Hi Everybody, my name is Susannah and I am 36 years old. I live in Melbourne. I am due to have my first consultation next month with Mr Crosthwaite. I find specialists pretty scary at the best of times, so I am hoping he will not be too intimidating.

I have been considering having lap band surgery since 2003, when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which is a nervous system disease.

It has taken me this long to bite the bulllet and do it.

I would like to meet others who have had the procedure, or who are going to have it for a bit of moral support, laughs etc.

Not sure if those waiting to be be banded can come along to the get togethers.

I think you are all wonderful and brave.

Susannah:)

Hi Susannah, I am not in Melbourne, and have no experence with MS, but I wanted to say "Hi" and wish you the best of luck with your appointment next month.

Hi and thanks Sam. This whole thing is so scary and confronting but it must be done for the sake of my health. What kind of pre operative tests did you guys all go through? Thanks for listening. Susannah:)

I totally understand. ((hugg))

I had to see a psychologist, a dietitian, and had all sorts of blood tests.

Some doctors require more testing than that, some less.

HI Susannah, I too have my consult next month (Oct 25) and I also have MS. I was only diagnosed a month ago after some weird numb leg feelings and strange sensations on my face. When I found out the results of my MRI (several areas of myleniation) I was floored, I was never aware of how different the types of MS etc. I wish you luck on the consult, when is yours? I will let you know how mine goes.

Hi Patti. My disease activity ie lesions are mostly on my spinal cord which have made walking hard when I have had acute relapses. I also have some areas of demyelination in the brain. I had an attack in Feb, but have gone into remission now, which is ace!:biggrin1: Am feeling well at the moment.

I will definately be getting the band, but will know more next month re when etc. Susannah

Hi Susannah,

If you can make it, we would love it if you could join us on Sept 16th for our lunch - see separate thread in Aussie section. Banded, non-banded, partners, friends, kids - whatever - the more the merrier. My hubby and 5yo are going to come along too - I think hubby wants to check out who I'm talking to on the web all night long! LOL!

If you can't make it on the 16th ,but would like to get together sometime, send me a PM / email and we'll make a date. Which suburb are you in?

I am going to be banded on 5th Oct by Mr Chris Hensman at The Valley Private, Mulgrave. Many people here at LBT have had Mr Crosthwaite - and I believe they think he's very good doctor. With all you have gone through with your MS - the lapbanding will be a doddle.

hugs to you - and welcome to our band!

Cheers,

Anna.

Thanks for your replies all.:biggrin1: I have been offline, as I have been having probs with my computer. The day is drawing closer until I see the surgeon, and I have been reading all the negative stuff re the band on the main board and feeling stressed. This will never really be over for for those of us cursed with this affliction.

I was really upset yesterday as I was walking down the street and two guys called out from a car '' You f***ing fat s**t''. Do I deserve this?

Susannah

Hi Susannah..I live in Melbourne too over in Hillside (western suburbs). I had my lapband done last Saturday (9/9/06) by DR Peter Nottle at the Avenue Private Hospital. I'm still in a bit of pain but I keep on thinking it will all be worth it in the end.

As for those idiots that called out of their cars, I know it's hard but I have had that happen to me too...just ignore them they are not worth getting upset over. Just stay positive and look forward to your banding and your future.

hugs

mary