Hi there,

Dr. McLeods is VLCD much the same as optifast. I first came across it about 9yrs ago when my nephew & his wife were on it. You had to be under a Drs. supervision & could only buy it from Drs who sold it. As far as I know you can still only buy it from Drs.

It is so hard trying not to eat too much. Unless people experience it they have no idea. You know damn well what to & not to eat but those buggery little bad things just seem to appear in your mouth.

Peazles, has your friend considered the sleeve? I feel for her. The PHI waiting is the pits! As Huggy said 2011 will be your year to 'move it baby, move it'.

Take care, jen

Hi Peazles & Jen-e,

Oh bloody PHI - bugger. That's hard but at least it'll be done this year which means 2011 is going to be your rock it on year!

Although I hated the band I can see that it kept the hunger pains away - I simply cannot believe how hungry I am and am drinking litres of water a day to try and fill me up. My hubby says don't worry too much, just maintain your weight and don't gain......DOES HE KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS?!?@

I am definatley commiting to 5 walks a week and 2 days of Opti - and going to keep my fingers well and truly crossed the rest of the time!

That story about your friend is heartbreaking - truly is. I really hope that the sleeve puts an end of my emotional and overeating once and for all. The freedom from that would be just wonderful. I can eat healthy but I still just eat far, far too much.

Good luck Jen-e with the 24th May - I will let you know as soon as I have a date - would be great if we could be sleeve twins!!!!

So great to have people to talk openly to about all this stuff,

xxHuggy Bear

Hi Huggy,

I hope your incision site is feeling a lot better. I've been really lucky..not much pain at all, just sharp twinges if I twist. I even wore a wide belt last night when I went out to dinner.

Have you got your date for the end of May? Mine is 24th! Seems like so far away; & uh huh the hungry beast within has been let loose now the band is gone. My DD isn't helping, what with planning places to dine out..the last of the big chow downs. Argh!

I didn't do opti when I had the band but McLeod's. It really doesn't taste too bad. Doing it 2 days a week sounds like a good idea. The thought of exercise makes me shudder...I am soooo lazy. Sounds like you're motivated...you'll be right

Take care, Jen

Hi Peazles,

Great idea - I went yesterday arvo to the chemist and got these great little pads with like a silver healing patch in the middle - it already feels so much better this morning.

I ate like a complete pig yesterday - I know it is because I still have a chronic over-eating disorder, which is the whole reason I think the sleeve is going to be right for me - long term.

My sleeve is being done at the end of May - so another two months. I have to really try and keep the weight off till then. I am starting to walk today - have made hubby promise to nag me to walk for 45 mins at least 5 days a week. Gosh, I reckon we've got some loud arguments brewing then in the next two months!!!

Seriously though, the exercise should stop or at least slow the weight gain and I am also going to go back onto Opti at least 2 days a week. Ick - wish me luck - LOL!

How come you're waiting until December? Is it what you feel best about or is it your surgeon's dates/schedule etc?

If you get some combine dressing from the chemist and pad it over your wound, that'll help with your jeans etc annoying it =)

I'm going shocking as far as food is concerned. I haven't put anything on this week but haven't lost anything either. My sleeve isn't until December, so I'm going to have to keep an eye on my food (easier said than done!). Like you, I'm glad to be rid of my band though.

How long do you have to wait for your sleeve?

Thanks Peazels,

None of that - thank goodness, just sore. I think the position of it makes it worse, it's right on my waist (if I had a real waist LOL!) so I think the band on my pants and skirts might have irritated it somewhat.

Am so glad once again that the band is out - it's so nice to eat without pain and fear. Not pigging out too badly yet, but I'm only 1 week "unbanded" so far...........

How are you going?

Hi =)

Look for redness, copious oozing, bad smell coming from the wound, heat at the incision site and/or an elevated temperature.
Goodluck!

Gosh my incision is sore today. I had the band out a week ago and the surgeon used all my old band insertion incisions, except one. this is the one that will be used when he does my sleeve, it's only about 3cm long but it hurts.

