Goannabanda

Yep - that's me too - my boobs grew on my bum ! LOL!!! :hurt I only JUST manage to hoist enough of me together to barely fill a B cup. What's worse, is that the girls look rather sad and down in the dumps. Going to have them made happy again once I am at goal. LOL!!! I can't wait until the day when I can actually buy a bra in my size. My underwear is so worn out, threadbare and HOLEY, I'm going to walk up to where the boats are moored at the mouth of our local creek, and offer them as fishing nets!

YOU NEED TO GO TO HOSPITAL AND GET CHECKED OUT It could be any number of things (as outlined in the other posts) - it also sounds like diverticulitis of the bowel, or a colonic polyp that may have burst. These are not necessarily serious, however need to be investigated and closely monitored. You may need medication or lifestyle advice to manage any future recurrences of whatever it is that is causing your problem. Good luck. God bless. Don't worry, you will be fine, but PLEASE go to the hospital.

My surgery centre (3 surgeons) have all their patients do a two week OptiFast diet (shakes, soups, protein bars), to shrink the liver, making access to the top of the stomach easier. I belive it also reduces the risk of the liver being accidentally damaged or cut during the surgery. Remember it's a keyhole surgery, so retracting large organs out of the way of the "work zone" would have to be tricky!!! I am told that there is a list of allowed vegetables, and limited fruit while doing the fasting. Also they've said that there's no caffeine or sodas for the 2 weeks pre-op (and some time post-op too???), as this helps the liver, stomach too - so I'm cutting back now rather than go cold turkey in a few weeks time when I start the pre-op program. I'm not looking forward to the pre-op stage, but figure I'll make it through the 2 weeks because of the new life once I'm in the band! Heck - I've done worse diets in my life!!!

...the variations even locally and within the one clinic, and your opinions of their benefits (or lack of) are interesting.... I wouldn't have thought to question the recommended consultations. However, given that your various clinics don't requrie as many visits, and I am paying myself, I may now not go ahead with more than the psych and dietician pre-op, and maybe a dietician visit post-op if I feel that I need it. At least I have a package bonus with our Medibank Private membership, which can be used to pay for these services.:clap2: I'm not convinced that the psych or dietician will help me much - I've spent a lifetime analysing my responses to life (and food) - just like any other obese person has. I think I've got a pretty fair idea by now as to what, why and when of my eating, and also how to plan and prepare a healthy family diet.:hungry: I suppose that the doctors have clauses in their professional indemnity insurance to cover by making their patients do at least the pre-op consultations. I had my echo for the heart murmur yesterday - I'll go back to the physician on Friday for the report. I've since found out that my nan and a cousin also have murmurs, and Dad has an irregularly missing heartbeat - so there is history there. They did't find my nan's until she was 90! Guess it's nothing than just a murmur, but the way I've been feeling lately has me just a little worried (I was born worried... ha ha ha).:phanvan I can't believe I've had several anaesthetics and a baby, yet no body ever picked it up before. Maybe a doctor / nurse might have said about it at some stage, but I don't remember... My ICU nurse friend says not to worry - if it was anything more that just a murmur, they'd have followed up about it immediately. I am definitely going to sound out the other GPs at our clinic as to who is the most LapBand friendly - and if none of them are, then I'll go somewhere else. I used to see a great GP, but stopped going to him when he stopped bulk billing - maybe it's time that I got over my "thing" about only going to a bulk billing GP, and went back to him, at least for my own care. The family can still go the bulk billing clinic - as I have been very happy with them for the "everyday" kind of colds, flus etc:sick - I just wonder in those clinics if you get the attention you need for the more important things.... Jenny - sorry my email option wasn't set up. If you resend your email, I should recieve it now. Or try sending me a PM - I'll look out for your message. Given we live so close, I'd love to catch up with you.:scared:

For those of us in metric countries who don't speak inches and pounds fluently, how about tickers that show both metric and imperial measurements (at the same time!!!). Loving the existing LBT and the other suggestions...

