Another Step Closer to Lap-Banding

As the title suggests I'm another step closer to having lap band surgery done. Before the surgery date can be booked you need to have some blood tests done.

Well I went and had them this morning. I realise that you have to have a few tests done but they took 8 viles of blood from my body, I didn't think they were going to leave any left for me to function with.

Next steps are to go back to the surgeon next Tuesday and discuss the results and hopefully book a date for the surgery.

Carlton

Lap Band Glory Box

I got this idea from Kristy who has recently had lap band surgery and thought it was a great idea.

My lap band glory box:-

*small bread plate (a fancy one!)

*small fork *small bowl (have already)

*small spoon

*bio oil (for scaring)

*Mederma (for scaring)

*Sustagen hospital grade with added fibre

*my lap band guide & the gastric banding guide from food talk (which I already have!)

*Popsicle maker - i think there is one at my parents place for when we were growing up

*mini blender - I do have one but its about 10 years old and need a new one.

*small freeze able containers (250 ml) (have lots and lots of these / joys of living alone for so long)

*straws (always have these in the cupboard)

*small drinking cup (have this already) (100/250 ml)

As you can see still have a few things yet to get.

Jodie yes I forgot to mention about the recovery time. All going well you are in hospital overnight (you could go home same day if you wanted) and your off work for about 1 week. I'll probably take another week off holidays so I'm fully recovered when I go back to my busy job.

You need to switch to either optifast, tony Ferguson shakes 2 weeks before the operation and this helps to cleanse the liver and helps with the recovery time (apparently the physical pain isn't as great if you have the shakes before hand). Then for the first 4 weeks after the operation you move from a liquid diet to mushy foods and then on to solid food. You are also to expect to be intolerant to some kinds of foods but its different for everyone so you really need to experiment with that one.

Carlton

Frist Surgeon Visit - Lapband Surgery

Just an update. I went and saw the surgeon today and he is lovely, he answered all my questions and is rather laid back about the whole procedure and on going care. Don't get me wrong he is very professional but his bedside manner is fabulous.

My next steps are to go and have some blood tests done. I know just have to work out when I can have them done. Obviously I need to fast before hand and need to work out when I don't have an early meeting at work so I don't have to stress about how long I have to wait for them. At this stage its looking like it might be next Tuesday that I will go and get them done.

I've also made another appointment to see him to discuss the blood results, next steps, payment of the out of pocket expenses and when I can have the operation. At this stage it is looking like the operation will be in approximately 8 weeks time. As an estimate the out of pocket expenses are between $3500 and $5000 which is what I was expecting. They are going to send me a quote as it depends what my health cover will pay for and what the others charge.

Whilst I would prefer to have it done on the public list, sadly in Sydney the list has been closed and they are not taking any more names. The list is way too long, last I heard it was about 8 years and I would not wait that long.The surgeon I've chosen does 3 kinds of overweight surgery, lap-band, sleeve surgery (cross between lap-band and gastric bypass surgery) and gastric bypass. I was always leaning towards Lap-band surgery and the surgeon agrees with my choice. If I wanted the others done he would do them but basically the others can not be reversed if you change your mind down the track, where as the lap-band can be taken out if you change your mind.

I so can't believe that I stressed for nothing over this appointment.

I so excited about this and now can't wait for it all to happen.

Carlton
Take One step at a time.

Starting to get nervous

Yes that is right, I'm starting to get nervous. I have my first appointment with Dr Talbot tomorrow at 3 p.m. and starting to get nervous over it.

I think I'm also starting to stress about what to expect, will I be accepted, will my superannuation approve the early release so I can pay for the out of pocket expenses, will I actually go through with it all etc.

I'm sure most people go through this but for me its such a big step. Its also me admitting that I can't do this alone and I need some serious help to reduce the amount of food that I eat.

I'm sure this is normal but I will be so glad when the appointment tomorrow is over and I know more about the whole process.

Oh I also watched the online show of Mikey Robins regarding this lap band surgey today and it moved me so much that I was close to tears. His story is so much like mine................

There the link if you missed the show http://www.abc.net.au/austory/. It was aired on the ABC last night and will be replaced on Saturday at 12.30 p.m.

Carlton
Take One Step at a Time.

MIA - Sorry

Yes as this picture indicates I have put on even more weight.

I've had a mixed today today. I'm so glad the end of the financial year is finally over but when I got to work today I was greeted with bad and sad news.

One of the ladies that I work will (she worked part time) finished up last Wednesday to go on maternity leave. The baby was due in 2 weeks, unfortunately they both died on Friday night. My friend Sharon apparently had a coughing fit and couldn't breath. Her neighbour called the ambulance but she died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. Understandably the back of an ambulance is not the place to perform an emergency c section to try and save the baby, also I'm wouldn't think that the ambulance officers would be trained to do such a thing any way. It is so unreal and I really can't believe she is gone. Sharon was so full of life and was so looking forward to the birth of her 2nd baby and her 40th birthday. I so feel sorry for her little boy who is nearly 3 and now has to grow up without a mother. Riley also doesn't really know his father and now only has elderly grandparents to look after him. I am so not looking forward to this funeral either later this week or next week, depending on when there bodies are released.

On my weight loss journey, as I said before I have lost the plot and put on even more weight.

It is now only 2 more days till I go and see the surgeon regarding lap band surgery. I'm starting to get nervous and excited at the same time. I have decided that if the surgeon accepts me as a suitable candidate then I will go ahead with it. Oh of course if I can get about $5k out of my superannuation to pay for the out of pocket expenses.

Not much else to say really. I will try to blog more but its hard now that the fire walls at work have blocked blogger.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.