By: drwhuangmail 15/01/2009 9:50 am Yahoo! Profile: drwhuangmail Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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| Hi guys, i thought i would check in, banded on June 2 at 94kgs now weighing 76, my bmi is now overweight (not obese) so that is something. I am due for a fill next week, i still have good restriction, but i am constantly hungry all the time. I have never had that "full" feeling, has anyone else experienced this? I dont want to go in for a fill and have to pay $170 if i am not going to get one. What do you think?? |
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By: frostee22 13/01/2009 6:36 am Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hello Coco,
As Libbi said, the GP is the first place to go, but make sure you've got a good one! You need a GP referral just to have an appointment with a Gastric Surgeou, so maybe you could have a few surgeons in mind and just ask your GP for referrals so you can talk to them about what is right for you.
Your story of being always hungry and eating huge meals is a common one, and gastric banding certainly helps with that (it still requires some willpower though, as you need to make healthy food choices, not just eat small amounts og chocholate all day!). I think you are probably in that very light grey area where a surgeon would agree to do you if you were just a bit heavier, or used to be quite a bit heavier. My surgeon was Patric Moore at Epworth Eastern (Box Hill) and I think he never does below a BMI of 35. If you don't have private Heath Insurance, the public Hospitl System only does people with a BMI over 40! You can talk to the receptionists of these surgeon's and explain your circumstances a bit and ask if it is worth making an appointment. I t5hink if there are added health problems (diabetes, back problems, reflux, hernia, sleep apnea etc) that you can sometimes make a case.
Good luck and let us know how you get on...
Amanda |
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By: libbipuss 12/01/2009 9:13 am Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Coco, keep us posted. I think if you read through the very early postings here you will find some discussion re very low bmi and banding, and some people wear extra heavy clothes (belts, shoes) when they see the doctor for the first time! Gabs' posts are especially interesting - she won her battle to be banded.
As for discussing it with friends, it's a very personal decision. I have found, in general discussion, that my 'fat' friends are really against the idea, as though their fat is their security blanket, and thin friends don't understand our long, long battle for weight loss. The surgeon likes to know that you've tried other weight loss methods and put it on again. Think of it not as 'drastic' but a miraculous entry into a new life.
Libbipuss |
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By: cocomadam888 12/01/2009 12:11 am Yahoo! Profile: cocomadam888 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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thanks for replying, I have had liposuction a few years ago that lasted for 2-3 years waste of money but Im larger than ever will try the links you gave and hope I have some luck my friends think this is a very drastic measure but I eat huge meals and am always hungry and was hoping that this may help
Cheers |
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By: lizzardbell 11/01/2009 8:18 pm Yahoo! Profile: lizzardbell Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi Coco,
You're a tricky one! If they go by BMI yours is about 28 which is very low for banding, although not unheard of, if i remember rightly Gabs was 29. However if they run a tape measure around your stomach to measure your risk of heart problems, at a size 22, its likely you would be in the risk zone.
All i could suggest is to go to a few surgeons and ask them. I think there is a there are a few threads on Melbourne doctors, there is one for Knox Hospital
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lap-band/22 6723?p=last#msg_226723
You could ask there.
Good luck
Bell |
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By: libbipuss 11/01/2009 9:31 am Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Yes, Amanda, re 'tidying up': the connotations stop people from wanting to know more! Congratulations on your extra weight loss, you're almost there, and way beyond your doctor's expectations (with the average 50-60% expected)? I was interested to read that you, too, have been losing a modest 1 kg a month, I feel more normal now.
Cocomadam, welcome. My experience of similar problems may be 10 years out of date, others on this site will have more recent experience, but I didn't want your midnight cry to go unacknowledged!
