Sunwyse

I'm still to have my surgery. I've had around 3 periods a year most of my life. No set time though, they could be evenly spaced or all come one after the other and then no more for 15 months! Well I had one about 2 months ago and wouldn't you know it, today was my first appointment with the surgeon and I go and start my period yesterday! Funny how it all works.

I've had PCOS since 13, diagnosed at 22, now 41. I met with my surgeon for the first time today. He said that the band causes PCOS symptoms to go into recession. Basically, when your weight gets close to average, the symptoms all disappear. Because all this excess hair is the result of too much androgen (male hormone) from the hormonal imbalance, they should go back to what is more 'mormal' for women once the hormones rebalance. My arms are hairier than most men I know. Very much more so than my partner!! They are less hairy now because of years of waxing, but still heavier than most men. I used to shave my chin (ashamed to admit) but then had electrolysis for 4 years and now most of its gone. Still do pluck the occasional stray one though. I'm waiting to see if the band will get rid of it all once the symptoms have gone. I am so hoping so!

That is awesome news. Congrats. No, I don't think men can ever really understand what periods mean to women psychologically. I was on a weekend trip once and all the women got together and did the usual bonding talk - when I got my first bra, when I got my first period, etc. I said I really enjoy having my period. They didn't get that either, then I explained that having PCOS means I get maybe 3 a year if I'm lucky. When I do get them, yeah its painful and I feel icky, but it reminds me that I am a woman and have a unique ability - to create new life. I feel that periods really are a blessing - in a perverse way lol.

Hi Lizalee, that's really good advice. I've heard the weight thing will go up and down a bit at the start, while the body is learning how to work with the new band. I think we can expect too much at times and need to remind ourselves that healing takes time. I didn't get this size in a matter of weeks, its not going to go in a matter of weeks either. Its a life long journey. You'll get there. Now is the time to start allowing yourself to relax a little and enjoy life more.

Hi all, I'm Michelle, 41, bi and living in Australia. I live with a male partner of 3.5 years now, though haven't ruled out one day having a girlfriend. We are a little unconventional as a couple, so it isn't impossible. I work in child care at the moment, but plan to go back to Uni the year after next - will see what I do then. I've had a weight problem since I was 13 and now's the time to do something about it. We are planning on having a bub in about a year's time, so that will be exciting.

Not necessarily a straight male. More like a very young girl (more emphasis on mental maturity than age). A lot of the new wave of young lesbian/bisexual women seem to have this 'lookest' thing going on. I blame the number of very thin, sexy lesbians that have popped up on mainstream tv for it. At first women-loving women were invisible, then suddenly they only because acceptable if they were the 'we fill straight men's fantasy idea of a lesbian' ilk. I think many younger women have gotten caught up in the whole 'its how you look' thing that's going on. Its a shame, but hey, they grow and learn. As I've always said, I may be with you because you're beautiful but what have I got if I go blind tomorrow? Looks aren't everything.

I could put this elsewhere, but I specifically want to hear from women 40 and over who have had the band and then gotten pregnant. I'm 41 and will be getting banded in October. Next year I plan to have my first baby. I know 41/42 is leaving it a bit late, but it can be done. Just wanted to hear from any other women in my shoes. Michelle

Hiya lellow. thanks. Yes, it all went really well. Saw the nurse, then was taken in to see Dr Copp. A very nice man I have to say. A down to earth, character, which is always attractive I think. My date has been set for 22 October, so now all I have to do is arrange the psych and dietition appointments for next month, then get the bank loan. He also told me that if I need to have a tummy tuck down the track, my health insurance will cover it because its sort of a result of this procedure, so that's really good to know. For me, the bonus was that his offices are on the ground floor. I have a severe fear of heights and had to pull my partner out of work to take me. Partly because its a fair way from where we live, but mostly because I didn't know what floor he would be on and for me, going up one floor in a strange building is a serious ordeal. So that was so nice and welcome. When we walked out, I felt really sick. I'd actually been more nervous than I had realised. I then shouted my beloved to a coffee and cake to say thanks for supporting me in this. He truly is an amazingly wonderful man. Roll on October!!

Hey! I was offered 4th September as well - until it was realised I needed AFTER October 18 lol. We could've been on the same day, oh well! Glad you had a good appointment, so did I. Totally agree with what you say, very down to earth and very likeable.

The time has finally come and my first appointment at the surgeon's is today. I so can't wait. Lately, I've been doing all the day dreaming of what it will be like to be on the other end of the operation and starting my 'new life' in earnest. It was starting to feel like it was never going to come. I still have a few months before I can actually have it, but at least the road starts today. I'm also going to set up the op date today if I can, I want to have everything arranged as soon as possible. I'm really excited!!!!!

