Chickie

This is just a little FYI on plastic and reconstructive surgery in Australia. If you want your health fund to help pay, make sure you get a referral from your GP, and get a referral to a reconstructive surgeon. Not just a plastic surgeon. PS & RCS use different item numbers. Depending on your fund, and cover, you could end up paying very little for surgery.

((Hug)) Wow, you have so much going on, there is little wonder you are so stressed. I have no advice, or insight, I just wanted to let you know, I am thinking of you.

Happy bandiversary Seppi!

The last 17 months have been up and down at times, but I would not change a thing. I was very undecided about my goal weight. I changed the number quite a few times. But I have been pretty happy with my body lately, and if I have to give happy a number, it may as well be 65kg. It is in the healthy range for my height, as is my BMI. I am sure the number will change again with my tummy tuck, but I am cool with that. I am happy with my body for the first time in my adult life. And damm. It feels good. Thanks again everyone

I am at goal people :kiss I got up this morning, and I was 65.1 kg / 143 lbs. I think I am done. And I am so excited... I could burst! Thanks to everyone for the support over the last 17 months... It means a lot to me

:whoo: Congratulations Olive and Leona! :clap2:

Because you are not filled, the pouch empties quicker, so you can eat the full cup. Untill you get a fill, you will be able to eat more. The half cup thing is only an average, and only applies to those at their sweet spot. My port never hurt, but I gave birth without pain meds, so maybe I am not the gal to ask about pain, lol. Oh, and crayons are really hard to get off walls... Sharp or not! :nervous

I avoided social situations (eating in particular) Swimming (who wanted, or deserved to see ME in a swimsuit?) Work. My work was physically demanding, and by the time I got to my highest weight, I ended up quitting. Wearing high heels. I was forever breaking the heel. And I very rarely had my photo taken. Can you guess why? lol

Hi there Jess!

I think you can also claim medical expenses on your tax return too. I am not sure if the ATO are still doing this, but it would be well worth bringing your receipts when you do your return.

The post op period (and liquid phase) is mainly about healing, not weight loss. Any weight you do lose during that time is "bonus weight loss". The band is intended to be effective when you have restriction. Good luck with your surgery!

Band? No. Port? Yes.

Hello and congratulations Daniella!

Congrats July5!! I am so excited for you! bkwalking ;I have no idea on the insurance thing (I am an Aussie, we have a different system over here) but I can say that I have lost about 95% of my excess weight at this stage. So it can be done. Good luck with your research.

That is how she always looks, isn't it?

This is exactly what I do. I drink 1.5 to 2 ltrs of Water a day, and exercise daily. I count calories, however. I know people say "I had the band so I dont have to diet" but in all honesty, it was the only way in hell I could ever get the scale moving. I try to stay between 1200 - 1500 calories a day (I throw in a few more if I go for a run) and the scale moves. It is not as hard to calorie count post band, as it was pre banding. Provided I make good choices, I am usually under the 1500.

For 100lbs lost, I brought myself a gold bangle, and for my goal weight, I am having a tummy tuck (I see the PS this week, so hopefully the TT will happen soon), then in December, we are going on a family holiday to Far North Queensland (I would love to go to Fiji, but getting time off is a nightmare for DH :think) I am forever buying new clothes... It is a bit pathetic really. I am having to really control myself at the moment, because I know what suits me now, will not look so good, or fit so well once I have my tummy tuck. And a day spa sounds devine... I might have to look into that!

Bump......

My surgeon does my fills.

Oh, and a question for the Aussies who have had PS. How long between your first appointment, and your surgery? TIA :hail:

Any advice on what to ask the surgeon? My appointment is 6th July. I want to be armed and ready for this :biggrin1: I know the basics of a TT, how it is done, ect. But is there anything that you wished you had asked before the fact? So far my list of questions; How many TT have you done on bandsters? Should I replace my port w/ a low profile? Cost (duh!) Expected recovery time Where to buy compression garment (if not supplied) How long to wear CG When can I resume exercise Pain medication What pre op tests will I need What can I realistically expect That is what I have for the moment. I am sure I will come up with more in the two weeks till my appointment, and any imput will be more than welcome.

Yes, but by 9 they are starting puberty (at least mine is :cry) and boy oh boy! Is this a wild little ride! I do miss my "baby" but I like my big boy. He is fun to be with. And thank you! This last 16 months has flown by... It felt like I would never get there, but now, looking back... It really has just flown. Not too long to go till the 25th! I bet you can't wait! :clap2:

Nope, I have been married since 17.

Smaller sips of thinner Fluid is a great idea. Can you get clear fluid down ok? Every surgeon is different, I had my first fill at 6 weeks out, and others have had them at 4. Maybe it is just too much fill, too soon? :cool:

On average, 2.2lbs. Some weeks it has been more, some less, but that is the average.