757 replies to this topic

[Junior]

Shazza1960, on 11 October 2011 - 07:54 PM, said:

Hi Eviljoy,


My problem is that I have such a long wait before I get banded (24th November) which was booked on the 13th September so quite a while. Plus my surgeon has said I don't need to do the preop diet with optifast??? I asked about the fatty liver thing and he just said I'll be fine and that only occurs if you are over 130kg (I am 117kg). I think I will still do the optifast as I am petrified my liver will end up being fatty and they won't be able to do the keyhole surgery. I have ordered 2 weeks worth of optifast sachets and soups so thinking of doing 2 weeks worth. How are you going on the optifast anyway? Are you finding it difficult? I am finding the time leading up to the lapband slowwwwwwwwwww......

Shazza, I booked in early September. Seems I wouldn't have got in any quicker if I'd gone to East Melb.
Regarding the optifast, Dr Skinner didn't say anything to me about it but it's in the paperwork I got from his secretary after I booked in. He requires 2 weeks of optifast before the surgery.

[Junior]

Shazza1960, on 11 October 2011 - 07:59 PM, said:

Hi Junior,

Did you see Dr Skinner at the Glen Iris Hospital or closer to where you are having your op done? I found him very approachable and was very happy to answer all my questions. I felt comfortable with him which is a big plus. Does he have you doing the optifast diet? He told me I didn't need to but I think I will anyway - to be on the safe side. Hope everything goes well with you and it's great to have people going through the process around the same time as myself.

Apparently he does all his first appointments at Glen Iris so I had to go up there. But he has an office in Frankston and I can do all my follow ups there which is great. I found him easy to talk to and keen to explain everything thoroughly.

[eviljoy]

Okay, as far as I can tell, we now have eight November Bandits. Although Matto hasn't stopped by to say hello yet.

In banding order we have.

Lunatic - Nov 3
Eviljoy (Shelle) - Nov 4
Dan - Nov 8
Tamara - Nov 11
Matto - Nov 16
Deb - Nov 21
Shazza - Nov 24
Junior - Nov 25

I hope everyone is doing okay and nobody is feeling too nervous. All eyes are going to be on Lunatic as she is going first.

[*star*]

Hi everyone,

I am a 33 year old single mother of three gorgeous kids aged13, 5 & 2 ½, and have decided that it is finally time to start living again!! I am studying full time and will finish my degree mid next year. I am ready to start the next phase of my life and don’t want my weight holding me back any longer. My two youngest children are both girls and I feel that it is very important for me to model better eating habits and to improve my self-esteem, so that I can then be in a better position to instil a good sense of self-esteem in my kids.

I am booked in to be banded on the 22^nd of November in Brisbane by Dr Ian Martin, although I am yet to have my initial appointments. I’m getting it done as an intermediate patient at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and am funding it with my super if I can get it done in time – there is only 4 weeks for me to sort that out once I have had all my appointments and have got all my paper work together, so I hope that the process goes smoothly!! Has anyone else had experience with using their super?

I am not really at all nervous about the actual surgery itself. Maybe a little about the recovery and any problems arising, as I won’t have any help with the kids after the first couple of days. But very excited to get this thing happening!!

Good luck to everyone and I look forward to watching you achieve your goals!

Star

[nikki67]

I'm having my surgery on the 3rd of November by Jason Winnett, starting Optifast tomorrow so having one last big night tonight (that was until hubby was invited to a bucks night tonight for one of our good mates....grrrrr!) so he is ditching me on my last night of "freedom". I have been invited to the hens night...boat ride on the Yarra with male strippers but sadly can not go as it is two days after my surgery so probably not a good idea..lol. Anyways I have been having mixed emotions regarding this life change, mainly nervous about failure but am going ahead and am getting very excited. I have two more routine appointment to attend, heart specialist (because of family history of heart disease) and sleep study thingy. then seeing Mr Winnett again a week before surgery....bring it on

[mikaelahLee92]

I'm getting banded 2 nov cnt wait !!

[eviljoy]

Ding Ding Ding,

We have a new winner. Welcome MikaelahLee, You are now officially our first November Bandit. Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, how old are you, how are you feeling about the whole process?

Hello also to Nikki and Star.

Nikki, have fun on your last night of freedom. Please let me know what you chose to eat. I'm a week into Optifast and I am just hanging for a steak. Let me live vicariously through you for one last time.

