Mickey_1969

Dionnem, That's awesome you are feeling better. Must be a worry when something like that happens and you are a distance away from your doc. I have that same problem but so far I've not had a need to go back in a hurry. Cheers Lisa

Sharyn, You look amazing!! Well done. These pics are so inspirational for us new banders. I'm sure it takes a lot of nerve to post these before shots but rest assured they are just what everyone needs to keep going and staying positive even in the *OMG* moments. Cheers Lisa

My children are 19, 11 and 4. They have seen me trying to lose weight every day of their lives. I sat the younger one's down and explained what I was having done and what it will be like after. They are terrific about it. The youngest one is always asking me if I can have this or have that. The few time's I've had to go to the bathroom after eating something, I've tried to keep to myself as my boys get upset when I'm sick (always have). My oldest child is just like me and if she's not careful will have the same issue's later in life, now she's doing what she can to ensure she doesn't end up where I am now. All in all they have been so supportive and understanding. I'm pleased I didn't try to keep this from particularly the younger one's, now we are doing this as a family.

HI there and welcome. Pleased to hear things are going well for you and you will banded soon. It's a wonderful thing to be doing for your health and life. When I first decided this was something I was considering seriously, I only discussed it with my husband ( very supportive and loving man, skinny lil thing he is lol ) and my sister and mother. I really wasn't sure I was going to go through with it so didn't tell many for that reason. Then afterwards I have decided that this ISN"T the QUICK and EASY way out like I'm sure some people think but one of the hardest lifechanging experiences of my life and I'm proud of the fact I've done it and made that huge decision for ME. I don't spruke it all over town but if someone honestly asks how i'm losing weight I tell them. If they don't understand or judge me...walk a mile in my shoes then lets talk again!!! Do this for YOU not for what people expect or think. Take care. Good luck and keep smiling. Lisa

Hi Dionnem, I'm due for my second fill early next week so I'm praying this doesn't happen to me. I think calling your doctor is a great idea, I do know that after the doc put my first fill of 2mm in, I was only able to have a teaspoon of soup at a time. But I was able to drink water as much as I liked. After 3 weeks this did settle down a lot and now I can eat about half a cup full of food at a time (over 20mins or so) without pain. I'm really hoping this next fill doesn't do to me what your's is doing as I'm 3 hours away from my doc. Good luck and please let me know how you get on. Take care. Lisa

Hi Mellyphat, Welcome!!! I'm a relatively newbie myself, only being banded on the 21 March this year. I had a lot of self doubts and right up until they put me to sleep I still wasn't sure I would go through with it (as I'm a sook really). The moment I woke up I thought *OMG this is the first day of my new life and the new me*. From that moment on I have made the decision to do whatever it takes to make this succeed. I was told late last year that I had P.O.S and underactive thyroid. No wonder I had struggled for so many years with health issues and unable to lose weight. The doctor also told me this would help alot of my health issue's and lets face it, LOOKING BETTER IS AN ADDED BONUS!!! I'm sure after your info session you will have zillions of questions, concerns and mixed feelings. I'm hoping you will come away feeling very excited, please make sure you ask on here for any help or just input from someone else (this sometimes can help you sort out your thoughts). Once again welcome and good luck. Cheers Lisa

Hi I'm in Central Queensland. I was banded on 21 March 2007 and first fill was 26 April. If anyone would like to contact me if you live close I'd love to get to know some fellow bandsters from QLD. Cheers Lisa

Hi everyone, It's been awhile since I logged in and I've missed the inspirational tours I was taking daily so much. Life has been hectic for awhile but now it's settled down I'm back. Only problem I have is they seem to have changed the layout of this site and I can't find all those fab pics :cry I was banded on March 21st and had my first fill on 26th April. I went from *man this is relatively easy* to *holy moly I know I'm banded now* but I'm really doing well almost 4 weeks on. My first fill was 2mls and I couldn't believe how much it's changed my way of thinking of food. I've managed to keep those *omg* episodes down to 4 which I'm happy about. I've just decided that if I take nibbles like a mouse it won't feel like i've swallowed a mouse later LOL I have to go back to the doctor next week and am looking forward to jumping on those scales. Has anyone else had the experience where it seems to get easier about 3 weeks after a fill? I'm also pounding the pavement and drinking enough water to drown a whale...I just love the fact I'm not hungry 24/7 which is just not something I've been used to in such a long time. I love it and GOD BLESS MY BAND!!! :clap2: Take care all and hope to get to know you all soon. Lisa

Hello all, I just had my first fill of 2mm last Thursday 26th April. I was told by my Australian doctor that he likes to wait until the 5th week post banding to ensure that we are handling normal food. I'm to go back every month for now and he will decide if I need more or not. Everyone's different I guess. Lisa

If you haven't stuck to the post op diet 100% but not overly bad, do you all think that by going back to exactly what you are supposed to do will undo any ill effects you might have done?