So far, as part of my pre-op preparation I have: 21/7/06 Met with the GP (Dr Richards) for initial referral to surgeon; was weighed at 132kg. He said to eat less and move more - and that I'm depressed - well der fred! Of course I'm depressed - without hope of losing weight until I heard about LapBanding. I need a new GP. 28/7/06 Met with surgeon (Mr Chris Hensman, EndoSurgery Victoria)for initial consultation; was weighed at 134.3kg Had chest x-ray at The Valley Private Hospital 5/8/06 Had blood, urine, ECG tests at Melbourne Pathology, Edithvale 5/8/06 Met with GP to discuss Enhanced Primary Care Plan (referrals for dietician and psychologist) recommended by the surgeon. 8/8/06 Met with physician (Dr Lim); was weighed at 132kg. Told I have a heart murmur. I'm to have an cardiac ultrasound (echo) on 10/8/06. Mum tells me that Nana Vi had one (which wasn't picked up until she was over 90!), as does Carla (cousin). Dad has a "missing heartbeat". 8/8/06 Dropped paperwork for EPCP to GP's office. He had secretary call in the evening to say he wouldn't do it / doesn't think it's necessary. This means I'll have to pay for these visits via health insurance, resulting in a much bigger out-of-pocket cost to me. Now I KNOW I need a new GP - one who is band-friendly and more supportive. I'll ask ESV for information, or go and talk to Dr Dillon. (TERESITA - THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT!!) 18/8/06 Second visit to Dr Lim. Heart murmur due to turbulent blood flow. Blood tests all normal, including triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose. I am good to go. Booked surgery date with ESV for Oct 5th. Roller coaster of emotion today, as dad also announced his retirement - but am elated! 24/8/06 Met jenny from LBT for a coffee - very nice lady, and very reassuring. 26/8/06 Had psychological evaluation with weight loss counsellor. Going in, I was very sceptical, and feeling defensive, however I was determined to be open and get as much out of the experience as possible. She says my emotional cues for eating are likley to be anxiety / wellbeing imbalance related. So I need to take more time to sit in the sun and do more things for myself that promote my wellbeing. oooh goody - a prescription for massage! LOL! A life-changing and very positive experience. 29/8/06 Went to fist Bandworks meeting at TVP - wow so many people! I haven't really clicked into this group yet, however met some really nice people, including tolmc (Vicky)and tarajane (Lisa) from LBT. 31/8/06 Dietician group session #1. Went through pre-op diet and post-op liquid stage. tolmc (Vicky) was there also - she's being banded in a couple of weeks.

So far, as part of my pre-op preparation I have: 21/7/06 Met with the GP (Dr Richards) for initial referral to surgeon; was weighed at 132kg. He said to eat less and move more - and that I'm depressed - well der fred! Of course I'm depressed - without hope of losing weight until I heard about LapBanding. I need a new GP. 28/7/06 Met with surgeon (Mr Chris Hensman, EndoSurgery Victoria)for initial consultation; was weighed at 134.3kg Had chest x-ray at The Valley Private Hospital 5/8/06 Had blood, urine, ECG tests at Melbourne Pathology, Edithvale 5/8/06 Met with GP to discuss Enhanced Primary Care Plan (referrals for dietician and psychologist) recommended by the surgeon. 8/8/06 Met with physician (Dr Lim); was weighed at 132kg. Told I have a heart murmur. I'm to have an cardiac ultrasound (echo) on 10/8/06. Mum tells me that Nana Vi had one (which wasn't picked up until she was over 90!), as does Carla (cousin). Dad has a "missing heartbeat". 8/8/06 Dropped paperwork for EPCP to GP's office. He had secretary call in the evening to say he wouldn't do it / doesn't think it's necessary. This means I'll have to pay for these visits via health insurance, resulting in a much bigger out-of-pocket cost to me. Now I KNOW I need a new GP - one who is band-friendly and more supportive. I'll ask ESV for information, or go and talk to Dr Dillon. (TERESITA - THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT!!) 18/8/06 Second visit to Dr Lim. Heart murmur due to turbulent blood flow. Blood tests all normal, including triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose. I am good to go. Booked surgery date with ESV for Oct 5th. Roller coaster of emotion today, as dad also announced his retirement - but am elated! 24/8/06 Met jenny from LBT for a coffee - very nice lady, and very reassuring. 26/8/06 Had psychological evaluation with weight loss counsellor. Going in, I was very sceptical, and feeling defensive, however I was determined to be open and get as much out of the experience as possible. She says my emotional cues for eating are likley to be anxiety / wellbeing imbalance related. So I need to take more time to sit in the sun and do more things for myself that promote my wellbeing. oooh goody - a prescription for massage! LOL! A life-changing and very positive experience. 29/8/06 Went to fist Bandworks meeting at TVP - wow so many people! I haven't really clicked into this group yet, however met some really nice people, including tolmc (Vicky)and tarajane (Lisa) from LBT. 31/8/06 Dietician group session #1. Went through pre-op diet and post-op liquid stage. tolmc (Vicky) was there also - she's being banded in a couple of weeks.

