susannah

I have private health insurance so I will pay 3-4 k in addition to the cost of my health premium. Susannah

Hi and thanks Sam. This whole thing is so scary and confronting but it must be done for the sake of my health. What kind of pre operative tests did you guys all go through? Thanks for listening. Susannah:)

Hi Everybody, my name is Susannah and I am 36 years old. I live in Melbourne. I am due to have my first consultation next month with Mr Crosthwaite. I find specialists pretty scary at the best of times, so I am hoping he will not be too intimidating.

I have been considering having lap band surgery since 2003, when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which is a nervous system disease.

It has taken me this long to bite the bulllet and do it.

I would like to meet others who have had the procedure, or who are going to have it for a bit of moral support, laughs etc.

Not sure if those waiting to be be banded can come along to the get togethers.

I think you are all wonderful and brave.

Susannah:)

Martin Luther king was an amazing man, a real Mensh. Rosa Parkes was also an incredible lady who sat down so that others could stand up and be heard. Susannah

I am Susannah. I haven't been banded yet, but probably will. Am I allowed to actually post if I haven't had the op yet? Good work with all your progress towards your goals. Susannah

Thankyou so much Fee. It is nice to know that there are others out there, and that I am not the only one going through this whole odyssey.Susannah

Sorry read that wrong. Alfred Hospital, Prof Paul OBrien. Haven't had consult yet. Anybody know the good oil on the Epworth? Susannah

Caulfield/ Elsternwick area. Thanks Susannah

Hi I am Susannah, I posted a few days agothat I will probably being getting banded ,but scared etc. I am just wondering if there is any support groups etc in Melbourne where you can talk to others about the op and life thereafter?I love Americans also:), but it may be beneficial to get a local perspective etc. Thanks so much. Susannah

I really like Star. She is seen here in Australia also. Go easy on her people, because she has fought her inner demons and would have been made miserable by others for so long, like we all have.Susannah

Obesity is a disease, an incidious addiction, that can enslave you physically and psychologically. It is not about losing x amount of kilos and then everything will be right with the world. You have to fight the disordered thoughts about food and eating for the rest of your life if you have a predisposition to this particular addiction.

I lurk on this board often, but never post. I am going to have the procedure when I can overcome my fear of it. I am scared that I will get an infection that will kill me.

I have to have the surgery as I have a disease in my nervous system that will make mobility hard as time goes on.

I admire you all so much. Keep up the fight. Susannah

I sent you a private message.. Susannah

Is it just me or do others find that medical professionals treat you like a loser if you are overweight? Especially if you are a female? Its like you have committed an outrageous violation against society. You are treated like a commodity when you are a women. If you do not conform to society's standard of what women should look like, you deserve to be harrassed and hounded. Certainly being overweight is not good from a health standpoint, but do I deserve to be constantly critisized for being overweight? Its also hard for me because I have a neurological disease that will get progressively worse as time goes on. Maybe after I have the band put in and I lose weight people will give me some dignity and leave me alone. Susannah

Bravissima! Awesome! Susannah

You look great! Keep it up! Susannah

Thanks again all for the advice. You guys are the experts! Susannah

I need support because I am coming to terms with having MS and now the surgery. Susannah

What does the pre-op psycological testing entail? Is it a long process? Can one fail it? Thanks for any advice. It is good reading everyones experiences, as I feel less alone on this journey. Susannah

I will be going to the hospital for my first assessment next month, and i will find out when the surgery will be scheduled then. I am scared of being put under and not waking up. Did anybody else have these fears? Susannah

Hi. My Name is Susannah and I am 33 years old. I live in Melbourne Australia. I have Multiple Sclerosis and am overweight. I have to have the lap band surgery due to having MS and my health in general. I feel like crying because I am so scared. Susannah

Hi. My name is Susannah, I am 33 years old and live in Melbourne Australia. I have been sick on and off for years. Last year I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. I am overweight and will be having the lap band surgery soon because of my ms and general health. I am so scared. Any advice or support out there. Thanks so much. Susannah