Evening, or morning, all - depending on where you are reading this from,

My name is Rachel and I'm in Perth, Western Australia - pop. 1.2 million.

As you can tell from the title, I'm scheduled to have my surgery on Friday 11th.

I've been given one weeks notice to get my head around the reality of it. I started the process 18 months ago. As this is covered by the public health care system ( if you are considered morbidly obese ) I have had to have interviews with the surgeon, a psychologist , a dietician and an endocronologist.

Now the time has come and I have to admit to being a bit scared. Since I had my baby two years ago I don't take as many risks, so this has made me think. Not that I'm having second thoughts.As I'm 5ft4" and 153kgs ( don't know the pound conversion ) I'm in more danger now than having an operation.

Anyway, that's my story so far. I'm sure you'll hear from me again.

Take care, Rachel.

It's normal to be scared just before the big day. The surgery was a breeze for me, you'll do great and be on the way to a new and healthier you. Good Luck!

Rachel I wish you lots of luck ! I 'm sure this is hard for you being this close to your surgery date ,but I believe after the surgery you will be glad it is over and that you have started this new lifetime journey to a healthier you! Good luck!

Best wishes Rachel,

Like Pat says it is normal to be scared I was to.. But you will be fine. Once Surgery was over and I was awake i was so happy I did it..

I'll wish you luck on this post too Rachel! You are going to love your new band! Be sure and let us know how everything goes once you are up to it post-op!

Good luck Rachel! We'll be thinking about you! Here's to a speedy recovery and a new beginning.

Just take it easy after surgery and try not to overdue too fast!

Tricia

Rachel, you're getting back your health with the help of a little silicone band. This is a wonderful oportunity that you'll be so glad you got. Best of luck to you!!

Like everyone else said, it is very normal to be nervous! You will be in and out of surgery before you know it! Good Luck to you and please let us know how your surgery went.

Way to go Rachel! My daughter's name is Rachel. And 153kg converts to 337lbs. I know you will be fine! Stay here for lots of support, encouragement, and advice. these folks are the best! Real pros, very caring and giving. Keep us posted!

Hello Rachel

Congrats on your surgery date. Trust me, after the procedure you wil feel so good about yourself and so relieved that it is finally done. I wish you the best!!!!

Thanks to everyone who replied to my message. I've had a day of being really positive and excited to teary and nervous.It is so unlike me. Getting these messages has really made me relax.

I'm not really sure what I'm doing when it comes to making my way around these forums so you'll all have to bear with me. What's the difference between this 'Quick Reply" and another reply?

When do you leave this intro area and step up to the general discussion group?

If someone could please inform me I'd appreciate it.

Take care,Rachel.

I've had a day of being really positive and excited to teary and nervous.It is so unlike me.

Sounds like you're being very normal! A little like a roller coaster ride, isn't it?

The quick reply (located at the bottom of a thread you're reading) is simply that...an easy way to respond to that thread.

You can go to any part (general discussion, etc.) of this forum that you want. It's just nice if a person stops and introduces themself first (and shares what they want to). You'll find if you post here very much, that you'll get to "know" the other bandsters here. They'll become an extended family to you.

No matter what you're wondering about, there's usually someone here that's been through the same thing and will gladly respond. You'll be doing the same thing before you know it.

Rachel, go to the very top left of this page, just under the LapBand Talk.com title. Click on LapBand Talk Forums, this will give you a list of all the topics, and when you click on the topic, you get a list of all the many threads under that topic. I always use the quick reply when I want to post something in whatever I'm reading, such as this. Something else that has helped me, go to the top again and click "New Posts" listed on the bar. This will give you a list of recent new posts, no matter which thread or topic it's under. also, just start clicking all of the places on that bar at the top (where you found new posts) and it will help you figure out where you are how to use things. Happy hunting! You may have a little more time to click around during recovery, but this is a good place to be during recovery anyway.

Congrats, Rachel! I went through the same rush of emotions during the days before the surgery; I was grateful for the anaesthesia because I finally got some sleep! You're about to take a big step in your life, so it's perfectly normal to be nervous and excited.

Please check in with us after your surgery. A number of Aussies are on the board, and you may find someone in WAus who knows the medical scene. Good luck, and welcome!

Rachel, best of luck to you and make sure you give us an update as soon as you feel better so we'll know how you are doing.

Thanks again everyone - I'm starting to work out how to use this.

Well, the bad news is that I have a severe case of conjunctivitis that only seems to be getting worse. I saw my Dr. yesterday who gave me scripts for eye drops and ointment but he also informed me that they wouldn't do the surgery if I still had it on Friday. When I woke up this morning it didn't look good so I've been scouring the net for alternative treatments. I can't believe it - I don't remember having it as a child let alone an adult. I'm trying to stay positive, thankfully I have a great husband.

I'll keep you all posted - fingers crossed.

Take care, Rachel.