...for the benefit of any journal visitors! (edited and updated form introductions thread) I am SOOOO glad I found this forum - reading posts over the past few weeks, and viewing all those inspirational before / after shots has helped me in my decisions and plans immensely. God Bless all LBTers for sharing and caring so much:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: - I hope that I may contribute to the forum as well as the benefits I'm already enjoying. I'm 34, a mother of one boy (who's 5), married to a WONDERFUL man (he always cheers me on, and thinks I'm sexy however I look! Bless him!). I work part-time as a consulting environmental scientist. I have been thinking of getting banded for over a year - but only just started to discuss it with my hubby in July. I got a referral from my GP this week, and first met with surgeon in early August (with Mr Chris Hensman at EndoSurgery Victoria, Mulgrave).:nervous I have fought the battle of the bulge since I was 16 - when my mum joined me at WW - since then I've been the classic yo-yo ride of WL support systems, diets and pills. Depression and control issues with food haven't helped either :mad: (Man! How do I relate to some of the stories posted to the forum!) I want to GET OFF THE ROLLER COASTER - NOWWWW!!!! My weight has hovered around 135kg since just after my son was born. My hubby was made redundant from his job at the same time, so my emotions and eating were all over the place for a LONG time. I maxed out at 138 - 140kg during last year.:omg: I'm currently around 132kg. (I'm so ashamed...) The thing is, until recently, I've never felt big or heavy. Because I'm a pear-shape, and therefore most my fat is on my legs / hips / rear end, it's kind of "out of sight, out of mind". Only this year have I felt too big / fat / tired / slovenly / unfit / "insert any other of your favourite self-depretiating terms here" (they'd apply here) to get off my but and do things - even things I love to do like play with son (who can run like the wind) or gardening. Cleaning the house even feels like too much effort... I feel like that a lot of the emotional baggage I've been carrying around has been put down over the past year, and is now GONE FOR GOOD. :clap2: Hubby and I have a stable, Christian marriage, we have a loving home life and good jobs and career prospects. It was a long struggle. I also feel like I'm able to finally put down the bags I've carried siince school days, feelings of insecurity and inadequacy (God knows why I have them in the first place, but the mind is a beast...). I honestly feel that if I can make a break in the weight gain-loss cycle, and lose the excess weight once and for all, that I'd have a great chance that the fat would also be GONE FOR GOOD. I guess none of this is new to many / most of you in LapBandTalk land. Anyway, it's these new feelings about myself that have shocked me into doing something more to lose the kilos- enter the LAPBAND - dadadadaaaaaa!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: My hubby & I REALLY want more babies - but right now I'm too scared of complications / dying to contemplate getting pregnant yet. I can't seem to lose the 15kgs and 5 years of age I put on since I had my son... The desire to make some new people for our family to love is also contributing influence to my decisions right now, but not the main motivation. Initially, I'd like to get down under 100kg before trying for another baby, and then after that continue on towards an ultimate goal of 60kg - 70kg (would be nice on a 5ft 4inch girl...). I think I was about 15 when I last saw my weight defined by a number lower than 70kg.:cry :faint: :help: I'd like to hear from anyone who has conceived / had a baby after LapBanding. My GP suggested we had a baby (or two) first, and then the LapBand - the way I feel right now, I don't think that would be sensible - I can almost feel diabetes or a heart attack at the thought of it!:sick The surgeon said at least three months, although the longer we wait after the banding, obviously, the better th weight loss would have been. Also, I am really nervous about how I will adjust to the Bandster's lifestyle given how much and how often I eat. Feelings of hunger / fullness / satiety etc are almost meaningless to me right now. I'm looking forward to changing this, but for now, the thought of restricting food volume and types fires up those old feelings of rebellion!:hungry: :angry Definitely need counselling, support and reflection in this area.:nervous Anyway - enough introductions - let's make music!!!

