Update on Paul

Just got back from the hospital and my brother has some kind of blockages in all of his arteries and is one lucky man.

They are going to try and put him on the surgery list for tomorrow if not he will be on Monday's list. They originally thought he would have to have a triple bypass but after looking at the results again and consultation with another Dr they are going to put 3 stents (not sure of spelling) in, instead.

Update 5 p.m.

Dr's have decided they only need to put 2 stents in my brothers heart and the other artery which is blocked can be unblocked via medication. Also he didn't make the surgery list for today and will have to wait until Monday. He's not happy about being in hospital for the weekend but nothing he can do about it.

Carlton

My Brother Paul

Ok this photo was taken about 15 years ago but is the only one I can find of my brother.

Sorry need to vent - Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse I've just spend the arvo in Sutherland Hospital as my brother Paul had a heart attack on our way to lunch at Cronulla. He will be ok but will be in hospital until the end of the week.

He will also miss the funeral tomorrow.

Carlton
Take it one step at a time.

R.I.P. Dad - your no longer in pain.

This is a photo of my dad taken in September 2006, probably one of the last photos taken of him. Its not a good one but then again he hated having his photo taken.

My dad passed away yesterday morning and whilst I was expecting this to happen, I wasn't expecting it to happen just so soon.

For those who didn't know my dad was diagnosed with terminal (advanced prostate cancer and bone cancer in Nov 2006) and due to him requiring 24/7 care we had to move him into a nursing home in Jan 2007.

When you get a call in the early hours of the morning from the nursing home to say they don't expect your dad to last the night it is a shock. Dad did last the night and a few more hours. I am also given added comfort that he finally admitted to being in pain and allowed them to make him comfortable during his last 8 hours alive with morphine and he was at peace.

The funeral is on Wednesday 16/1/08 and there are only a few more things to be organised. I will do these over the next few days. At the moment, I'm still in shock and feeling very numb. Its so hard to comprehend that both my parents are now gone but at least they are now together again and dad will be happy about that.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Neet to be strong

OK I need to be strong. I've arrived at work and they have put out the left over junk food from out Christmas lunch last week. There is Christmas cake, pudding, cream, custard, lollies, chocolates, chips and nuts. They are trying to encourage us all to eat them but don't they realise we have already eaten too much of this food during the holidays.

I am feeling so fat today, its not funny. I have already eaten my fruit so now i just need to be strong and drink more water. Don't people in this office realise that we are all over Christmas food and junk and we want to eat healthy.

I might just have to leave early today like lunch time, as one of the assistants has this Christmas email playing and it is really annoying me (its only been going for 5 mins and I'm so over it, the same thing over and over again). I don't have a lot of work to do this week seeing most of my clients are on leave and I'm not feeling to well today. Bloody sinus and hay fever. I'm so over it. I also need to sleep as I discovered facebook last night and was on the computer until about 1 a.m. and then I was wide awake an couldn't sleep.

Well better go and see if I have any work needing to be done.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Survived Christmas 2007

I know this picture is not very encouraging but it is how I'm feeling when I look at myself in the mirror.

I survived Christmas day and whilst I did over eat and not game to log my calories in calorie king I did peak on the scales and had a 400 gram gain since yesterday. Some of that is probably from the excess salt I ate yesterday from the smoked ham we ate and from the 1/2 packet of cracker snacks I ate.

Today is a new day and I'm feeling inspired at the moment, so I've decided to start on the low GI eating today instead of waiting till next week. Now I realise that we have New Years Eve in a week and I was going to wait until after that but the whole idea of low GI eating is that it fits into our day to day lives and I'm going to have lots more new years eve's to have to deal with so its better I start now. One of the book's I've bought recently is called the low GI diet and it comes with a 12 week action plan, which is one of the main reasons I bought this book. To begin with this 12 week action plan is going to really help me but me back into a eating plan and give me a helping start.

The action plans help you with food goals, exercise goals, activity goals and food for thought (ways we think about food and the good & bad of food) goals each week.