How do you tell the difference from just a sore incision site or whether it might be infected or not?

I know, I know - I'm a nervous nelly but I don't want an infection!!!!

I'll send you a PM with my phone number - just give me a call and we can meet up.

Hi Caz,

I would love to come along to the next Sydney get together - would that be okay? I am not getting sleeved until end of May but would love to have a chat with some other sleevers in person before then if possible.

I'm not too far from the city - would love to meet up mybe one day for a coffee or lunch or a chat if you are free?

xxHuggy Bear

Hi Huggy,
I have in fact had two of the Adelaide people drop into my shop today for coffee LOL
We are a social bunch and they know I don't leave the shop much so they come to me which is great.

I have told absolutely everybody about the surgery. My attitude was so positive before the surgery that I actually got everybody excited along with me. Yes there will always be the odd cretin that has to tell you that you are doing the wrong thing but I am very good at ignoring that. I have to say though because I was so positive about it that's all I got back.

My main reason for telling people was that I wanted people to be more aware of this fantastic surgery. It is not as widely known as it should be for the brilliant results that it gives. We were just saying today that pretty much everyone that we know that has had it has found out accidentally which is a real pity.

Caz is right there are heaps of us out there to talk to you just have to find them. LOL
Any time you want to chat though send me a pm.

Hugs Gail

There are lots of people in Sydney who can de-stress you! Me for example.

Do you ever come into the city?

Gosh Tempest! How come you have to be in Adelaide when it would be so good for me if you were in Sydney, ideally right around the corner from me?!?!? I could come over, have a cuppa and you could totally de-stress me with great sleeve stories.

I know I'm doing the right thing - I do. But it is scary. But the band was as scary as shit too, when I think back to when I first got it.

I have had such a nice day today - without the stupid band - I ate a boiled egg on toast for brekky and then had a chicken sandwich for lunch. No pain, spits, burps, etc.

Have you told many people Tempest - about your op? What was the general reaction?

xxHuggy Bear

Hi Huggy,
You poor bugger you sound a bit worried.
So I am going to tell you that it is natural to worry and that stats are just stats and you have to be told about them.
I worked with a woman about 20 years ago and she had the sleeve, I had forgotten that she had it to tell the truth. Then ran into her at Christmas time and told her about my surgery and it all clicked in my head.

They have actually been doing this surgery for years and years but for other reasons. So OK on the Weight Loss side they have only been doing it for a little over 6 years to keep those stats, BUT they have been doing the same surgery for many years.

I know that it must seem easy for me to sit on this side and say try not to worry, but have faith that this is a good thing you are doing. Make the decision and be happy and excited, I so love having the energy that I do. Playing with my grand daughter is just the best best best thing and I couldn't do that before.

Enough lecturing.



Hugs Gail

Hi Huggy, more than happy to PM, in fact I'll send one now.

Hi TexasBell,

Yeah, I am lucky that I have had the band out so quickly - it was a really unhappy 6 months - I read somewhere on this forum that someone likened their band to 'surgically induced bulimia'- and that said it all for me. It was exactly like that - I lost weight but in the most unhealthy and mentally draining way possible.

It's good to know there was 'nothing wrong' with your band either TexasBell - and it makes me think that, yep, my body just didn't like it. And really didn't like it from the word go. I take alot of strength from your post that at 11 days out you already feel this is the procedure for you - and I pray I'll feel exactly the same way. I'd love to stay in touch via PM too if you'd like too!

Thanks too Sue for your kind words. Three bands! I take my hat off to you - I can't imagine what that must have been like to perservere that long. I think you are amazingly brave and strong to go ahead with the sleeve after such a crap time with the bands - 10 weeks in hospital....my god.

I really am finding myself nodding along to the last bit of your post too - that I must make this decision based on the dangers of remaining obese -rather than the dangers of the sleeve surgery. I don't kid myself for one minute that without the sleeve I will pack on the 20kg I have lost through my 'bulimic band buddy' plus more. I cannot control myself with food - I am a chronic overeater and I know the sleeve won't allow that. I am also a bit of a sook and certainly will not eat 'through the pain'' so if the sleeve puts me in that position I will opt out of pigging out pretty fast I'm sure.

