Have made the decision but am nervous, scared [insert emotion here]

[Jane_S 0]

Hi all,

My name is Jane and I'm in Melbourne.

After trying to lose weight for four years and tipping the scales at 121kg, I've finally decided enough is enough. Having tried every diet under the sun, I think lap banding is an option.

I have private health insurance, and have had it for three years so waiting lists aren't a problem.

I'm happy that I've made the decision. But I am SCARED. I am scared of seeing the surgeon. I am scared they will say no and I will be doomed to this life. I am scared about the actual operation.

I don't need sugarcoating, but could I get your honest opinion - is it worth it?

Thanks in advance.

[megsy101 0]

Hi,

They wont say no.

And here is the not-sugarcoated answer to your question.......

ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!!!

The single best thing I have done for myself EVER!!!!

[Brockbabe82 0]

Welcome to LBT.

I will be honest and say that having the lapband is not only the hardest thing I have ever done but it is the best thing I ever done. I am so happy with this surgery although ever day is not great, I am happier and healthier then I have been in a while. I hope everything goes successful for you.

Good luck.

[Jane_S 0]

Thanks guys, appreciate the support.

Well, I've taken the plunge and booked into an information seminar on 5th May 2009, followed by an appointment with the surgeon on 12the May 2009.

Am getting excited at being able to do something about this excess weight. :thumbup:

I've booked with the Centre for Bariatric Surgery - has anyone used this group? How did you find the experience?

[mspickle 0]

Hey Jane,

I am going through the same thing, its such a huge decision to make!

As you may have read on my excited ramble post, I have finally told my partner I want a LB. It was definitely one of the hardest things i have ever done, to admit to someone I love that i had lost control.

But now I wonder about all the nitty gritty. Sometimes on these posts you read many awful stories about throwing up and pain but the other day I had a read of the 2005/2006 Bandster posts and it was really inspirational!

Anyways what i wanted to say is that im going to the same Information Seminar as you @ St Kilda on the 5th May !!!

Makes me more relaxed knowing everybody is going through the same thing.

Will see you there !

Mspickle

[Jane_S 0]

Hey Ms Pickle!

So glad to see someone else from here will be on the 5th May 2009!

I mentioned to a colleague that I was going to get this done and she has a friend who went through it a few years ago. She's going to schedule a dinner with her friend so that I can ask all the questions that I want and get another perspective.

Am getting excited now!

[Jane_S 0]

Hey all,

Well, I had my appointment with Stewart Skinner this morning and....

I'M GETTING BANDED ON JUNE 11 2009!

Sorry for the caps but I think it's a cap-worthy moment. :thumbup:

Am so thrilled, excited (not to mention terrified of the General Anaesthetic) - I can't wait. Stewart was very kind and warm - indeed, everyone at the Bariatric Centre was delightful.

Can you tell I'm excited?

[mspickle 0]

Hey Jane!!

OMG thats so fantastic! I can't believe how quick it has happened!

Funnily enough, i have my appointment with Stephen Blamey tomorrow. I called on monday and they had a cancellation!

WOOT, exciting but nerve racking. Do you have to go on opti fast at all?

Im starting to wonder if all the steak i brought on the weekend was worth it! HAHA

:thumbup:

[Jane_S 0]

Stewart didn't mention anything about Optifast, but he will be sending out all my pre-admission documents in the mail, so I presume I will find out then?

Ms Pickle, I'm so excited for you! How cool would it be if we got done at the same time. Band Sisters! Make sure you pop in here tomorrow and let me know how it all goes.

They are so wonderful at The Avenue. Very supportive and kind. I was walking on air when I walked out this morning. Even the other patients (who were waiting for a weigh-in) were encouraging and kind and telling me it was the 'best thing' they'd ever done.

[mspickle 0]

Wow thats awesome.. I have heard a little about the Drs bedside manner being a bit abrupt.. but i guess thats just specialists for you! and really you dont pay them to be nice!

I am really excited. However i Hope to get my LB after 19th of June because i have uni exams until then!

Hows your husband taking the news that its so soon?

[Jane_S 0]

My husband told the neighbour in order to get his opinion (because a) all the neighbours should know about my medical plans and :mad2: 'he really knows alot about stuff') and the neighbour was supportive of the idea. So now my husband is supportive. Men?! I took the husband to the info night, got him to read the book (from the Bariatric Centre) and showed him this site (among others) and that didn't convince him. But another man saying 'Yeah, it sounds alright' does the trick.

Go figure.

[mspickle 0]

Hey Jane!

IM BOOKED FOR 6th JULY :smile2: WOO HOO!!

Im nervous already!! But the clinic were so fantastic! Dr Blamey was the best. I had heard some people on yahoo didnt like is bedside manner, but i was really impressed. He is very direct about being obese and realistic but i appreciate that.

My surgery is at Cabrini Hospital, cos I could get in earlier, I have to opti fast for 2 weeks before surgery. I guess cos i am 15 kg heavier than you I need to do it ( ie dont panic i dont think everyone has to do it)

BTW Trust men! They are so addorable!

Cheers

Pickle

[Jane_S 0]

Oh, I forgot to mention, Pickle - I have to do Optifast as well for two weeks before. :grouphug:

I've done it before so I guess I can do it again.

[mspickle 0]

Hey Jane, Opti fast is going to be a killer but its only for 2 weeks so we will both survive!!! I have been researching different opti receipes and they are not too bad- stir fried vegies, vegies Soup etc- I dont know if I can handle the shakes 3 times a day they are not very tasty!

I found out today that a close friend of mine who is a nursing manager knows Dr Blamey really well as they worked together for 8 years!! Haha she is going to give him a buz to tell him!

6 degrees of separation! She thinks hes an excellent doctor too which is reassuring.

Hope all your plans are comming along

Pickles:thumbup:

[Sarah.R 2]

One thing to add - yes the Optifast shakes are feral - had to do preop 3 times but I've heard that you can add the cottees syrups to your shakes - obviously the low fat low sugar ones - But overall try the strawberry ones - I hate strawberry but my surgeons nurse sent me out some samples to try and it was the only one I tried first up and didn't gag, it's very sweet.