The book is a very interesting and great book if you want to get started on eating the GI way and well worth the money.

Well I better go and have some breakfast and feed the cats.

I'm back and have Edited this post at 12.30 p.m.:-
OK after having breakfast I was thinking that I should be accountable to myself on this blog and have decided to list my weight and measurements on here. Whilst I'm pretty embarrassed about them, I have to start somewhere, so here goes:-

Weight 26/12/07 is 114.8 kilos
Arms are 44 Cm's
Hips are 143 Cm's
Chest is 120 Cm's
Thighs are 66 Cm's
Upper Stomach is 137 Cm's

Whilst this photo was not taken today and is about 4 months old, it is pretty close to how I look now. So I am going to use it was my before shot.
My first goal is to get under 100 kilos and I am determined to stay there this time. My rewards for this is a ipod nano and $200 dollars of i tune gift cards.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND I HOPE
EVERYONE HAS
A GREAT DAY

CARLTON

Weight Loss Journey

I'm very excited that I'm finally able to use blogger at work again, which makes it a bit easier to blog more often. I just don't seem to have the time when I get home these days.

I woke up late this morning, well actually 10 minutes before I was meant to be at work 7.50 a.m. and in my rush to get here I didn't remember to weigh myself, so it looks like I will be starting the Low GI eating plan next week.

I am still going to be careful in what I eat this week and plan to have a few lollies, crackers, ham, lamb, green salad tomorrow. I bought 4 small individual Christmas puddings the other day so I will have one of them with some no fat custard for desert. The other 3 puddings will either be eaten by my dad or my brother.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Yes I am still around

Yes I am still alive and kicking. I can't believe its been so long since I've blogged anything. Life has just been so busy lately.

Dad is still hanging in there. He has lost a lot of weight and now weights only 52 kilos (he was 70 kilos in Jan 07 when he went into the nursing home). The cancer has well and truly taken its toll and I'm not sure how much longer he has.

Well I've been looking at my diet over the past few months and have decided to start a Low GI diet. I've done a lot of research, read many books and think this is the right eating plan for me. Now just have to decided should I start tomorrow the day before Christmas or on 1/1/08.

I also can't believe that Christmas is only 2 days away and new years eve is just over a week away. It so doesn't feel like Christmas and this year has gone so fast.

Not much else to blog at the moment and I do need to go to sleep now.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

MMMM Time for reflection

MMMMM its time for reflection on what to do about my health and my weight. It seems like that I am always doing this and finding a plan of attack but never stick at it long enough for it to work.

Well it has to stop now because my health is at Risk. Whilst I have also know it is a Risk, it is now reflected on my medical results and others know about it too. I can no longer say with honesty that whilst I am fat I am also healthy!!!!!!!! Now that might be a bit dramatic but its how I'm feeling right now.

MMMM This time I know that what ever I choice to do, it needs to be something that is easy, fits into my life style and that I can do forever. Big decision and lots of thinking and research to do.

After thinking about my results and getting some advise from a great group of women from a site I visit regular, I do realise that the results are not that bad or the end of the world, but they were a real shock for me. Even though my mum had diabetes and lower than normal B12, I still never thought I'd ever have a problem with them.

Some of these ladies have suggested me getting out my CSIRO books again, reading the Syndrome X book by Dr Sandra Cabot or the Low GI diet my Dr suggested. I did get out the Syndrome X book and have tried reading this before but found it a little too technical and hard to read. This time I've started reading the parts that I feel are relevant to me and what's happening with my body, whilst this program is very restrictive, it does have some great sounding recipes in it.

The more I read about what I should be doing the more dizzy my head gets.

I have started taking my vitamins again today, so I'm taking the following:-

1. a multi vitamin.
2. Calcium supplement.
3. Vitamin B12 (new to the list)
4. Fish Oil tablets
5. my anti depressant tablet
6. Nasal spray for my hay fever
7. Antibiotic's (for my hay fever and infected sinuses.)

Now when I have them all out on the kitchen bench I feel like saying "god do I really have to take all these pills, people will hear me coming from a mile away cause I will rattle."