...for the benefit of any journal visitors! (edited and updated form introductions thread) I am SOOOO glad I found this forum - reading posts over the past few weeks, and viewing all those inspirational before / after shots has helped me in my decisions and plans immensely. God Bless all LBTers for sharing and caring so much:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: - I hope that I may contribute to the forum as well as the benefits I'm already enjoying. I'm 34, a mother of one boy (who's 5), married to a WONDERFUL man (he always cheers me on, and thinks I'm sexy however I look! Bless him!). I work part-time as a consulting environmental scientist. I have been thinking of getting banded for over a year - but only just started to discuss it with my hubby in July. I got a referral from my GP this week, and first met with surgeon in early August (with Mr Chris Hensman at EndoSurgery Victoria, Mulgrave).:nervous I have fought the battle of the bulge since I was 16 - when my mum joined me at WW - since then I've been the classic yo-yo ride of WL support systems, diets and pills. Depression and control issues with food haven't helped either :Banane10: (Man! How do I relate to some of the stories posted to the forum!) I want to GET OFF THE ROLLER COASTER - NOWWWW!!!! My weight has hovered around 135kg since just after my son was born. My hubby was made redundant from his job at the same time, so my emotions and eating were all over the place for a LONG time. I maxed out at 138 - 140kg during last year.:omg: I'm currently around 132kg. (I'm so ashamed...) The thing is, until recently, I've never felt big or heavy. Because I'm a pear-shape, and therefore most my fat is on my legs / hips / rear end, it's kind of "out of sight, out of mind". Only this year have I felt too big / fat / tired / slovenly / unfit / "insert any other of your favourite self-depretiating terms here" (they'd apply here) to get off my but and do things - even things I love to do like play with son (who can run like the wind) or gardening. Cleaning the house even feels like too much effort... I feel like that a lot of the emotional baggage I've been carrying around has been put down over the past year, and is now GONE FOR GOOD. :clap2: Hubby and I have a stable, Christian marriage, we have a loving home life and good jobs and career prospects. It was a long struggle. I also feel like I'm able to finally put down the bags I've carried siince school days, feelings of insecurity and inadequacy (God knows why I have them in the first place, but the mind is a beast...). I honestly feel that if I can make a break in the weight gain-loss cycle, and lose the excess weight once and for all, that I'd have a great chance that the fat would also be GONE FOR GOOD. I guess none of this is new to many / most of you in LapBandTalk land. Anyway, it's these new feelings about myself that have shocked me into doing something more to lose the kilos- enter the LAPBAND - dadadadaaaaaa!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: My hubby & I REALLY want more babies - but right now I'm too scared of complications / dying to contemplate getting pregnant yet. I can't seem to lose the 15kgs and 5 years of age I put on since I had my son... The desire to make some new people for our family to love is also contributing influence to my decisions right now, but not the main motivation. Initially, I'd like to get down under 100kg before trying for another baby, and then after that continue on towards an ultimate goal of 60kg - 70kg (would be nice on a 5ft 4inch girl...). I think I was about 15 when I last saw my weight defined by a number lower than 70kg.:cry :faint: :help: I'd like to hear from anyone who has conceived / had a baby after LapBanding. My GP suggested we had a baby (or two) first, and then the LapBand - the way I feel right now, I don't think that would be sensible - I can almost feel diabetes or a heart attack at the thought of it!:sick The surgeon said at least three months, although the longer we wait after the banding, obviously, the better th weight loss would have been. Also, I am really nervous about how I will adjust to the Bandster's lifestyle given how much and how often I eat. Feelings of hunger / fullness / satiety etc are almost meaningless to me right now. I'm looking forward to changing this, but for now, the thought of restricting food volume and types fires up those old feelings of rebellion!:hungry: :angry :Banane20: Definitely need counselling, support and reflection in this area.:nervous Anyway - enough introductions - let's make music!!!

