6 replies to this topic

[cocosman]

Hello Everyone,
I have been thinking of pretty much nothing else since I finally made the decision and booked my surgery for the 16th April at the Mater in Sydney.

Although I know several people who have undergone Lap band surgery, I did not consider it as an option for myself until the idea was planted in my head by my local GP. He has been looking after me for quite a number of years and finally mentioned that if I did not do something in the next couple of years I would be in some serious trouble. I recently lost one of my parents following a long battle with obesity and Diabetes and my GP could see me following along the same path.

I have always been a very active sport orientated person who lost the ability to play regularly through injury. I did however maintain the sportsmans appetite. My last major weight reduction efforts saw a drop of 32Kg (through a combination of Diet Shakes, Gym, fitness trainer and a lot of exercise.) Although I was able to hold the weight for about 18 months, it slowly returned and I found myself back where I began (but with slightly more worn out knees).

I live in Sydney, am married to the woman of my dreams and we have two wonderful kids that I want to see grow up.

I have been researching the Gastric Banding topic heavily and came across this site pretty early on. As I have learnt more about the process, I have repeatedly returned to reference these pages. They contain a wealth of information.

It is only in the last week or so I have had the courage to sign on and make my presence official. I must say that I have not come across a site before that displays such a positive, brave, compassionate approach to life. I hope that when I do contribute to the conversations, I can make a useful contribution.

Good luck to you all.
P.S. Hope I didn't dribble on too much.

[Shorty]

Hi Cocosman
Welcome to the forum! I was banded at the Mater almost a year ago and am a very happy bandit!
This is a great place to find informaiton and ask questions.
Perhaps we will see you at a Sydney Catch up - there is one planned for February and you would be more than welcome to come along!

S

[riverliver]

From the time you decide to go ahead with the banding it does become all consuming doesn't it? After being banded for 3 months, I must say that in alot of ways it is still all consuming! We live our bands and generally our lives become happier with them. Working with your band you become able to have some control over your weight, it is there all the time to help you make the good food decisions. It's not easy, what worthwhile thing is? We all discuss how much weight we're losing and how fast etc. etc. However the point is we are generally all striving for the same goal: to be healthier and happier through weight loss! Cocosman I'm sure your journey will be worth it.
Regards Jill.

[jan123]

Welcome, there are quite a few of us in Sydney.
It is an exciting journey once you decide it is right for you. Like you, many of us have been able to lose weight and sustain it for a period of time but eventually it creeps back on . I am hoping the band will stop the return trip for me this time!!
I went to the O Clinic free information evening having already made the decision to have a band done and found it very informative and reassuring that this is what I wanted to do.
Good luck and enjoy the ride.

[onmyway 74]

Welcome to the Forum - I find it very helpful and supportive, Im 4 weeks Post Op and feeling fantastic !
All the best on your journey ! Look forward to reading your posts here
:-)

[ROBSKI]

Welcome, I have found people here to be very nice and very helpfull
Good luck and will be following your journey..

Robski