Hi Everyone

I originally thought that i would never have a surgery to get rid of my weight. But a work colleague of mine was talking about what she was having done. I attended a seminar and i am sold!!! As the surgery costs $15,000 im not in a financial position to have it done straight away, so ive opted for Private Health Insurance and now need to wait 12mnths before i can have the surgery. May 09 should be when i am banded.

I am very happy with the clinic that i am going to have this done through. I am pleased that they will monitor my progress until i eventually die haha.

My story is pretty much the same as everyone else's but slightly different as we are all unique. I have been overweight since i was 5, never felt confident with my body, im currently 130+kgs and hope to lose 20kgs+ before my surgery but i know that this will be a battle so ill be happy with 15kgs.

My partner is very supportive and i am glad that i have him in my life. As i am qualified personal trainer i am excited to advise my clients (when i get them) to give this procedure a go, if they have been struggling with their weight for over 5yrs.

Im sure ill have more to say closer to the date of the lifechanging banding but i thought id say hi *waves* and i think you are all very brave and im grateful that you are sharing your experiences with me.

Hi Jess, My name is Beth and I'm in the pre-op 6-mo. wt. loss period that my insurance requires. I goofed off the first two months and didn't lose any. But I'm sticking to my plan now. I too want this surgery very badly. I've been obese for a little over 20 yrs. now. I'm 54 now. You can lose the wt. required first also. Just set your mind to do it. It helps me to keep my food journal. I count calories and fat grams. I'm keeping my calories at 1200 per day. I wish you all the best in your journey. The year will pass before you realize it.

i am very much hoping that the year will pass quickly, sometimes im an impatient person for various reasons and this is one of them!

Best of luck with your surgery, 6mnths to wait before surgery wow! I wish Australian Health Insurance was like that! Only a few more months to go for you. *claps*