I have until the end of May to survive until the sleeve surgery and I am going to do my absolute best not to gain weight - Opti here I come again.............

Thanks again to all of you to take the time to write back - I am going to pay it forward and do the same once I am sleeved in a few months. If I can put a few people's mind at ease like you guys have done for me, then I'm helping!

xxHuggy Bear

Hi Huggybear, hope you recover quickly from the removal. Stupid bloody band says it all. I am cranky that I persevered for six years and the dr never mentioned to me about the sleeve option. Mabye because of long term studies not being out but would have liked to know. My dr didn't tell me about any additional risks (and I didn't ask) but did know it would be more difficult from reading on this site. Nothing was "wrong" with my band (that he told me of) but I must be a slow learner because now I know my body just didn't like it and I wasn't listening!!! As hard as it is you are lucky to work this out quickly.

You don't sound high risk, your band didn't slip etc... but I know its not a worry anyone needs. A positive I can say 11 days out is that I already know this op is the right one (at last) for me and believing it will work this time! All the best, look after yourself.

Hey Huggy

I was given almost the same statistics - there are dangers with any op no matter what.
I have had three bands since 2006, the last removed when I picked up an infection on the operating table while changing the band.
Very very ill for 3 months - in hospital for 2.5 months....now six months down the track I am four days sleeved and this jounrey is a breeze compared to each of the ops I have had in the past. - touch wood - I made the decision to have the sleeve based on not the dangers - which scared the **it out of me - but based on the damage I was doing to myself daily by over indulging.....I was slowly killing myself. Based on that I decided to take a big risk - and oh was I scared - take on board the risks and have the sleeve.
I guess I have to face the future positive and am doing so with just a little fear hiding away in the back of mind....looking forward to a life of better heath, smaller clothes and a sense of pride in myself at working with the sleeve to achieve what has so far been an impossible dream.

Huggy - Acknowldege the risks, be thankful you have a doc who will be upfront with you....and then weigh up your options....only you can know what is worth it and what isnt worth it for you. Good luck recovering and with your future decisions.

Sue

I had a band first too, don't worry about putting me off, I think we're better off well educated with the good and the bad. Still, there's quite a few on here who were banded first but those stats are still concerning!

Sorry Peazels! I don't want to worry anybody else...........

I'm just so cranky I got the stupid bloody band in the first place - shoulda gone straight for the sleeve but it was never mentioned to me.

Hate the fact that the band could make the sleeve surgery more dangerous for me.

Hi Everyone,

Well the band is OUT! Was removed last night about 10pm

I am in a fair bit of pain with the incisions and also a heck of a lot of shoulder tip pain this time around - man it hurts! Have taken De-Gas and got the hot pack on my shoulders though which helps a fair bit.

When the doctor went in to look at the band everything appeared totally normal, it hadn't slipped or eroded into my stomach or anything bad. It looked in his words 'textbook perfect' but luckily he has been very understanding as he's seen me vomiting into a towel on my lap whilst in his waiting room, desperate for an unfill, several times over the past 6 months, the whole time I've had the stupid band. Maybe it is just that it didn't sit well with me or my body just hated having it there?????

He said my stomach looked all good to have the sleeve around the end of May. But he also said a few little things that did worry me.

He said there was very little data past 5 years with the sleeve, he said I could have bad enough reflux to need medication for the rest of my life and the big one.....as I am going from a band to a sleeve there was up to a 10% chance of a leak. He also said he needed me to know that the deathrate is 1 in 300 patients who do leak. Holy God. I'd be stupid to not find it worrying.

I'm sorry to sound so down - I'm a natural worrier and this all ain't helping.

Although I have to say the joy I got tonight to eat a fresh piece of baked salmon and vegetables without pain, burping, spitting up etc was just wonderful.