Your gp would know best, but have you thought of liposuction around the stomach area (I had that with an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck). And of course there is breast reduction surgery, quite painless (for me, anyhow). See a plastic surgeon, not a cosmetic surgeon. As you'll read, there are quite a few of us plastic surgery junkies on this sight! Your bmi must be around 28, others may be able to comment on such a low bmi and gastric banding (my bmi was 34 before banding in late Oct 07).
Libbipuss |
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By: cocomadam888 10/01/2009 11:56 pm Yahoo! Profile: cocomadam888 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi was hoping for some help, I am serioulsy considering trying to get surgery however need help advise I am in melbourne, I am only 75kgs adn 5 foot 5 to start with but slowly growing year by year gaining a dress size or more .
I am a size 12 hips , size 22 plus stomach and size 18 top
So I have an upper body problem.
As my legs and bum are in no way large I dont get taken seriously but the fat around my mid section is causing problems and healhh risks and I have tried dieting but never lose it from those areas
Can you guys put me in touch with someone who may consider doing the surgery?
Also any ideas on costs and ways around this ?
Or will this just never happen for me? |
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By: frostee22 9/01/2009 2:09 pm Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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PS, Thanks for the tips re: what to say to people about surgery Libbi...... I will work on that type of line. When I think of "tidying up" for some reason I think of chopping off rough bits in the nether regions (LOL!!), so may have to think of something I can pull off without going bright red! I have a dirty mind hey! I like the bit about "nothing serious" though. I was thinking of maybe saying something like "I don't really like to talk about it, but it's nothing serious", or "just some women's problems, but nothing serious".... will need to work on it! Keep the suggestions coming though girls..
Amanda |
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By: frostee22 9/01/2009 2:00 pm Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hello, thanks for the interest..
Well, I passed the Curves challenge not to put on weight in the 6 weeks between Dec 1 and Jan 10... infact, lost 2.1kg!!! (and cm's too, more importantly). I do feel guilty sometimes, as having the band is a totally unfair advantage, however too bad, I'm glad I did it, and that is why! So I DON'T put on 10kg in 2 months like before... it is far too easy to do.
I must say, having the extra motivation to work out 3xweek did help, and I feel better for it. It shows in my loss too, as usually I lose about 1kg a month, and this is a bit more. I will definately try to keep up the 3 workouts a week.
Only 1kg to goal now!!!!!!!!! Only 6 weeks to breast lift!!!!! Am happy, but nervous about that... scared I will have no boobs left, as they have shrunk so much already. Hope it is worth the scarring. Looked at photos of me as a bridesmaid one year and 28+ kg's (and at least 2 bra cup sizes!) ago.... horrified beyond belief. To think that that was the BEST I could look back then. Absolutely mortifying. Sooooooooooooo glad I've had the band.. Feel like me again. Hubby & I watched our wedding video last night for the first time in nearly 9 years, and he said I looked just as "skinny" as back then. And you know what? I nearly am! Hooray. Sorry to blab on...
Cheers,
Amanda |
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By: lizzardbell 9/01/2009 8:40 am Yahoo! Profile: lizzardbell Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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How'd your Curves report go today Amanda?
Bell |
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By: libbipuss 8/01/2009 3:07 pm Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Thankyou, Amanda. We look forward to your curves report! Since my fill top up to 8ml in early Dec, I have lost nothing, the weight seems to want to hover between 75.3 and 76.6 in alternate weeks, with my personal goal weight at 72, yet I definitely have restriction.
A thought on the problem of giving reasons for operations: I have always said 'I'm just having some tidying up done, nothing serious'. People can imagine what they like, but usually they prefer not to imagine!
Libbi |
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By: frostee22 8/01/2009 10:24 am Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Libbi, you were lucky the pain was a "1"..... I thought it was more like a 7-8 at first.
How are you going?
How is everyone going?
I have my Curves weigh & measure tomorrow, following the 6 week challenge to work out at least 3 x a week & not gain any weight over the Christmas period. Think I am on track.. will let you know.
Cheers all, and post your news... good or bad!