138 kg - early 2006 maximum weight 134 kg - 1st surgeon visit, 28 July 2006 132 kg - physician visit, 8 August 2006

138 kg - early 2006 maximum weight 134 kg - 1st surgeon visit, 28 July 2006 132 kg - physician visit, 8 August 2006

Cool! I must admit, I didn't calculate the conversion - just guessed it! Unfortunately, it doesn't change the BMI number downwards.... ...that's still 51.5...

My surgeon is Mr Chris Hensman, at EndoSurgery Victoria - at The Valley Private in Mulgrave, and also at Knox Private. My GP (who shall be nameless), is elsewhere... ...I decided today to find a new GP who is more band-friendly and more supportive.

Hi all, I'm fairly new around LBT - currently in "auditioning for the band" (i.e. pre-op tests). My starting BMI is 51.5, which is super obese according to my surgeon's scale (SEE BELOW). I weigh 134 kilos - which is about 315 pounds. I have a whole LARGE person to lose (70kg, or approx 160 lbs). My surgeon's BMI obesity scale (without the lower ranges...): 30-40 - obese 40-50 - morbidly obese 50-60 - super obese 60+ - super super obese I am really excited about being banded, although nervous as to the changes it will bring to my lifestyle. I don't know how I am going to deal with weight loss either - as I've never enjoyed much success losing weight before, nor have had any time in my adult life where I have not been obese / morbidly obese / super obese. Looking forward to catching up with all that's in this thread, and to being part of this big (important) group! I hope that I can help lift each of us up with my support, as no doubt I will enjoy from you!

WOW! WOW! WOW! Robyn, you are amazing - and after having had such a bumpy ride this past year. Happy bandiversary!

A big hug to you from Down Under - well done!

Hi everyone, As part of my pre-op assessments, I was provided with a Medicare form for my GP to fill out for an Enhanced Prmary Care Plan referral for the dietician and psychologist's consultations (total of 5 consultations only). I was told this was so that these consultations would be covered by Medicare, rather than have to pay for them via health insurance. Well he didn't. He had his secretary call and said he doesn't do this or believe that an EPCP is necessary as part of the LapBand process. Guess he figures I should wear the extra out of pocket costs myself. Maybe he just doesn't think that having a BMI of 51.5 is a chronic condition. Go figure.:phanvan Has anyone else had their GP refuse to do provide an EPCP referral if asked? Are there any other ways around it? I thought maybe I'd go and see different GP and ask them. Any ideas? I also went to went the specialist physician today (what a lovely doc!) - apparently I have a slight heart murmur, which now needs an echocardiogram to invesigate. :rolleyes Apparently I would have had this since I was a kid. Nobody ever picked it up before. Go figure again. Looking forward to hearing responses about the EPCP. I'll be in touch with the surgeon's office tomorrow and see what they suggest.

