I am 2 days pre banding and have a strange mix of sheer fear and excitement in one...

Wondering if there is anyone else from Perth, WA that is going through the process at the moment? I know a number of people in my workplace that have been or are about to be banded in the next 6 months but I'd like to have more of a support group around where I can be a bit more open than I can in my workplace!

I'm also really concerned about when I can swim again - I have a disc protrusion in my back that prevents almost all exercise (even walking I can't do for more than about 20 minutes without agitating the sciatic nerves)... I swim every day and am really worried about how long it will be until I can get back into it... Any ideas on speeding the process up from others who may have had similar experiences?

Check out the Australia local support board on the forums located here

There are a few Aussie bandsters about, a few from Perth, but not all who are active. The whole site is pretty supportive tho, so don't just restrict yourself to the Aussie forums. Get out there and post. People from all over the world can be as a good a support group as those in your country/state!

Hi,

I just got banded on Thursday 28th Oct 2010. I'm from SW, WA (about 4.5 hours from Perth. I saw Dr. Padovan.

I have had next to no pain, just rather large bruises. I'm keeping down my fluids OK and am off all painkillers. The hardest thing is watching my children eat. I'm not hungry but boy would it feel good to chew right now!!:wink2:

I have basically kept my surgery secret from everyone except my hubby and one friend so I could do with soem support too. My local GP's are great, very encouraging.

In terms of swimming I'm not sure if I can help there but I was told to not have a bath or shower for more than 10 mins for the first few weeks.

Hope this helps,

Vina