Sunwyse

Maybe that's what it is. I'm not a mother so I don't really mind the idea. I tried the 'baby food' diet back in the 80s, before Hollywood had heard of it I think. From what I can remember it wasn't bad and you can get the organic stuff now.

What sort of info are you looking for?

You know Damo, I have a really good feeling about this. I reckon its all going to be Ok.

There's nothing wrong with it Justagirl, but like Fanny, many people just hate the taste of it. Just remember, baby food is formulated for babies, so won't have the correct balance of vitamins and such, that an adult needs, but certainly you can have it if you want.

Cherry, its not the amount of fill in the band that's the issue, its the amount that's right for you. I've heard of people getting no fill at all, the band alone being enough and I've heard of people getting just one fill, or people needing the thing almost completely filled. At the end of the day, its about what works for you. Maybe, 4ml is your sweet spot. Maybe in a month or so you'll need.3ml and that will be it, who knows, but obviously 5ml is just too much.

Go into a medicare office on Saturday morning (or at lunch time if you can) and get a temporary card. Its really just a piece of paper with your details on it. That will do til the card comes through. Good luck with everything.

Hi Justagirl, I gave up smoking years ago with the nicotine Patches when you still had to get a doctor's prescription for them!! They didn't stop the cravings, but did the take edge off so my will power could do the rest. I did give up too. Not permanently that time, but the second time I used patches I succeeded. Its been about 6 years now since I smoked and I know I never will again. Congrats on the decision to have the surgery. I decided to Feb last year, then changed my mind. Decided to again in October and took out health insurance just for this reason. Again I decided not to and let the insurance slip for a few months. Luckily, I was able to make up back payments so my waiting period is up 18 October and I can be done after that. Its been a very long wait, but I'm finally here. I've also had lap surgery before for gallbladder removal *sigh* weight issues are not fun, especially with PCOS and an anxiety disorder with borderline paranoia!! - Basically, I just think everyone is talking about my weight lol. Glad to have you on board.

Yes Jack, there really is such a place. Just make sure you pronounce it Wogger Wogger and not Wagger Wagger! Actually Crushbro, unless you have some really rare medical condition, you don't need meat. What you do need is Protein, which you can get from vegetation. Soy has already been mentioned and there are heaps of other things you can do. At the end of the day, if you simply have to have meat, then why not have it minced? You may need to face the possibility that you'll never have a piece of meat again, while you have the band.

Thanks Roheryn, it is great after a year's waiting. Though, have to tack on that extra week, so its still over a month - but only just over!! Sorry justagirl, no real answer for you. I guess if you can't organise a bank loan for that amount, then sit your parents down and have a serious discussion with them about the medical benefits of the operation. Let them know this money is an investment in your health and your future.

Hey there, welcome. I'm being banded by Dr Copp on 29 October. i so can't wait. Just got to clear up a sore throat and sickly chest though, or it won't be going ahead on that date. Sam, great to hear it all went so well. Good luck with the journey ahead.

This is excellent news!!! Strange how they can be so picky on the wording, even just one word out...but still, you are getting approved and that's what counts. Have fun enjoying the count down!! lol

Thanks Sam. New job is fantastic. Such a relief and all that stress gone! My only problem now is a chest infection that won't go away. Gonna throw drugs at it over the next week or so to see if that can take care of it. Don't want the op pushed back for any reason!!

I no longer work for the evil empire known as ABC childcare - that's good. I am so sick right now. I had a chest infection for a month a few weeks ago and was never able to take the time off to get over it, so now its come back big time and I feel so poorly - that's bad.:thumbup: I have this week to rest and then start a new job next week, at a privately run not-for-profit childcare centre in the Centenary area of Brisbane - that's good.:laugh: My surgery has been put back a week because Dr Copp will be up north the week I was originally booked in - that's bad.:frown: In my new job, I have stepped back from being a group leader to an assistant, so I get to just go to work, enjoy the job and go home - AND LEAVE WORK AT WORK - that's good.:laugh::thumbup: Michelle

Ok, haven't read the entire thread so apologies if my comment seems out of place, but if you are that hungry at the start of each meal, have you though of breaking it up a bit. Have half of it an hour earlier say, then the rest at the usual meal time?