I've just found this thread - praise God as he walks with us! I lift each of us, and those of our loved ones for whom we care, in prayer, and will continue to remember the LBT family to the Lord each time I pray. Lord of compassion, your hand is always stretched out in blessing and healing of the sick and needy, we pray for those of whom we have named before you, and for all who have held themselves out to you, that they may be set free from the troubles and sicknesses that afflict them and be healed by your power, for the honour and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thank you for your gifts of healing and forgiveness: for the grace to love and care for each other, for your hidden blessings, and for all you have still in store for us; for everything, whether joy or sorrow, whereby you are drawing us to yourself through Jesus Crist our Lord. Amen.

Chloe, Thanks for opening this thread - you are not alone - I share your thoughts around the drive to self-sabbotage.:angry I feel that this is definitely worse when I'm not "on top of my game" in other areas of my life - family, work, chores, monthly hormones (that's the chocolate cravings:phanvan ) etc!!! Don't be too hard on yourself - the beauty of the band is that you can't fall completely off the wagon - just slip over the side a little - pretty soon you'll be able to climb right back up into the driver's seat, and you'll be on your way again. Your in great company around here too....:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Gee, I didn't think my list would be this long - but I guess that's what you get after 18 years of dieting... Anti-Candida Diet - kinda like Atkins - I can feel the heart attack comming on!!! Atkins:mad: Apple Diet - I invented this - only apples except for dinner time... Bannana Diet - at $14 per kilo, not a cheap option in Australia right now... Cabbage Soup Diet:rolleyes CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet - a reasonable diet, if you lower the Protein slightly.:cry Grapefruit Diet:sick Israeli Army Diet - is that another grapefruit one???:cry Jenny Craig - twice - Australia's version of diet doggie food:mad: Lean Cuisine - every day for dinner:phanvan Limits - Jachut, I liked the lemon cream ones best:rolleyes Lite'n'Easy - home delivery meals, either diet or non-diet - healthy, balanced and yummy - still may be a convenience option post-band:nervous Liver Cleansing Diet:tired Liver Detox & Diet - foul herbal powders:p Low GI Diet:cry My own sensible eating efforts...:huytsao Positrim - Amway's Meal Replacement drinks and bars:rolleyes Raw food Diet SlimFast - shakes & bars - yuck! Weight Watchers - at least 6 times, I only lost weight the first time. Too many carbs in it for me I think.:cry What to Eat When You're Expecting - not as a weight loss diet, but in an effort to stave off gest diabetes - now I hate wheatgerm!!! You Are What You Eat Diet (Dr Gillian McKeith from the TV show):speechles Xenical / Orlistat - the orange horror!!! Had to buy new underwear after that one. :scared: Tried it when just it was just new. My Doc now says it's a waste of time.:angry ...trading war stories & battle scars makes for a fun thread!:biggrin1:

Try Big City Chic, they have formal dresses and accessories, as well as fashion, work, casual etc. However - their styles might be a bit 'young' for mother of the bride. Their website (www.bigcitychic.com.au ) says there's a store at Whitfords, WA.

Way to go Rosecheers and xx lil xx!! I'm finding it hard to believe the stories about how rapidly hunger changes after the band - and hard to believe that it will work for me. Your eraly positive experience and success are very encouraging. TazGirl - hope your next date sticks. I'm hoping for a date late Aug / early Sep. Keep up the good work everyone!

Since I found this forum, I can't seem to get any laundry washed - let alone fold the sheets. lol!:biggrin1: :laugh :ranger: ...so far tonight, one of our cats has slept on two of the three piles of fresh, unfolded laundry that are occupying the family room furniture... ...the other cat has retreated to leave fluff all over the couch... ...hairballs (eeewww!!!) are always deposited on the CARPET, and NEVER on the hard floors... ...what is it with cats???... ...as if there wasn't enough laundry & chores to do already!!!

I couldn't betray my DH's trust or risk hurting him or my family. Even if I did it, and wasn't found out, I'd end up telling him out of guilt and remorse, which would, of course, hurt him.

Pisces here - and it soooooo fits!