Now the search is on for a sustainable eating program that will improve my cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes and lose weight. And it also has to be easy, fit into my lifestyle and something I can do forever, so none of these fad diets/eating plans for me.

Well I'm off tomorrow for a 2 hour walk with Linda which should be good. Better go and get some sleep.

Tomorrow is another day and I'm feeling better about it.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

So upset with myself.

I'm a little upset at the moment as I got the results of my recent blood tests were not that good. Dr has advised me the following:-

1. I have a slight B12 deficiency, so I get to take B12 tablets.

2. Cholesterol is at 5.5 and whilst on the higher side of normal, he would prefer it to be lower,

3.I am borderline diabetic or to use his woulds I can't call you a diabetic yet?

4. My fat around my liver is also higher than it should be.

So basically I need to lose weight, especially around my stomach and hips. His advice at the moment, is to follow a low GI diet and take B12 tablets. Oh the operation that I'm looking at having should help with me losing weight.

Oh and ice cream, cream, chocolate etc are not on the menu for me anymore, otherwise I will become a full blown diabetic.

At this stage my head is still spinning around and around with what do I do first.

So basically all my emotional eating and my inability to control what I eat and how much I eat is finally having a toll on my health & body and not in a good way.

Carlton

Take One Step at a Time.

7 Bridges Walk - 28/10/07

This is the map for the 7 Bridges Walk around Sydney on 28/10/07. Its approximately 25 kms and a challenging walk because about 5 kms of it is hilly and depending on where you start the walk they are either in the beginning or at the end.

Last year we started in the City and the hills were towards the end, which is really tough when you have walked say 15 kms and then come across 5 km of hills. This year we are going to tackle the hills first.

The other thing we learnt after last year was that I need to prepare for this walk other wise my calf muscles will cramp up and I will hardly be able to walk the next day.

This year I have my F11 heart rate monitor, so it will be interesting how may calories I burn during this walk.

It is a great event and helps raise money for beyondblue: the national depression initiative, The Cancer Council NSW, Diabetes Australia – NSW and The Heart Foundation.

The majority of these charities have touched my life in the past few years. My mum had diabetes and died of cancer nearly 2 years ago now, my dad has terminal cancer. I was diagnosed with clinical depression, which is now under control. The only one not touching my life in the past 5 years in the Heart Foundation, however it is still a very important Charity.

Any one interested in website is http://www.7bridgeswalk.com.au/.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Exercise

I'm so glad that I have my F11 working again as it keeps me so focused on exercise.

I've started exercising on my own tonight and walked for 45 mins and so far I'm feeling really good. I also burnt 397 calories on my walk.

I'm planning on walking the 7 Bridges Walk again this year and am determined to get fitter, lose some weight before the big day. I'm walking with a few online friends and we have decided on the following timetable. Lynda and Suse are a lot fitter than me at the moment and also weigh a lot less as well, so I will also be walking by myself during the week and maybe on Sundays as well (see how I pull up and feel as I don't want to burn out to quickly and give up all together).

* Sat Sept 1 at 9am - Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda (Note: this is 1 lap, if you want to do 2 laps would have to meet at 8am)

* Sun Sept 2 at 3:30pm - Bay Interval Run - Suse & Lynda

* Fri Sept 7 time TBD - Double (2 laps) Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda (Note: we can do a longer walk elsewhere if you like, but I want to avoid the APEC crud in the city and getting public transport in there. But if you want to drive us somewhere i.e. watsons bay, then we walk to Coogee and bus back is ok with me)

* Sat Sept 8 at 9am - Double (2 laps) Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda

* Sun Sept 9 at 3pm - Bay Interval Run - Suse & Lynda

* Sat Sept 15 at 9am - Single Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda

* Sun Sept 16 at 3pm - Bay Run - RUN 4KM of it!!!! - Suse & Lynda

* Sat Sept 22 at 9am - Double (2 laps) Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda

* Sun Sept 23 at crack o dawn - Sydney Bridge Run 4KM - Suse & Lynda

* Sat Sept 29 at 9am - Single Bay Walk

* Sun Sept 30 - Day Off. Lynda and Suse to solo jog as its off week + Lynda's Dad's birthday so family commitments.

