Surgeon visit - Full Recap

Hello!! I'm so excited to finally have a surgery date! And although it seems so far away, I know it isn't. The countdown is on! 42 days!

So my appointment took up most of my morning! I went in at 1015, and didn't come out until after 1230! I didn't believe my appointment letter when it told me it would take so long, silly me.

I arrived and handed over all my paperwork/xrays etc and waited to be taken in. The nurse saw me first, she weighed me (FYI in clothes, on their scale, I weigh 1.3 kilos more than stark nekked at home), and she also measured me. Hmmm. Apparently I am 2 cm shorter than I have been claiming all these years! I'm still going to say I'm 154cm, I need those 2cm. It adds 2 full points to my BMI! So unfair. I haven't shrunk, really. We had a brief chat about the surgeries, she herself has a band, so she knows what she is talking about. She told me that my Dr prefers to do the sleeve now and would probably try and talk me into it (I was prepared for this, as my referring Dr had told me the same thing). We picked a surgery date (yay!), then she sent me back to the waiting room to wait for the surgeon.

Now we get to the real reason for the appointment taking so long. He can talk! Forever! But not in a "we are having a conversation and time has passed quickly" way, it was more in a "I have said this speech so many times I can do it in my sleep so just be quiet and wait for it to be over" way. It wasn't too bad, he started with why people get fat, the history of obesity and diets, why commercial diet programs work short term, then worked his way through the history of weight loss surgery and which surgeries he does and doesn't offer. Phew.

He did wax lyrical about the sleeve and discussed why he preferred it now (more average excess weight lost, faster), but was honest about the benefits of the band (safer surgery mostly, more long term data). He said he can't predict who will do well with the band and who won't. I gave him my reasons for choosing the band and he said "ok, I'll show you what they look like", and that was the extent of trying to convert me! I was pretty pleased with that. I must say I didn't know there were so many types of bands! He had about 5 different types in his stash, but he did throw a couple out as they are no longer used. He also explained the differences and why he chooses his preferred band (allergan). He mentioned there were a couple of others he had seen at meetings and expressed interest in, but no-one followed up on it (his words - "their salespeople in Australia should be sacked).

So after all that, I asked my questions (thanks ladies), got some answers (he was very good at giving honest answers, no sugar coating), and then he sent me back out to the nurse to do some paperwork. The nurse handed over an opus of information/forms for the hospital, a band portion perfection plate/bowl/book, and sent me on my merry way. I was very glad to hear that all my follow up and fills/adjustments will be covered under medicare so my hefty surgery fee should be a once off expense as far as the band goes.

Would you believe I walked out of the nurses room straight into one of the people I work with?! She made a beeline for the toilet and then made herself busy reading a magazine, so I'm hoping this means she is also keeping a surgery secret and will keep mine too. Only time will tell, and I will wait to see when I run into her at work if she says anything.

Goodness this has turned into a novel! Congratulations to anyone who is still reading! I'm sure I have left bits out.

Oh yes I have - pre-surgery diet! I already knew most of this from my visit to the dietician so many moons ago, but it was reiterated at this appointment. I am required to do 2-4 weeks of VLCD (optifast or other of my choice). Roxy the nurse (not her real name, I'm just getting bored of calling her the nurse) said they would like to see me a couple of kilos lighter before the surgery, but there were no demands or "must be" weights, which is good. I will start on the optifast when we get back from a wedding we are driving to (leaving tomorrow, returning next friday), which will be almost 4 full weeks. However, I'm not going to be too hard on myself as it is our first wedding anniversary the weekend before my surgery so I know we will probably go out to dinner. I will just avoid carbs and stick to protein/vegies that meal.

So to wrap up, I will be stuck with reading blog posts on my phone for the next week (from tomorrow), so I may not get a chance to comment much. I will be trying to find some free wi-fi to get my fix, so I may not comment on many posts, but trust me I will be thinking of you all! Thank you so much for your support and comments!!

Better go pack!

A Date!!!

I have one!!! 9th August!!!!




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Purple People Eater

Ok so the purple people have it! I will dress my nails in "No Shrinking Violet" by Revlon. Thanks so much for helping me out!! I don't normally paint my nails, however I stumbled across THIS blog in my travels, and I am completely hooked. I went out last weekend and bought a swag of goodies, including base coat, top coat and 4 new colours (purple, aqua, gold, red). So now I am addicted! I might post photos of my nails every now and then, but I am still figuring out how to do it without making a complete mess of myself. If I am feeling brave, I may post a picture of me the outfit after the wedding (probably a headless pic - but the most you have seen of me so far is my nails!).

