along the way and will do a website for me. This is one thing I did religiously every night was watch people's video on utube and websites and this was so inspiring for me to see the progress and changes to their life. If I can give 1 person some hope after following my story when website is done, I will be happy as all the clips, blogs etc has definitely helped me and no looking back now . I think I will do new pics every 3 months to really see the changes.

No shopping yet. But after pulling up my work pants all day yesterday (size 22) and looking really baggy, decided l will pull my wardrobe apart over the weekend and see what I've got from when I lost weight during early days of graves disease (thyroid). I think this is why my weight loss is quite slow with this damn thyroid prob so not going to let it get to me. Work friends are also starting to raid their cupboards and going to bring in clothes to get me through until I can really go and shop to my hearts content when close to my goal weight.