Protein doesn't have to be meat. Where do you think vegetarians get it from? Not calcium either. A variety of legumes, pulses and beans will give you a good protein intake. Also, we don't need to have as much protein in our diet as most people think. Shouldn't be more than the size of your own palm.

I was thinking Bridge Road Richmond as well. All that area, there are a huge number of factory outlet places where you will get some amazing stuff. Also, the op shops there used to have some really great gear, but I haven't lived in Melbourne for 4 years, so that might have changed. Also, look at Smith Street Collingwood, going toward the Fitzroy end. Heaps of newer outlets there you can take a look at. The Alexandra Pde end may have some nice places. I know there's a trendy bather's shop there.

As far as I know, all the health insurance companies in Aus cover the band, as long as you've done the 12 month waiting period. As you've already had the op, the fills won't be that big a deal to cover I'm sure. Contact your insurer at home and see if they have any connections with companies here who they might have an agreement with to take on each other's customers.

Hi Susannah, why not save your favourite sub groups to bookmarks/favourites, then you won't need to trawl for them. I agree about life being in the way at times. I'm in the process of finding a new job and I've just developed plantar fasciitis, which is basically heel spurs without the spur. GREAT!!!! Can't do the exercise now for anything. Oh well *sigh* guess I'll just have to drag out the old stationery bike!! Can't wait for that op.

Less than 2 months to go to my op and the waiting is excruciating. I just want this thing done. I'm feeling heavier than I've felt in a long time and every time I look in the mirror I can see even more weight piling on. I feel like a barrel with arms and legs sticking out. I'm Ok most of the time, work keeps me busy. Its just the weekends that take so bl**dy long. And the fact I'll have 2 weeks off to just do whatever I want isn't helping. Want that time off now. I work in child care and we have entered our official accreditation window. Basically, we are waiting for someone from the government to come out and decide if we are nice people. I have no problem with this. What I have a problem with is my director saying I might not be able to have the time off after all, if they haven't come out by then. Tough whatsits I say to her!!! I'm having the op and the time off, even if I have to quit. I work for A Bad Childcare company who think they have a right to tell me what to do with my life. ha!! Anyway, just wanted to whinge. Go back to your regular viewing. :biggrin:

No such thing as a little success, lellow. All success is a big deal!

size 8 - awesome news!! congratulations.

Hi Jan, I know it seems like May is so far away, but trust me, the time will fly. I had to do the 12 month weight because of insurance as well. I've been champing at the bit to get this done since I took it out. Its been a long year, but now the time is almost here, it doesn't seem that long at all. M.

Plenty of room on my soapbox! lol @ Sam. I can just see your hubby now. Something I'd likely do - after a few that is. Hey! I once was driven down the main drag of the Gold Coast topless, by my partner. Lots of bright lights and my size E-s out for a play!! My partner got a kick out of it, the car load of size 6 girls we pulled up next to, didn't quite see it that way lol, but that's me.

Fanny, I couldn't agree more!! My personal view, not meant at anyone in particular!! I feel that if I don't tell people and lead them to believe I will lose the weight through moderating my diet and exercise alone, that I am perpetuating the myth that fat people are simply lazy and stupid when it comes to what to eat. It also makes me feel that I believe I am somehow cheating and have something to be ashamed of, why else not tell people? As for other people's reactions, I don't care what they think. I know this is a positive step for me and so far only encouragement. But then I often think what we fear people will say is really what we think about ourself underneath and are afraid to face. If someone really wants to see what another person might say, why not talk to a stranger in the street and tell them. Said it before and will say it again - I will tell anybody who will stand long enough to hear the words - I'll yell it after them as they leave if I have to. I am now 41 and I have struggled with excess weight since I was 13. I am glad I have reached a point where I can finally give up the fight or the pretense of a fight, because that way simply didn't work and is never going to work. And I'm so excited and happy to find there is a solution. What I have is a genuine medical condition, not a social/emotional/moral one. There is an answer which requires and operation, but there is an answer. For me its like saying my thyroid is playing up and now I take medication to stabilise it or I have a shot liver and can have a transplant which will cure that. At the end of the day, I have a dysfunctional 'something' and science/medicine has found a way to make it better, make it work right. I'm all for it and I'm happy to let others know. To hell with shame I say - Give me freedom! *getting off soap box now*

This is awesome news!! Well done. I'll take slow over not at all anytime!!