Alaverde, Mine only stayed on for a few days after returning home. I left them uncovered and mine are pretty much healed. I guess everyone's different. Good luck. Lisa

Thank you both very much. Lisa

Hi cate, Any time I'm put on antibiotics I get upset stomach and that lovely thrush. I then was told by the chemist to take inner health plus tablets and I have never suffered again. Not sure they have them down there? I sure hope you feel better soon. Take care and we WILL stay in touch. Good luck!! Lisa

Hi everyone, My name is Lisa and I was banded on the 21st March 2007 in Rockhampton Australia. I was on the liquid Optifast program for the 2 weeks prior. Nasty stuff that lol I was relatively pain free following the op and was up and about within an hour of returning to my room. I've had 3 c-sections so maybe i'm seasoned lol I went home the next morning and apart from wanting to feast on our pet budgie and anyone else that steps within range, I'm doing great!! I know that this hunger thing will pass and if it gets too bad I make a cup of Soup and come and look through all the before and after pics on this site. VERY INSPIRATIONAL. I started this life changing journey a VERY unhealthy 136.2KG and as of day 10 I'm 126.1KG. I'm very happy with that. I am getting my first fill in a few weeks and am looking forward to that so much i'll even stick the needle in myself lol I have a wonderful supportive husband and family who tell me they are on this ride with me. I ate whatever I wanted for the first 37 years of my life and look where that got me...now it's time to get myself healthy again. I'm well on my way!!! Good luck everyone!! Lisa

Hi everyone :welldoneclap: My name is Lisa. I'm 37, Married and I live in a small country town in Queensland Australia. I did a lot of research into the lap band and it's effects before deciding it was for me. I was banded on the 21st March 2007. So far things are going well. I recovered fast and feel fantastic. My reasons for being banded were not only to look and feel better but to ensure I'm around for my grandkids. I already have a granddaughter Sophie who is fast reaching 2 years old. But I also have 2 younger boys aged 11 and 4. I want to be around to see their children. Starting this I was 136.2 kg and on day 9 I'm 128.4 kg. I'm almost over the liquid stage THANK GOD and will soon move along to the next. I'm looking at this as one very big exciting life changing adventure. I'm on my way!

Hi Diane, That's awesome girl, 10kg's you've lost is a real credit to you. This is a fantastic and exciting path we're headed down. Can't wait to see us at the bottom of that path, good luck!!! Lisa

Hi I'm Lisa from QLD. I was banded on the 21st March 2007. I started this exciting journey at a bootalicious (giggle) 136.2KG. I'm ten days post op and sitting on a minutely smaller 126.1KG. I will be having my first fill at the end of April. I am married (17yrs) and have 3 children, Jessica(20), Mitchell(11) and Lachlan(4). I am also the loving and sooooo proud nanny to Sophie(18months). I'm so lucky as my darling husband loves me just the way I am, trouble is I don't. But more importantly, I know the way I was going I wouldn't be around for him OR my children and family to love for as long as I should. I researched lapbanding till I was dreaming about it lol and decided it was the less invassive and something I could work with. I have PSOS and this will assist in the lessening of those symptoms I've been told. So far I've had an absolute dream run of things. I hardly had any pain after the op and apart from some continuing shoulder pain on occassions, I'm doing great. Scars healed, no vomiting and down 10KGS...I mean does life get any better? LOL I so look forward to meeting more on here and continuing to be inspired by you all. Take care Lisa

I'm 10 days post op and on fluids as well. There are times I am so hungry I feel like I could eat one of my kids lol Thankfully it's only just started the last few days and i've only got a few to go to the puree'd stage...Instead of giving in, I make a cup of soup and come in here and look over the before and after pics again and again ........sometimes I do this 5 times a day if needed, but I tell you what it sure makes me determined again!!

HI, I am only 9 days post op. I have shoulder pain in my left shoulder sometimes. I was told it can be due to wind or air in your stomach from the op, anyone else had this or know of it and when I can expect it to go?

bsoutherngirl, Thanks for replying. It's always good to know you aren't the only one that's going through the different stages and it's hassles. I honestly can't wait for the puree stage and to feel that i'm actually satisfied. Lisa

I was wondering if it's normal to feel quite hungry when only on fluids. I was told everyone's different. I should be getting my first fill in about 4 weeks and will be moving on to pureed stage next week. I was told by my dietition that the optifast replacement would satisfy but I'm wondering if she ment satisfy a goldfish? hehehe Any suggestions would be great. Thanks. Lisa:hungry:

HI Jo, My doc said that even a few kilo's makes a huge difference during the op so good on you girl!!! It's Friday afternoon here, 1.45pm Talk soon Lisa

Sounds like you need to see another Dietician. Mine was awesome. She explained what will happen and what to expect but to do this you must want a major change in your current lifestyle. I gave it some thought and realised that I'm not happy or healthy the way I am and It's only me that can change that. Also I look at it this way...I ate what I liked for the first 37 years and look where that got me...time to change, my eating habits..my lifestyle..my looks and more importantly...my HEALTH. I had a few worries before and I had done like you and researched like crazy but nothing prepares you for the real thing. I know I have only been banded since the 21st March 2007 but already I know that this is going to save my life. Please don't give up on this if it's going to improve your life and make you happy...Lisa

Hi Jo, I was advised to do a Optifast diet for 2 weeks before the banding, which I did, the doctor told me it was to do with making your liver smaller so they can shift it in the operation to get the band on your stomach. Must have worked at mine's on lol I'm sure you will do just fine with the operation. For me it was relatively painless. I've had 3 c-sections so maybe I'm seasoned or something lol Please let me know how you get on and feel free to ask me any questions or just talk about any feelings about your op you might have. Take care Lisa

Hi everyone. I'm up in Queensland and was banded on 21st of March 2007. I am totally in awe of the people on here that have shared their stories. I started this journey at 136.2kg and as of day 9 post op, 128.4kg. I'm so excited about starting my no doubt slow trip back to health. This is my first time using a site like this so not sure how to go about the posting and stuff but I'm sure will blunder through it. I look forward to adding my own pictures as I progress. Take care. Lisa