[nikki67]

I'm having Noodle Haven special fried rice.....nom nom

[mikaelahLee92]

Haha yea I'm really excited I've been waiting for this for ages and I can't wait to go through this life changing experience I'm only 19 but have been over weight since I was about 13 (after I stopped dancing ) I'm from Perth and getting banded by dr Stephen Watson

[Tamara]

Eviljoy,

Thanks for your support. I am trying not to think of it as a major thing or that i am going in for surgury just trying to think of the positive outcomes rather than the inital pain and road to travel.

So far dont know if thats working or i am just kidding myself will have to wait and see as the date gets closer

I am just hoping my super is released in time to pay for it all.

[Fattyboomsticks]

Hi everyone,
I am 25th November at Cabrini Malvern with Andrew Smith from CBS.
It was all pretty easy I guess, I went to an info night, got a refferal from a GP and then saw Dr Smith after which i set a date. A little worried about coughing up the cash as its not great timing, we have a car for sale that no one seems to want to buy and i had hoped to use that money to pay but no luck so far!!
I am going on holidays in 2 weeks for 2 weeks and then i come back to work for 2 weeks (and do my 2 weeks of opti) and then thats it, Its time!! I know it will come up really fast.

Look forward to sharing this journey with you all.

[Shazza1960]

Hi all November Bandits,


Must say a big thanks to Eviljoy for putting together the list of all us November Bandits - I'm currently 2nd last so I shall definately be watching this space for all your updates after you have the surgery (hope all will be good). Thinking about it, I don't think there will be anything that anyone can say now that will change my mind. The time seems to be going sooooooooooo damn slow, I still have 5 weeks to go. I have made my final splurge meal the night before my Optifast on November 5th. It will be a buffet at The Conservatory at Crown Casino - lots of lovely seafood, chinese, desserts and gotta have my last strawberry dipped in the chocolate fountain !!!


I have now booked my leave from work. I am taking 2 weeks sick leave (already handed in my medical certificate) with 3 weeks annual leave. My last day of work will be the 23rd Nov (day before surgery) and I don't return back to work until the 3rd January. I figured it would be much easier than trying to get out of all the christmas lunches, dinners etc. I am already having to make excuses for some invitations I have (a 30th birthday only the day after I get home from hospital), not to mention work do's. It is okay though as I know it will only be temporary while my stomach adjusts to the band. I am really looking forward to not thinking about food every single minute of the day and being constantly hungry while trying to diet.

Also, just wondering if everybody is having their partners with them on the day of surgery? I really was under the assumption that my husband will be having the day of work but he has just told me he will only be dropping me off but will see me after work. He can only leave work for a little while the next day while he picks me up and takes me home - Damn him - I really wanted him there.


Shaz

[eviljoy]

I felt like I needed to update the list because we have so many new Bandits. It's not too far away for some of us. I've decided to add age and location to the list, partly because it helps me to remember who you all are, but mostly because I just like to make lists

MikaelahLee - Nov 2 - Perth - 19yo
Lunatic - Nov 3 - Perth - 29yo
Nikki67 - Nov 3 - Melbourne - 44yo
Eviljoy (Shelle) - Nov 4 - Brisbane - 34yo
Dan - Nov 8 - Perth - 29yo
Tamara - Nov 11 - Napean area - 26yo
Riverliver - Nov 11 - Bussleton WA - ?
Matto - Nov 16 - Sydney - ?
Deb - Nov 21 - Victoria - 49yo
Star - Nov 22 - Brisbane - 33yo
Shazza - Nov 24 - Melbourne - 51yo
Junior - Nov 25 - Melbourne - 49yo
FattyBoomSticks - Nov 25 - Melbourne - ?
didee - ?Late November - ? - ?

Shazza,

Your 5 weeks off work certainly seems civilized. I have 2 weeks off and I am hoping that will be enough. I am fairly sure that everyone will 'take care of me' and do any heavy lifting for me. Avoiding all the Christmas functions seems like a great idea too, so much of that revolves around food and alcohol. I actually realised that Christmas day is 7 weeks post op for me, so theoretically I should be on solid food and normal eating, we'll see. It certainly won't be the hoe down pig out it usually is. My favourite part of Christmas is buying a leg of ham and eating the whole thing over a period of 2 weeks. Ham for breakfast, lunch and tea. Well I guess that will be different this year. Before we get that far, I have book club due when I am 2 weeks 2 days post op. The main point of it is to get together and eat breakfast. You'd think it would be about discussing books, but you'd be wrong. I'm hoping that I will be able to eat some scrambled eggs, but failing that some icecream hehe.

