Hi, I am new here - made the decision though!

JustaGirl · 09-24-2008, 03:09 AM

Hi,

I am going to get the LAP-BAND®. I had thought about it for over a year, lost some weight, 30 kg on my own almost 2 years ago and then put it back on. The story of my life. That was my last try. At the time I told myself if I didn't suceed I would get the LAP-BAND®. I was doing really well cause the thought of the band scared me.

So, I have spoken to a specialist I see regarding my chronic medical illness (don't want to say what it is just yet) and he is happy for me to have the LAP-BAND® which is great.

Now I am waiting to hear from a surgeon as well. I did have an appointment for Dr Watson but decided I wanted to go elsewhere.

So, now I am working extra days at work to get the money for out of pocket expenses.

I am hoping to get it done in the 3rd week of November, I have 2 weeks off work then which I can stretch to almost three.

I am not too worried about the surgery, I have had lap surgery before and was fine.

Now I have made the decsion I need to give up smoking real fast.

I am trying to do the cut down and stop thingy and have got some nicotine replacement stuff.

Sunwyse · 09-24-2008, 08:01 AM

Hi Justagirl,

I gave up smoking years ago with the nicotine patches when you still had to get a doctor's prescription for them!! They didn't stop the cravings, but did the take edge off so my will power could do the rest. I did give up too. Not permanently that time, but the second time I used patches I succeeded. Its been about 6 years now since I smoked and I know I never will again.

Congrats on the decision to have the surgery. I decided to Feb last year, then changed my mind. Decided to again in October and took out health insurance just for this reason. Again I decided not to and let the insurance slip for a few months. Luckily, I was able to make up back payments so my waiting period is up 18 October and I can be done after that. Its been a very long wait, but I'm finally here.

I've also had lap surgery before for gallbladder removal *sigh* weight issues are not fun, especially with PCOS and an anxiety disorder with borderline paranoia!! - Basically, I just think everyone is talking about my weight lol.

Glad to have you on board.

JustaGirl · 09-24-2008, 08:41 AM

I got a message back from the surgeon I have decided to go with and he is going to get me in for an appointment early next week.

I just have to get a referral from my GP and am still waiting for my medicare card as I got my purse stolen about a month ago. I'm ringing them both in the morning, otherwise, I'll have to make the appointment for the week after next which still isn't too bad I suppose. My GP is on holidays. I was going to go with Dr Watson but have changed my mind. I had an appointment to see him in November.
I've 4 ciggies left and then I am going to transfer to the nicotine lozenge and gum I have. I really have to just sweat it out. I've given up before and can stop for a few days when necessary, like when I went to Hong Kong with my mum and dad, I didn't smoke for 5 days.

Work is the hardest though and I am working friday.

Sunwyse · 09-24-2008, 06:04 PM

Go into a medicare office on Saturday morning (or at lunch time if you can) and get a temporary card. Its really just a piece of paper with your details on it. That will do til the card comes through.

Good luck with everything.

JustaGirl · 09-25-2008, 12:28 AM

Hi,

thanks. I now have a new medicare number, saw GP today and got a referral and have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday morning. All so quick

I'm hoping to have the surgery then in November but wont know till tuesday.

Still haven't given up the fags