Hello, I feel like I am at the first day in a new high school. Not quite sure if or where I fit in and don't really know what to do other than introduce myself. My journey started Feb. 2009. I did the four months of nutrition required for the Lapband, had my surgery date then the results of my upper GI came and I had a eroded esophagus and a hernia...no Lapband. My surgeon told me Medicare was supposed to start covering the Sleeve in January so I waited impatiently until Jan. Got a surgery date and a few days before it I was informed that Medicare wouldn't cover the band. I decided to do the Bypass, got my date, arrived early really excited. One of my friends told I was excited as if I was going to a party. I told her that's how I felt. It's show time so they roll me in the OR and I was talking and joking and the next thing I remember was waking up with a feeling that something had gone wrong. The nurses and attendants acted as if everything was a-ok. When I was returned to my room I found out that I had spent over four hours in the recovery before I woke up. To make things worse I was in pain but my sister told that the doctor couldn't do the surgery because I had too much scar tissue around my intestines and heart. That made the already risky Bypass too risky. I had the pain without the gain. So the only wls I can do healthfully is the Sleeve which I think is the best surgery anyway, but we are back to Medicare not paying for it. I saw KahunaLou's post and felt just maybe it's possible to get Medicare to pay for it, but Mr. K I need you to coach me so I won't mess up. I am 60 years old with enough co-mobidities to kill a horse and I will get on my arthritic knees and beg if that will get Medicare to pay. With the surgery my health will be so improved plus I would love to be around a few more years to watch my six year old grandson grow up. I haven't yet learned to manuver this sight so I don't yet know if everything I need is already here. After a few hours of sleep I will work on correcting that.

Thanks for that Tempest - I kinda compare anything to the c-sections because quite frankly that hurt BAD! I tell ya, if you didn't get that little baby outta it.......

Well, the bastard band is coming out tomorrow - I hope I pull up okay after the surgery. Apparently it only takes 20 mins to rip the little sucker out. I still sit here tonight with only 4ml or less in my band, burping and in pain since dinner. It's no way to live.

Then the countdown is on for the sleeve - I can't wait.

Am hoping to come to a sydney get together before I have the sleeve surgery so I can make some new friends.

Thanks to all for your support so far!

xxHuggy Bear - soon there will be a little less to hug!

Hi,
I have had the equivalent of a C section and I have to tell you there is absolutely no similarity. The sleeve is a piece of cake in comparison.
After the sleeve you are allowed to drive pretty much straight away, I did the day after I got home from hospital. Just down to the shop, there are no external stitches and I felt so well that it was hard to remember not to lift.
When my grand daughter wanted up I just sat down and she got up.

Hugs Gail

I was not allowed to lift anything for 6 weeks and drive for 10-14 days.
Yes the staples stay inside forever.
I had no external stitches or staples just steri-stripes which I was allowed to remove after 14 days. 2 scars are only 1/2 cm long and the other 3 are 2 cms long, so really small wounds.
I have not had a C-section so can't compare.
Hope this helps..........

Hi Huggy Bear,

I was told no heavy lifting for a few weeks and no driving for at least a week, and even then to be very careful so there is no strain on the tummy. I can't recall my Dr saying that I would pop a stitch but he did say I needed to follow his and the Dietitians guidelines to avoid complications eg. developing a leak, and to heal well.

My 14mth old nephew visited me about 5 days after surgery and I found it hard to not lift him - just habit. Thankfully his nana was close at hand to remember these things for me. I hope you have someone to help with the hands on stuff.

One thing this support site has taught me is that everyone responds and heals differently. I thought I was going to study while off work but haven't been able to stay awake or concentrate enough to do so. I really am using the time to recover and retrain my little tummy.

Take care

Hi Everyone,

Well, the band is coming out next Friday and then I start my wait for the sleeve - I believe the Dr said he would do it about six weeks later. Does that seem too early to any of you?

I am relieved the band is coming out but am scared witless of the sleeve - I know all you experienced sleevers are probably having a little chuckle and thinking 'Oh she's gonna LOVE it! She just doesn't know it yet'............I bet you're all right too!