Amanda |
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By: libbipuss 6/01/2009 3:06 pm Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Congratulations, Haylz, on your decision! Your story with weight loss is a familiar one, WW and JC, losing a lot and then putting it all on again and more. Now you'll have the rest of your long life thin!
Post -op I don't remember as being especially difficult, the key hole slits aren't at all intrusive and disappear very quickly. The shoulder pain from the gas I took painkillers for (non gas liquid ones), but in fact I saw it as a positive sign that I'd made a wonderful decision and was embarking on a miracle journey. As some have said, in hospital take everything they offer you, and ask for it if necessary. On my personal pain scale with tooth abscess at 10, it's a minus 1 or less. Once you've got over the pre-op 'omg, what am I doing here', you'll be so thrilled post-op with your decision.
For the liquid stage I found chilled avocado soup just heaven, blend avocado with chicken stock and maybe some yoghurt or light cream, onion and garlic if you like, and some chili for fun. Good for visitors, too.
I also stirfried either seafood or chicken with veges and a curry mix, blended till thin enough it makes a healthy soup. You can do the same thing with a pasta mix and pasta. I also had, and still have, blended smoothies, with yoghurt, the frozen berries and mango are handy for this.
Will you be starting Optifast beforehand? The cappucino and berry bars are delicious, but Celebrity Slim soup is easier to mix, with extra veges and some curry powder. I didn't bother with the shakes, that's not food to me. Stirfry veges with oyster sauce are good as well. Gabs, I think, has some good alternatives, too.
Have fun!
Libbipuss
PS is any one else finding their internet really slow at present? Perhaps it's the school holiday demand..... |
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By: frostee22 4/01/2009 1:11 pm Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi again Haylz,
2 weeks should be fine. It is hard asking for leave without giving a reason..... what did you say? When I had my banding I was also getting a hernia repair, so just told work that. Am soon to have breast lift op and also need 2 weeks off for that, but have no idea what to say. I know it's noone's business, but colleagues always ask!
Well done on losing 25kg all on your own! You will be a great candidate for the band, I'm sure, as you can be very disciplined. It is sure to work, and the best thing is, it will be easier than before! Yu have quite a low starting BMI too (below 35 anyway), so that increases the odds of getting into the healthy weight range. I started at 101kg in January '08 (170cm), and am now 73.8ish kg (ha ha. "ish"). So am 1.8kg off the healthy weight range for my height. Was 73.3 on Christmas day, but gained a bit since then. But only a bit, not the 5kg I put on in the same time last Christmas. So all's good.
Best of luck, and ask away,
Amanda |
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By: lizzardbell 3/01/2009 4:20 pm Yahoo! Profile: lizzardbell Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Depends on what you actually do for a job Haylz...
Just a sit down thing without much moving about 2 weeks will probably be fine. If you're on your feet all day 2 - 3 weeks is sort of average, if you have a more physical job probably 3 weeks. It varies a lot from person to person. |
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By: haylz_l 3/01/2009 2:55 pm Yahoo! Profile: haylz_l Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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thanks amanda, any help is good help at this stage, was feeling as if i didnt know enough up until i signed up here last night. My story, well have always been well n truly over weight up until 5 years ago when i went to weight watchers and over 18 months lost 25kg and was feeling great, then managed to get meningitis and a few more health probs and gained all my weight and more, once i was better i got back into my gym routine and weight watchers but the more i try the less success i have, im 176cm tall (maybe 178)and weigh 98 kgs, im 23 and booked in for the 3rd of February, very excited/nervouse!! im sure itll all be worth while.