My plan for the day is to have my partner drop me in to work early in the morning. He rides a bike so taking me and my suitcase to hospital is out of the questions. I'll pick up my suitcase from there and catch a bus to the hospital (just a few minutes away). He'll come and see me after work. I don't really see the point of him sitting in a waiting room, while I'm sitting in another waiting room. I'm going to be pretty out of it straight after surgery anyway, so I probably won't even know he isn't there.


FattyBoomSticks,

Hi there, it's nice to meet you. It's still a few weeks until your surgery, so hopefully your car will sell by then. Where are you going for your holiday? I could really do with a holiday right now. This time last year I was in Canada having the time of my life and all I can do this year is reminisce.

Tamara,

Fingers crossed for your super too. What are you going to do if it doesn't come through in time? Do you have the cash to cover it until then? I really think that this is going to be one of those times that no matter how prepared you think you are, there are going to be some surprises along the way. This is going to be a test of our mental strength more so than physical strength. It's a good thing that we have each other for support. It looks like we have a couple of people from each city, so perhaps some of us will get the chance to meet up in real life too. Ps. Where is the Napean area??

MikaelaLee,

Wow, you are the youngest of all of us. It's certainly a big step, because 'the rest of your life' is a lot longer for you than the rest of us. But I think it is great that you are working at fixing your health at such an early stage before you have gone ahead and done too much damage. What kind of dancing did you do when you were younger? Do you think that is something you would like to get back into as the weight comes off. Finding new and interesting ways to exercise is going to be hard for me. I was supposed to go to a trial session of Dragon Boat paddling on Saturday morning but there was a massive thunderstorm and that was cancelled. I really like to do different and adventurous things, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Nikki,

Oh, I hope you enjoyed your last meal. I'm guessing that you started Optifast this morning. How did that go for you. I hopped back on the wagon today and behaved like a good girl. I had the most delicious balsamic mushrooms and asparagus for dinner, from the Knife, Fork and Band book. My only advice to help out with Optifast is LOTS of water, and LOTS of Metamusil caps. I take between 4 - 6 a day. I take one with a large glass of water whenever I'm starting to get hungry, it seems to fill me up. It also helps with some of the 'other' problems that people seem to suffer when on the shakes.


Anyway, it's getting close to bed time for me. I have a few last minute things to get done around the house so I better skedaddle. I just want to thank you all for keeping me sane while I wait for surgery. It's not an easy feat, trust me.

Shelle

[Shazza1960]

Hi,

Shazza here - I turned 51 last month

[mikaelahLee92]

Yea I just thought it was the best thing to do since I work in child care and it's getting harder to work n I have PCOS I'm Hoping it will help! I did all sorts of dancing(jazz,tap,modern,acrobats and ballet) and I've already told all my friends that it's the one thing I want to be able to do again because I loved it so much. I think it's the best exercise as it gets ur whole body moving! One of the girls at work also instructs fitness pole dancing which I have really wanted to try but haven't had the strength to do so defs wanna do that

[butterflychick81]

I was banded 11 days ago by Stephen Watson in Perth. I'm 30

The only advice I could give is walk around as much as you can to release the gas, after day 5 you and your tummy will feel much better

[nikki67]

eviljoy, on 16 October 2011 - 08:11 PM, said:

I felt like I needed to update the list because we have so many new Bandits. It's not too far away for some of us. I've decided to add age and location to the list, partly because it helps me to remember who you all are, but mostly because I just like to make lists


MikaelahLee - Nov 2 - Perth - 19yo
Lunatic - Nov 3 - Perth - 29yo
Nikki67 - Nov 3 - Melbourne - ?
Eviljoy (Shelle) - Nov 4 - Brisbane - 34yo
Dan - Nov 8 - Perth - 29yo
Tamara - Nov 11 - Napean area - 26yo
Matto - Nov 16 - Sydney - ?
Deb - Nov 21 - Victoria - 49yo
Star - Nov 22 - Brisbane - 33yo
Shazza - Nov 24 - Melbourne - ?
Junior - Nov 25 - Melbourne - ?
FattyBoomSticks - Nov 25 - Melbourne - ?
didee - ?Late November - ? - ?