I have heaps of reading to do here on the forum but just wondering if anyone can give me an idea of recovery with small children to look after. I can easily work from home for a couple of weeks - just on a computer and pretty much on my own schedule. But I have a 4 year old and a 18 month old - who are mostly at daycare because I work but I will still have to drive them there and back and pick up the baby at times. How many weeks do you think I might need help for?

Also, and this is probably a dumb question.....but do the staples stay inside me forever? Do they dissolve or what? Is it like a having a c-section where if you aren't careful you can ''pop a stitch or staple" ?

I don't want to do anything to harm my recovery but I know hospitals will be ultra cautious about what they say you can do. Like after my c-sections I was told not to lift anything for 6 weeks - HOW ON EARTH??????? After the c-sections I was pretty good to go in about 1 week or so.

Any advice would be so appreciated.

xxHuggy Bear

oh dear 7days to think about what yu are to do?
well i say go the sleeve!!!!!!!!!!

You really do think its a good isea, and what if.....you get the abnd stitched and then it doesnt work out? and youve blown your chances?

shaz

Hi Soz,
You DO know what I mean! Even my doctor said today 'well, it's clearly worked to some degree as you've lost 20kg' but at the same time he acknowledge the dreadful time I am also having.

You only have 1 week till your new life begins - wow!

Definately think a quick valium might be the go - why the heck not????

I know exactly what you mean when you say that you feel like YOU have lost the weight, not hte band...I feel exactly the same - it was your own hard work and determination to eat well which helped you lose the weight rather than any help the band gave you. I also know about being so scared to eat out, and learning to find the loo which is the first thing I always did when walking into a restaurant. Ahh Huggy...it's bringing it all back to me!!!
A pre-op is definitely in order. I was very emotional the day of my banding and I didn't have a pre-op so I am ordering one this time for my bypass surgery!!! A bit of valium can't hurt can it??

Oh TGirl - you're so lovely - you all are!

I know exactly what you're saying - I am so lucky to be given this opportunity now and I think I need to grab it with both hands. I so don't want to go down your path and end of with 2 failed bands in another years time.

I think the hard thing is I have lost 20kg but it has been ME! Not the bloody band, I've done Optifast here and there and also tried to be so much more careful with my food. I have usually been so restricted that food has become almost frightening actually. I decline social invitations all the time or if I do go I make sure I check out the restaurant menu online thoroughly before I commit to attending. And of course, I am always on the lookout for the loo once I get there. After all that I usually am too scared to order anything but a soup!!!

Whilst I'm grateful for the weight loss so far I don't like my day to day existence - and I know that's gotta change.

But I won't lie - I will be an absolute mess the actual date of my sleeve - might have to ask for a preop nerve settler. Will they do that, do you reckon?

My hubby is the best, he supports me 100%. He'd be so happy if the band would actually work for me but he's lived with me and watched me over the past 6 months and agrees it's a crap way to live. So I am very lucky that I have his full support.

To any of you who choose to kept the sleeve operation a secret......what do you do when you dine at someone's house - how do you truly explain the lack of eating, time and time again?

Hi Huggy Bear,

I gave my band so many chances. And it failed me. That said though, only you know your own limitations and what you will be able to cope with, and in saying that, I mostly mean emotionally. Because I know exactly what that emotional toll can feel like. I got to breaking point and I couldn't go on any longer...I would hate for you to get to that point. The way I look at it is like this...I think that the sleeve/bypass is a long term option whereas the band is more short term - so many things can go wrong. It is inevitable that you will need your band replaced (I think they have about a 10 year life). When I looked at it like that - I'm 26 - I might've had another 5 band replacements surgeries in my life. And that's if they lasted the 10 years which a lot don't before the slip or erode or something breaks. Anyway...I guess you can see my point.
Good luck with making your decision and I'm so glad that your surgeon has said that he will do it for you with no gap. Fabulous. Usually the gap for anaesthetist isn't too much but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that there is no gap for that either!!