* Mon Oct 1 (aka Labour Day) at 10 am - 7 Bridges Prac Walk #1 via C2S Route + Bronte extension - Carlton & Lynda (Note: will skip Bronte bit if you need to rush back)

* Sat Oct 6 - Double Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda

* Sun Oct 7 - Bay interval Run - Suse & Lynda

* Sat Oct 13 - Day off due to long walk on next day (and its a nail day)

* Sun Oct 14 at 9am - 7 Bridges Prac Walk #2 on actual 7 Bridges Route - Suse, Carlton & Lynda

* Sat 20 Oct - Double Bay Walk - Carlton & Lynda

* Sun 21 Oct - Day off. Note: Lynda & Suse to do solo runs (as is off week). Calrtn to do solo walk

* Sat 27 Oct = Day of Rest, as day before the big day

* Sun Oct 28 - 7 Bridges Walk - Suse, Carlton & Lynda

Carlton
Take One Step at a Time.

Weigh In 26/08/07

Start Weight on 8/8/07 = 117 kilos (same weight I was 2 1/2 years ago when I started this journey)

This week 26/08/07 = 113 kilos

Loss this week 300 grams.

Loss so far 4 kilos.

Life as far as my eating goes is starting to settle down. I am trying to keep within the following guidelines as per CK:-

Calories = 1500 per day (i've reduced the calories down from CK's recommendation of 1730 due to not exercising at the moment).
Fat = 51 grams per day
Sat Fat = 16 grams per day
Protein = 114 grams per day
Carbs = 205 grams per day
Fibre = 25 grams per day
Drink at least 6 glass of water per day

Up until now I have been focusing on my eating habits and haven't included exercise (which is a bonus if I do anything). Now that I have gotten my polar F11 fixed I will be a little more motivated to exercise again. I will start off slowly and then build up.

In regards to the lap band surgery I am still looking at doing this but it will depend on if I can access some money from my superannuation to pay for the out of pocket expenses. I will have an answer for this within the next month.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.

Weight Issues

Sorry I haven't posted in what seems like for ever, but I've been really busy at work, looking after 3 portfolio of clients. I've also started a new job last week, similar to what I was doing but now more complex and bigger lending clients. Oh and so far not as much stress but its only been week 1..............................

Yes as the picture says I'm really pissed off but with myself weight wise. I have allowed myself to eat anything and everything in sight.

I really hate how I look in the mirror lately in what clothes I'm wearing. It really looks like I'm pregant when I'm not................

Needless to say I have put back on all the weight I've lost since I started this journey. This means that I am back at my original starting weight of 117 kilos. Not happy Jan but apart from being embarrassed about it, I do find it easier to share this figure with you.

I've realised that I need to start eating healthy now and sticking to a calorie count, so when I do have this operation, the limited food will not be as tough on my system. As at Wednesday (I think) I started using CK diary again and whilst I'm on a lot of calories there, I feel like I'm in a little more control of the food that I eat. I am also trying to be honest in the diary so if I eat cake, then it goes in. Trying to stay within my carbs grams is proving to be a challenge but its still early days and my choices haven't always been the best ones.

Oh is your a CK member, feel free to drop by my diary and take a look. Also feel free to given me some advice and guidance in need. The website address is http://www.calorieking.com.au/?show_home=yes. Its free to join these days.....

Just needed to vent a little that's all....................

I will try and post a little more regularly now that work is settling down a little.

Carlton

Take One Step at a time.

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.

Weight Loss Journey

Yes I am still around, I've just had a small break from blogging. Thanks for all those people who left warm wishes and messages, they were all very appreciated. During this time away I've been reflecting on my life, my goals, and most of all my weight loss journey. I have also realised that whilst my life has been tough over the past few years, I'm glad that I went through it all and even very proud how I've come through it. I can finally say that I am happy with my life and happy being single and I don't need a man to complete my life. The only things I'm not happy with or in control of is my weight and what I eat. I'm now looking at ways to solve this problem.