"And don't worry, I have had a number of clients tell me in their first few sentences that they didn't want to see me" That's plane rude. Of course they want to see you. Its part of getting the surgery - and they want the surgery right? Well, if they want it badly enough, then you'd think they'd be happy that they only have to see X number of professionals and maybe do a bit of dieting before hand. Could be worse, we could be made to jump hoops and do a weight training boot camp for a week before.

My appointment is at 3.30pm today, so I don't think we will see each other :thumbup: But I am going to the Brisbane get together on 3 August at Milton, if you go as well, we can meet up then :smile:

GrannyL, if you are seeing Dr Copp at Greenslopes, then yes, you have to see the psyche and also a dietition. But if you have the gap and you've had health insurance for at least a year, then he'll be able to fit you in to the first available, possibly Sept? As for the trip, go for it. You can have any fills removed or lessened for while you are away, then come back and have some put back in. You only need approx. 4 weeks after surgery to be back on solids again. At least, ring the surgeon's offices and say that you want to book your op for as close to the first appointment date and would they be willing to make a tentative scheduling for you now? It can't hurt to ask.

I was once told by a cook, when tenderising meat, cover it with some kiwi fruit for about 20 minutes, not much longer. The acids eat through and make it extra tender.

Hello Bluezbandit and Roheryn, welcome to the board. Any questions, ask away. There are so many friendly and knowledgeable people here. Roheryn, the last time I was the proper weight for my age/height was when I was 12. Puberty kicked in and so did my hormonal imbalance. I'm currently about 53 kilos overweight, with is just over 100% overweight. I'm amazed at how my body carries it all around sometimes! Welcome to you both.

For me personally, I'll tell anyone who listens. I don't give a hoot what other people think about what I do with my own body. I see it as a way to be open and honest in society about weight issues. By talking about having the op, I can educate that its not simply eat less, exercise more and you'll be right mate. Its more complex than that. Whether you tell anyone at all, only a few or anybody you see walking down the street is a hugely personal decision. If you do decide to tell people, do it for the right reason. To tell people as a way to deflect teasing or nitpicking will just arm your enemy with more ammunition. In the end its your life, your body and your decision. Don't ever lose sight of that.

People maynot have fatophobes forming lynch mobs late at night, but there are deaths related to fat-hatred. Its the suicides that happen because of the bullying and relentless teasing that goes on. It can get to a point where death seems more acceptable than to live this sort of life any longer. No, the teasers may not have pulled a trigger, but it amounts to the same thing in my mind. Not all gay people can hide the fact wither. Some lesbians are "typical" dykes. Some gay men are stereotypical "fairies". It happens.

I think the best answer to OP's post is this; Write down what is most likely to happen to you if you don't go ahead with the op. The high blood pressure, diabetes, shortness of breath, gout (my mother has this and now looks like I do), heart attack, etc etc etc. Now write down a list of what could happen if you have the op. The least likely of all is death. If you have to stay in hospital a little longer than expected, that's OK it will be the best place to be anyway. The band loosens or the port detaches, just a quick op to fix. I think the benefits far out way the risks and the risks of not going ahead far out way the risks of going ahead. But that's my opinion. You need to decide for yourself.

are triscuits only available in the US? We in Aus never got into the whole peanut butter and jam sandwich thing.

Some people can eat bread after. The best thing is to wait a month or so, so that everything settles down and then try a very small piece. If it gets stuck, then you'll know for sure you can't have it.

Having done 3 versions of shake meal replacement diets, I know the 3 day thing! It takes a couple of days for the body to detox from all the crappy carbs we usually eat, sugar, white flour products, etc. Once they've been cleaned out of our system we actually feel much better. Often finding we are satisfied on less and feel more energised and clear-minded. I've read that these sorts of starchy carbs are actually an addiction, and I tend to believe it. Hope the shake diet is going well. You don't only have to add coffee, you can also get coconut and pineapple essences and make it a pinacolada flavour if you like. You can add strawberry essence or mint or mint and choc! banana, rum and chocky, anything you want really.

So sorry I missed this post before. I hope everything went well and am sending you lots of getting better soon vibes.

I imagine it has something to do with being horizontal while sleeping and maybe it taking a few hours for gravity to pull things down again, to a point where you feel OK to eat.

Thanks Chickie, everything I've read about him has been super positive and glowing! Can't believe its this Thursday when I finally get there. Will be setting my op date at that visit, cause its still a couple of month's away, but I will be able to give work plenty of notice. I'm getting really excited now!

Hi Sam, my appointment is on the 24th. We might end up getting done at the same time, who knows. Best of luck with it.