Hi HB

What excellent news on the operation/finance front.

I am an ex-bander too....twice !! I am having the band removed for good on the 31st but have to wait at least 6months before I can have the sleeve. The band removal/second band I had was placed with no charge from the original surgeon but I still had travel, accommodation over Christmas/New yaer in the heart of Melbourne for a family of 4 so I guess it wasn't as "free" as it could have been!

That is great that your surgeon is able to offer this operation at such a reduced cost.

Ultimately you will make the right decision for you and your hubby and daughter. He sounds like such a great guy, so supportive and cares about you a lot. 3/4's of your battle is won with this kind of support because it will enable you to really concentrate on acheiving a new healthy you.

I'm actually loathe to say "do this one"or "do that one" but as far as my experience and the excellent support/advice you receive on this site, go the sleeve. Now that will be the LAST time I tell you what I think is best for you because, in truth, only you know that but just keep this in mind.........If you were told that you had a terminal tumor, that if removed, would restore your health wouldn't you do that to extend your life? The sleeve has the potential to extend your life too.

Sleeving is no more drastic than that life saving option....in my opinion.

good luck with your decision.

Hugs
TGirl

While nobody should tell you what to do................sorry all you other girls out there but I just can't help myself.

Go the sleeve

Hugs Gail
PS the words above are only my opinion and you should make up your own mind to have the sleeve LOL

Thanks Libby - I think you are right. OH MY GOD.

It is exciting but scary at the same time.

Ultimately it's your decision but i'd be getting the band out and going for the sleeve. good news that he would do it for minimal cost as well.

Hi Everybody,

I have just gotten back from seeing the doctor and really need some advice.

The doctor agrees that I'm having a bad time of it and says I have two options when I go in for surgery next week;

1) He either resutures the band into place very tightly
OR
2) He removes it and we go for a sleeve in 6 - 12 weeks.


He said if he were to stitch the band into place I may not be able to have the sleeve surgery at a later date. My stomach will be really attached to the band, does that make sense....my mind was spinning by this stage. It really worries me that if I go with trying to have the band repaired I could preclude myself from the opportunity for the Gastric Sleeve later on.

He explained that the risk of leaks after the sleeve surgery was about 4%. I asked him point blank if he has had any incidents of leaks and he has not. But he needs to tell me the overall risks anyway. Apparently, a leak could mean a couple of weeks in hopsital, on antibiotics and with drains coming out of me.

He also said if I get to the 2 week mark with no sign of leaks I am in his words 'home free'.

The other good news is there will be no charge for the band removal and a minimal charge for the sleeve - I am in top private health cover. He said he is willing to do the sleeve without cost, he just has to check about the anesthesist but it will clearly be minimal.

I have 7 days to make this decision. I'd really appreicate anyone's thoughts.

Good Luck!

Tell us all about it!

Lieza

Good luck today! I hope your surgeon can put any fears at ease today and give you some answers!

Though I must say that I have heard HEAPS more bad things about the band than the sleeve. TBH, I've hardly heard of any with the sleeve.

Hi Tempest,

Thanks so much for the cyber hug! I need them right now!

Gosh, I'm so confused. I don't like the band but the sleeve still scares me. I think I am reading the scariest stuff possible on the internet about the sleeves and it's scaring the bejeepers outta me.

For instance has anyone heard that the sleeve can stretch over time, leaving the patient with a very thin wall of stomach that might be more likely to perforate or suffer from stomach ulcers?

Mind you, if I read non-stop about bad stuff with the band I'd be feeling just as awful, the only saving grace is that it is reversible (the bloody band I mean).

Wish I had more strength, more courage and more oomph than I obviously do. Wish my weight didn't continue to rule my life. I truy thought once I got the band everything would be just fine - whatta joke!

Okay, I'm seeing the surgeon today and am gonna see what he says.....wish me luck!

xxHuggy Bear

Hi,
I don't know anything about the band but just wanted to send you a cyber hug because I know what you must be going through.
There is loads of support here and there will always be someone willing to answer questions for you.