One major things I've realised that I've been trying to lose weight now for at least 10 years and honestly I have lost weight but I HAVE put it all back on. Yes I am the same weight I was 10 years ago. During these 10 years I have tried many different diets/programs, the major ones being:-

* weight watchers (on more than one occasion)
* sureslim
* lite n easy
* calorie controlled diets (calorieking etc)
* low carb
* CSIRO diet
* The biggest loser diet

and many other ones from the magazines. I've had some success with them but nothing long term. I've realised for me to be successful in losing weight it all comes down to my ability to control my hunger and the amount that I eat. At this stage I'm looking at ways that I can control my hunger and the amount that I eat and I'm looking into surgery options at the moment. I know there are lots of you out there that will not agree with such drastic methods but I need to do what is right for me and what I've been doing over the past 10 years hasn't worked. Its time to look at new options and the option I'm looking into at the moment is lap band surgery.

During the past 2 weeks I've been doing a lot of reading about losing weight and what options are available to a morbidly obese person like myself. Until lately I've really hated and I haven't wanted to admit that I am morbidly obese but who am I kidding, I am and it is only me who can change that.

During my reading I've found the following interesting paragraphs that I thought I'd share with you all:-

Non-surgical methods of losing weight may eventually fail because they require daily compliance for the rest of your life. Our bodies are designed to fight weight loss so when someone diets their body becomes significantly more efficient and their brain sends stronger and stronger hunger signals. This explains the intolerable discomfort associated with dieting and the rapidity with which weight returns after a diet. The majority of people seeking surgery for long term weight control have had successful short term weight loss with diets in the past. Regardless of the amount of weight lost your body will wish to return to the weight you were before the diet.

Almost 60% of Australian adults have a weight problem and for those who are severely overweight Bariatric (obesity) Surgery offers the real possibility of lifelong weight control. Thousands of people in Australia die every year from obesity related diseases and hundreds of thousands suffer medical, physical and social disability.

The last 2 paragraphs were written by Dr Michael L Talbot. MB ChB FRACS.
Dr Talbot is a specialty trained Upper Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon based at St George Hospital. He consults from the Department of Surgery at St George Hospital, at Suite 1 26-28 Gipps St Miranda, at the Wollongong Day Surgery and at the Sydney Institute of Obesity Surgery in Ashfield.


Lapband Surgery (or Laparoscpic Gastric Banding)

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding is the most frequently performed operation for obesity in Australia and yearly accounts for 25% of obesity surgery operations worldwide. It is a very good option available for people needing to lose weight but it will not suit everyone.

Having a band placed is simply the first step in the weight loss process. Any person undergoing this operation needs to understand how the band works in order to obtain their goals.

Patients electing to undergo laparoscopic gastric banding will be cared for in a safe and supportive environment, from the time of initial consultation through to achievement of weight-loss goals and long term follow-up.




The actual lapband that goes around your stomach

How the lapband looks on your stomach.

The port is used during the fill progress post operation.

In this procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. The entire procedure is done laparoscopically, where a laparoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall through small surgical incisions.

It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.


Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.


Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND System is an adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.

Minimal Trauma
Least invasive surgical option
No intestinal re-routing
No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period

Fewer Risks and Side Effects
Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
Reduced risk of hair loss
No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable
Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
Adjustments performed without additional surgery
Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

















Reversible
Removable at any time
Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions




Effective Long-Term Weight Loss
More than 100,000 cases performed worldwide
Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world
Academic publications with up to 7 years of follow-up


At this stage I am still researching this procedure and talking to as many people as I can that have had the procedure and so far I have not found anyone who isn't happy with their doctor or results. I've made an appointment to see Dr Talbot on 4/7/07 to see if I'm an acceptable person for this procedure, yes after blood tests the Dr still has to accept you as a suitable person.

Sorry this blog ended up being longer than I had originally planned it would be.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time