I had gastric banding surgery 2 years ago and it was a raging success. I've lost more than 30kg (don't know pounds sorry) and have had a radical apronectomy to get rid of excess 'bagage'.

I also recently bit the bullet, so to speak and have been fitted with dental braces... I really wish someone had have warned me that one can't chew food to the extent required to get it through the band when one has braces!! I am heading off to the specialist to get some fluid removed from the band as I am back to almost clear fluids and losing more weight than I need to!! Although there is a part of me that is curious to see what under 60kg looks like on me, I am expecting that I might look a little emaciated.

I had braces as an adult and I dont see how they affect how much or how you chew your food.

I guess each person is different... For me, it is like this.

I've never had braces but don't they only hurt when they get tightened? Would it be possible for you to do liquids/mush on those days and eat proper food the rest of the time?

Interested in your ps. Was this done on medicare or did you go privately ?Just wondering as although 30kg is a lot of weight lost it's not normally sufficient for medicare to cover the op. I have only lost 24kg and if I want PS will have to go privately. I don't have a huge overhang but there is no way my stomach is going to improve without it. I got told today that I shouldn't lose any more weight (by my Dr)

Elcee, I went privately the whole way... I kept my top cover with nil excess on hospital stays, which I joined to get the banding, and the entire ps procedure cost me just under $2000 out of pocket. I had it done in Adelaide by an awesome surgeon named Robert Coren.

The issue with the braces is that they had to build up 2 of my top molars with stuff to stop me from biting down on the bottom braces. Consequently, my teeth only meet at 2 places which complicates chewing food. I think I overdid it and inflamed things and I have been nursing it with just fluids for a week. I think it might be getting better but will see the specialist on Friday and have a chat. It's been inflamed before to the point where I couldn't even hold Water down (pre braces) so I'm a little sensitive/paranoid when it gets hard to eat stuff.

Absolutely loving the new me though! Don't regret it for a minute! Well done to you too! Feels good doesn't it?

That sounds pretty cheap. I may have to look at revising my healthcover again - who are you with?

Yes it feels fabulous.

Elcee: I was with Mutual Community (now Bupa) I have hospital saver plus - nil excess with general extras. It's a single parent family membership and costs nearly $300 per month. I've recently downgraded to a $250 excess as the premiums were killing me... I guess when you factor in the premiums, it doesn't work out to be all that cheap but I am very happy with the result.... and it wasn't anywhere near as painful as I expected.

The issue with the braces is that they had to build up 2 of my top molars with stuff to stop me from biting down on the bottom braces. Consequently, my teeth only meet at 2 places which complicates chewing food.

I've not had braces, but I totally understand your problem. My teeth do not meet in the back at all when I bite normally. I have to chew with my lower jaw forward and my teeth still don't completely meet on the right side, which complicates chewing. I did not think of this problem pre band. I have only had a tiny fill and haven't wanted another, but I've come to realize since its difficult for me to chew well in the first place I don't think it is a good idea to even try for restriction (like I said not that I want it). I haven't been back to my doc in 6 months (was supposed to go back monthly ) but idk. So I never discussed it with him. So like I said I get the unable to chew thing.

Jess I guess it doesn't really matter how much fluid is in there as long as its helping. :-)

Thank-you for responding. I was beginning to think I was odd!