Hi All, I had my first consultation with the surgeon today. It went well. I thought he was very caring and throrough. Testing happens from now.

My case is a little bit more complicated than most as I have disease in my nervous system and I have to get an additional assessment and clearance from my neurologist.

I am feeling good about it all though. No date is set yet, but as I never rush things I imagine approx early February 2007. Its all gravy baby!:grouphug:

How did you all cope with the optifast and liquid stages without going batty? Any advice?

This board is a great resource and it is good to know that others have walked this path before me and can give advice.

Yay!

Susannah:) :biggrin1:

Hi Susannah,

Great to hear your first consult went well. you'll be cleared by the neuro before you know it. If your MS is stable and you are doing well, they shouldn't have any reason to stop you going ahead. They must be able to manage anaesthetics for people with MS, so I imagine that wouldn't necessarily be a huge issue for you.

Who is your surgeon? I am being banded tomorrow (yikes!) by Mr Chris Hensman at The Valley Private, Mulgrave.

About the diet: The Optifast is okay, you get used to it. I liked the bars and choc shakes the best. I had plenty of vegies to help fill me up - especially mushrooms and mung Beans (I sprouted them in a jar). A salad for lunch with a touch of no oil dressing. A stir fry for dinner, either in the wok with soy sauce, chilli, garlic and ginger; or done on the BBQ with Tuscan Seasoning (Master Foods) and a little olive oil. They helped fill me up. But now I'd be happy if I never eat a freaking mung bean again! LOL!

Have a look at the Aussies section of LBT - in recent threads there is info about buying Optifast cheap - on eBay, from Chemist Warehouse, or from the direct outlet.

look forward to chatting with you (and meetin IRL??) soon.

Cheers!

Anna.

Hi Anna. Thanks for all the tips. Good luck for the surgery. Would love to meet you all if you ever have a meeting closer to the city.

My surgeon is Mr Gary Crosthwaite, who is excellant. Susannah