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Tarajane, I'm not sure if that reply was meant for me, I'm in Perth Western Australia... but if it was thanks for replying.

I'm going for a fill at my GP's, does anyone have any idea on whether the fill should be charged under medicare? I usually pay $55 for a normal consult with him, and get $32.10 back from medicare. My surgeon charges $55 for a fill and consult - medicare pays the rest.

I have major depression. I attempted suicide about 6 years ago, and have considered it many times before and after my attempt. My weight contributed to my depression in a big way, although it wasn't the only factor. I was hospitalized for about 5 weeks after my attempt (pills), and on day release at home with my family, I told DH i was just ducking down to the shops, drove around for a few hours trying to get up the guts to drive my car at high speed into anything that looked solid enough... but couldn't do it, thank god. I am now grateful that my attempt failed. For people that haven't seriously considered suicide, I want to point out here that once someone has got it in their head that this is the path for them - there is often no reasoning with them, they are not thinking straight. I have a family, 2 beautiful children and a fantastic husband, and I love them all dearly. But at the time you don't consider how much your actions will destroy their lives. You think they will be better off without you around. I personally do believe suicide is selfish, but that is the last thing on these peoples minds, they are not rational and are in extreme emotional/mental pain, nothing else matters. I have gotten help with my problems, both mentally and physically (now I have my band). I will admit that I deeply regret putting my loved ones through all that bullshit, and I am glad to be alive today, my mindset is a complete turn around to what it was a few years ago. I hate my fat so much that a few years back I actually considered taking a knife to it, and cutting it all off... I haven't shared that one with anyone before, because I know how deranged it sounds, but I thought being here, a few of you may just understand that one... Thanks for reading and also sharing your stories. I just want to point out that my post may sound like I'm a complete nut-job, but really I'm not...

<p><p><p>I'm a Domestic Engineer... and also start work part-time next week, doing accounts for a freighting company.</p></p></p>

Hi Rastis Dr Tony Kierath did mine. Amy

My surgeon's plan was - For 2 weeks post op - Liquids Weeks 2 to 4 - Mushies Week 4 onwards - Solids

I'm 31 and from Perth, Western Australia. I was banded in Nov '07. I love the improvements being made to LBT, such as these new forums.

Hey Fanny, I think it's a great idea to have a thread for us Sandgropers. Count me in. Amy

Best of luck to you Bansterboy, Easter is not that far away!! It's a great achievement (the amount you've lost), I hope you are proud. All the best Amy

Thanks everyone - I've been thinking hard on this all morning, and I've come to the conclusion of 'what will be, will be'.. Yes I'm still a little hurt, but I will get over it - I think some of you are right and I can see now it may be a trust issue.. The guys he is going with, we haven't heard from in 10 years - and there is a lot of history behind it all - These guys swapping girls, sharing girlsfriends, threesomes, orgies basically... no, neither myself or dh were involved - not my thing! If John really values our marriage, as he says he does, he won't be swayed. And if he does he knows we'll be straight to the divorce courts. A bit of boob doesn't worry me, don't get me wrong, but fruit and veg acts do! And tonight will not be just a bit of boob. So instead of sitting at home thinking about whats going on, I've invited a few friends over for a bbq... I've decided that I can't control everything in this world, but I can control the way I deal with things.

Hi Jaymie, Yes I can believe it, I lost just under 20 lbs in the first 2 weeks post op. Now it's stopped (at 26.4 lbs), I've had my 1st fill, but am in need of restriction - hopefully I'll get some with my 2nd fill. I've also been walking and even though the scales haven't shown a loss, my clothes are looser. Good luck to you, and you deserve to be excited.

Also - Guys feel free to have your say.. I'm not a man hater, I think another guys insight on this would be valuable.

Thank you both for the replies Lisa and Tina. We did have words over this, and I did get a bit emotional, especially as I have always been considerate of his feelings, and if something I was going to do was going to affect him in such a big way, I wouldn't do it - simple as that. DH puts it down to me being silly, and swears no girls will touch him, he'll just push them away - yes.... like thats gonna happen in front of his mates. He didn't push the girl away who half ate his face off in front of me, on this new years eve... Strange enough, that didn't really worry me then, but I was there, and we know her - she was drunk, but she is harmless(I think).. To top this discussion off further, I've now been informed that I have to drive him to this thing tomorrow, because he pays for my petrol... It's going to be an interesting ride!

My weightloss is at a standstill at the moment. I've only had one fill, and can't get in for another until Feb '08. Dms - hopefully you will get good restriction with your next fill, and the weightloss will progress (I think 17 kg lost is great). Bansterboy - 86 kg - good for you. Are you near goal yet?

Welcome Chrissy. Good luck for Tuesday. Hope your recovery is swift. You'll find heaps of helpful info here. Best wishes Amy

Aubrie, every month I put on around 2 kg (4.4 lb?) leading up to my period, then it's gone... I put it down to hormones and fluid.

I'm with you on this one Jaymie! I had my first fill on the 18th Dec '07, and I'm waiting anxiously for my 2nd fill - unfortunately I can't get in to see my surgeon until 7th Feb '08 - he's totally booked up.

I also love sushi. I've only had one fill so far, and don't have much restriction - but I have found sushi to go down well, as long as I eat it slowly and chew really well. I'm hoping it's still an option for me once I get good restriction.

The hardest thing for me is eating slower, especially if I've been stupid and missed a meal, then realize I'm really hungry - and try to wolf it down... argh.. the pain! I really forget I've got the band until this happens.

Thanks Saleel I'm sure you will do well too. It does get very frustrating and disheartning when people ask all the time, from now on I'm just going to get weighed at the surgeons, and when people ask how much I've lost I won't be lying when I say I don't know, lol... Amy

Welcome Cheza - I've just replied to you on another post. Dr Kierath is a good doc, you're in good hands. He does see a lot of patients all over WA, I have a friend up in Tom Price who saw him in Karratha, and then came to Perth for her band too. It's a bit of a bummer that the surgery is closed, I have to wait until Feb '08 for my 2nd fill (god- I need one now, lol), I think he takes time off to help look after his children, i'm not sure, but I think he has 6.... to me that in itself says he's a special kind of person. Are you excited about your surgery? I have found this messageboard so helpful and full of great info. I'm sorry I couldn't help with accomodation issues in the other post, I don't know my way around Claremont very well, but I think my friend from Tom Price stayed somewhere in South Perth. Are you coming alone or is someone driving up with you? Keep in touch and feel free to private message me. Amy

Hi Cheza I was banded in November by Dr Tony Kierath, at Bethesda. Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I've been looking for other patients of Dr Kieraths on this site - but so far haven't got any replies to my post. I'm due for my second fill on the 7th Feb '08, my first fill was Dec 18th '07. I'm really needing one sooner though. Anyway - just thought I'd say hello. Good luck for March, and let us know how you're getting along. Take care. Amy

And hi again Danna - WOW your doing so well, you're catching me - lol. Hope it's all going good for you, take care - Amy

Hello fellow Aussies, and hi again Sades - looks like you're doing well. I'm from Perth, WA. It's good to see more Aussies here. I wish you all well with your upcoming banding op. Look forward to hearing about your experiences. Amy

Green - well said. I have been following this post since joining LBT, but don't participate - being a newbie I feel that my opinions wouldn't be seen as being valid, but also not wanting to be drawn into a shitfight. I have written now because I feel many people on this thread could benefit from your post - I just hope they all sit up and take notice. Happy new year to you all. Amy