Hugs Gail

Thats what I have heard but in nearly 6 months I have lost 32.9 kilos. I think thats pretty good. But I think it also depends on how much weight you have to lose. I still need to lose another 20 odd kilos and it has started to slow down not stop but slow.

I hope all goes well at your appointment tomorrow.

I know Libby - it terrifies me actually - the possible gain between procedures.

One thing I was also wondering about - is it true that my success will not be as strong because I am an ex-bander - do people who go straight for the Sleeve do better than those who go from band to sleeve?

I have so much damn information in my head I think I read that somewhere but maybe not. Thought if anyone knows the chances are they'll be on this forum!

Thanks again everyone for your input - can't wait to see the doctor tomorrow and make some kinda plan.

I have no advise for you for keeping the weight off. I put on about 10 kilos during my 7 month wait.

Hi Huggy Bear,
I feel your pain. I was banded June 08 and my goodness, I've had nothing but trouble from 4 months out. Constant overfills, extreme pain, vomiting, my life ruled by my band. At the end of last year just after christmas when I had my fourth overfill for the year - where I couldn't even get water in, and then after having all my fill removed (again 4th time for the year) I got extreme pain in the shoulder and side (also happened in October) and after having a CT, barium swallow and endoscope, which all came back relatively normal (some slight oesphageal dilatation from the constant overfills) I decided I couldn't continue with my life like that. I was 100% miserable and I was in a pit of despair. I couldn't believe what I had done to myself, and even though I had lost 25kg, it had been a constant battle and struggle the whole way through, and I could put the loss down mostly to my own self control and exercise! Starting all over again from no fill 4 times in a year is just horrible. It's like starting for day 1 four times over!
So I spoke to my doctor who suggested that the best thing to do would be to have a bypass. He is doing my surgery 100% free. No gap for the surgery and I have no gap for anaesthetics either. I have private health also, and he is putting it through as Easy Claim. This is where he will get paid by medicare, but I have no gap. This is because it is revisional surgery. My surgeon told me to tell my anaesthetist that my surgery was revisional and he was doing it by Easy Claim, and that they may reduce the amount I had to pay, and I was very surprised to find out that she was going to do the same thing. I would be very surprised if your surgeon didn't do something similar as it is so soon after your banding and considering you have just had so much trouble with your band. I think if it had been much longer between they may still charge you something, but being so close (mine was 18 months when i booked my bypass and yours is even closer!) I really would be surprised if he didn't accomodate you. I know this may sound terrible, but I suggest when you go to see him lay it on thick. Tell him exactly what the band is doing to your life, how you are feeling and don't hold back. Also tell him that financially it will be very difficult for you, but that you can't keep living as you are and hopefully this may persuade him to follow this same path. Luckily I didn't even mention costs and my surgeon said straight up - I will do it Easy Claim and you wont have to pay any gap. I would ask him straight out if he would do it via Easy Claim for you. Be blunt. It is your life and living life with a band that is not playing by the rules is a miserable miserable life and you don't deserve to put up with it.

Good luck. And if you want to talk to me about anything else I would be more than happy to! I also have a diary in the dairy section or you can PM me.

Cheers, Sarah :)

Gosh - thanks everyone for your replies - I am very grateful for everyone taking the time to write to me.

The more I think about it the more I think the sleeve is the way forward for me. I am going to talk to my doctor on Thursday and see what he suggests.

I know it is not the most important thing but what is everyone's advice for keeping the weight off between surgeries? Is Optifast the way to go or does anyone have any other suggestions. As bad as living with the band is I am insanely grateful I am still 20kg lighter and dread putting it back on.

I get so mad though when I even type that out - why can't I just control my eating for 12 lousy weeks!@#$% I know I won't lose any in between the surgeries but I am willing to do anything or take anything to not gain in between. Why can I not just control myself.....

Okay, I will check back in on Thursday night - wish me luck people!

A big hug to you all too!

Huggy Bear