Also, i have taken 2 weeks leave from work, am wondering if this is going to be enough? especially seings nobody there knows why im having the time off in the first place.
thanks
haylz |
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By: frostee22 3/01/2009 1:14 pm Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi Haylz & welcome... this thread is pretty quiet at the moment, but we are all here waiting to lend you advice & support, so ask away. It is very exciting at the beginning, and I'm sure you'll be so glad you got it done. Everyone's experience is different, however, most report that a few weeks post-op you will be feeling pretty normal again, and probably complaining of hunger and that you don't think a band was in there at all! The forst days/weeks (depending on your luck) are a bit rough, so take any pain meds you are offered and keep them up 4 hourly, even if you don't feel you need to. A good gentle laxative is worth keeping on hand post op, as the codine is a binder, and it's best to manage things early than let it get too bad...er hard. Sorry. I read on this thread to take a pillow to hold between your stomoch and the seatbelt for the car ride home, as any bumps are a real killer, and that advice was worthwhile. Ummmmm.. I went a bit crazy & read this thread from the very start, and it was soooooo helpful (took days though, and that was LAST January.
Anyway, good luck... if you feel like sharing, what's your situation, weight/health wise, and how did you reach this decision?
Cheers,
Amanda |
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By: lizzardbell 2/01/2009 9:28 pm Yahoo! Profile: lizzardbell Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi Haylz,
here is another thread on post op diet (liquid phase) its one of the stickies on the main page.
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lap-band/22 4591?p=last#msg_224591
Good luck with your op, not much longer for you to wait!
Cheers
Bell |
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By: curlywurly1000 2/01/2009 7:25 pm Yahoo! Profile: curlywurly1000 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi Haylz,
Have bumped up this thread:
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lap-band/11 9272
hope it helps. Make sure you close the gaps or will not direct you properly.
I did most of my research right here on this Lap Band Surgery site. If you scroll thru the pages - you will find so many of your questions answered.
If I can be of any help - ask away.
best..Lulu |
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By: haylz_l 2/01/2009 6:31 pm Yahoo! Profile: haylz_l Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi All,
Am wondering if anyone knows of any good websites or books i can access about what to expect after surgery?
i am going in on 3rd of February and am a little concerned that i dont have a whole lot of info on what to expect after the op.
Any help is good help,
Thanks
Haylz |
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By: libbipuss 27/12/2008 8:54 am Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Got it. Thank you, Leanne.
Libbipuss |
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By: leanne_555 25/12/2008 1:08 am Yahoo! Profile: leanne_555 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Libbipuss
Where the [STICKY] threads/topics are located near the top of the page is page 1 meaning page 1 of this board not this thread.
I'll put the links below for you.
Stuck On A Plateau thread
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lap-band/20 5796
Hot To Move That Platuea
http://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lap-band/20 5556 |
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By: frostee22 24/12/2008 8:54 pm Yahoo! Profile: frostee22 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Thankyou for the lovely sentiments Libbipuss, it really made my day!
Sorry, just a quickie tonight, as like most of us, getting ready for Santa tomorrow. Kids asleep (Yay!) so all going to plan.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!!!! Enjoy your day and enjoy the food too - it is only one day in 365!
Cheers all, and thanks for all your support over the past year,
Amanda x |
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By: libbipuss 24/12/2008 9:21 am Yahoo! Profile: libbipuss Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Leanne
When you say 'to the front page' do you mean page 1 of this low bmi thread? I need to read it, too.
Kylie, you have done brilliantly!! And you seem to be sticking to the pattern of 50-60% expected weight loss, so you are normal there. But we all want more. All your friends and family must really notice the difference. As you will have read, we all start to slow down, but even a kilo every few weeks is down. My great fear is putting it all on again, and more, as I have with every other diet, but the doctor says the failure rare is 20% compared with 98% for other methods. Let's not be the 20%! Your weight loss is truly amazing.
Libbipuss |
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By: leanne_555 24/12/2008 2:04 am Yahoo! Profile: leanne_555 Did this message offend you? Sign in to report abuse |
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Hi Kylie
You're not on your Pat Malone, being on a plateau happens to most of us at one time or another.
I've just brought a couple of threads that might be of help to you to the front page.
Leanne |
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