Shazza,


Your 5 weeks off work certainly seems civilized. I have 2 weeks off and I am hoping that will be enough. I am fairly sure that everyone will 'take care of me' and do any heavy lifting for me. Avoiding all the Christmas functions seems like a great idea too, so much of that revolves around food and alcohol. I actually realised that Christmas day is 7 weeks post op for me, so theoretically I should be on solid food and normal eating, we'll see. It certainly won't be the hoe down pig out it usually is. My favourite part of Christmas is buying a leg of ham and eating the whole thing over a period of 2 weeks. Ham for breakfast, lunch and tea. Well I guess that will be different this year. Before we get that far, I have book club due when I am 2 weeks 2 days post op. The main point of it is to get together and eat breakfast. You'd think it would be about discussing books, but you'd be wrong. I'm hoping that I will be able to eat some scrambled eggs, but failing that some icecream hehe.


My plan for the day is to have my partner drop me in to work early in the morning. He rides a bike so taking me and my suitcase to hospital is out of the questions. I'll pick up my suitcase from there and catch a bus to the hospital (just a few minutes away). He'll come and see me after work. I don't really see the point of him sitting in a waiting room, while I'm sitting in another waiting room. I'm going to be pretty out of it straight after surgery anyway, so I probably won't even know he isn't there.




FattyBoomSticks,


Hi there, it's nice to meet you. It's still a few weeks until your surgery, so hopefully your car will sell by then. Where are you going for your holiday? I could really do with a holiday right now. This time last year I was in Canada having the time of my life and all I can do this year is reminisce.


Tamara,


Fingers crossed for your super too. What are you going to do if it doesn't come through in time? Do you have the cash to cover it until then? I really think that this is going to be one of those times that no matter how prepared you think you are, there are going to be some surprises along the way. This is going to be a test of our mental strength more so than physical strength. It's a good thing that we have each other for support. It looks like we have a couple of people from each city, so perhaps some of us will get the chance to meet up in real life too. Ps. Where is the Napean area??


MikaelaLee,


Wow, you are the youngest of all of us. It's certainly a big step, because 'the rest of your life' is a lot longer for you than the rest of us. But I think it is great that you are working at fixing your health at such an early stage before you have gone ahead and done too much damage. What kind of dancing did you do when you were younger? Do you think that is something you would like to get back into as the weight comes off. Finding new and interesting ways to exercise is going to be hard for me. I was supposed to go to a trial session of Dragon Boat paddling on Saturday morning but there was a massive thunderstorm and that was cancelled. I really like to do different and adventurous things, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know.


Nikki,


Oh, I hope you enjoyed your last meal. I'm guessing that you started Optifast this morning. How did that go for you. I hopped back on the wagon today and behaved like a good girl. I had the most delicious balsamic mushrooms and asparagus for dinner, from the Knife, Fork and Band book. My only advice to help out with Optifast is LOTS of water, and LOTS of Metamusil caps. I take between 4 - 6 a day. I take one with a large glass of water whenever I'm starting to get hungry, it seems to fill me up. It also helps with some of the 'other' problems that people seem to suffer when on the shakes.




Anyway, it's getting close to bed time for me. I have a few last minute things to get done around the house so I better skedaddle. I just want to thank you all for keeping me sane while I wait for surgery. It's not an easy feet, trust me.


Shelle

[nikki67]

I have decided to start Optifast this Wednesday instead as that will be roughly 2 weeks pre op. I figured I may as well not put myself through too much torture before I have to. Does anyone know if Optifast is the only shake we can have as I cant stand the taste of it and have tried Fatblaster which is really nice and would prefer to take that if I could?
Regards

p.s. I am 44 years old

[riverliver]

Hi! I'm a November bandit for the 11th, I have been on Opti for 2 meals a day and one normal meal ( sensible food!) for all of Oct.Are you on Opti and Nothing else, and for how long before B day?
Jill.

eviljoy, on 15 October 2011 - 03:55 PM, said:

Ding Ding Ding,

We have a new winner. Welcome MikaelahLee, You are now officially our first November Bandit. Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, how old are you, how are you feeling about the whole process?

Hello also to Nikki and Star.

Nikki, have fun on your last night of freedom. Please let me know what you chose to eat. I'm a week into Optifast and I am just hanging for a steak. Let me live vicariously through you for one last time.

[Junior]

I'm 49 - blah