Onward and upward. Surgeons appointment tomorrow!!! I have a fabulous list of questions, thanks so much for your input! All your responses reminded me of other things I wanted to ask. Now I know how the appointment might go for 2 hours! This time tomorrow I will (hopefully) have a surgery date!  I have to work in the afternoon, but I promise a really quick update from my phone as soon as I know something. I'm excited!!

Speaking of phones, I just found the most interesting application for my I-phone. It is an application designed especially for people who have had bariatric surgery! It even has a tool to help figure out if you need a fill,  weight and BMI tracking, photo tracking... Here is the website: http://www.barimate.com/   I downloaded it about 10 minutes ago, and it was super easy to set up. It cost me $9.99. At first I thought it was pretty steep for an application, but then I figured I have spent more on breakfast so I should just go for it! If anyone else is fairly early (or late!) in their journey, and has an i-phone, I would have a look at the website, it has very good descriptions of all the features. I don't know about you, but I love little things like that, they help keep me motivated and also I like having all the information in one place. Obviously it is too early for me to decide if I have wasted my money, but I will keep you updated. I found it on the website Band Buddies which sells chewable vitamins, protein supplement and band friendly microwave meals. I think I will probably be spending a bit of money on there soon.

Hmmm. Anything else? I don't think so. Will see you tomorrow!

Pop Quiz!

Ok so I'm going to a wedding next weekend, and planning what to pack. If I were to wear this dress:




Should I paint my nails with this colour:




Or this colour:




And can I wear a strand of pearls with it?

Very important questions, I know :p



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Where has this month gone?

Far out. How did it get to be the end of June already? It is only FOUR DAYS until my first appointment with the surgeon! Hopefully on Monday I will have a surgery date and I can start planning the rest of my life. Dramatic, I know. However I feel like everything is on hold at the moment, waiting for the surgery to happen so I can move on and get rid of this weight once and for all.

So now that I am so close to my appointment, I am starting to make a list of questions for him. Pffft, starting, who am I kidding, I've been mentally forming questions for months now! However I plan to write them down so I can scribble the answers during my appointment. This is what I have so far:

• What brand of Band will you be using?
• What size band will be used?
• Will you put any fluid in it during surgery?
• Will you send me home with pain and anti-nausea medication? (pretty please!)
• How long will I be in hospital?
• What time off work will I need?

Hmmm, it seemed like so many more questions when they were in my head! Do you have any that I should add to my list? Is there anything that you wished you had asked or known before surgery? The paperwork I have from the surgeon says that the initial appointment can take up to 2 and half hours. Holy moly. What can we talk about for that long? I wonder if I am a typical patient with the amount of research that I have done, or if I am above average in the amount of information that I have been looking for. I don't like surprises (unless they involve gifts, preferably small sparkly ones), so I am definitely someone who does my research. 

Anywhoozle, best head off to bed. Hope everyone has a lovely day :)

Adorably Awarded!

So the Adorable Sam over at I'm with the Band has bestowed upon me the Adorable Blog Award! I am incredibly humbled and can't believe I've been given such a lovely award when I'm only a month and a half into my blog. Thanks Sam!!

Them's the rules

* Thank the person who gave you this award and link back to them in your post

* Tell us 10 things about yourself

* Nominate your bloggers

* Contact these bloggers and let them know you have nominated them

Well, I will try to be as specific as possible without giving too much away, being anonymous on here and all. 

1. I talk. A lot. I have been told that I could talk underwater. Which really wouldn't happen because...

2. I don't like to be underwater. Sure, I like swimming, but get freaked out a bit if I have to hold my breath for too long, or if I'm in a confined space where there is water. 

3. I am super organised in some aspects of my life, and completely un-organised in others. It's like selective OCD. My bedroom is usually messy, however my tupperware drawers and pantry are fabulously tidy. 

4. Very recently a close friend of mine told me she is pregnant and I am over the moon for her! But I'm also insanely jealous. I'd really love to be getting pregnant now, but have to wait til after the surgery and a couple of other real-life things that are happening. Hopefully this time next year I will be coming to you live from a downsized, incubating baby body :)

5. I'm getting excited, but nervous, that my appointment with the surgeon is on Monday! 4 days away! More on this in another post later. 

6. I have an addiction to gift wrap. I absolutely love wrapping presents and giving them to people all pretty :) If I could get a job as a professional gift wrapper I would totally do it. I have to be careful that I don't buy too much, because I will never use it all, but I did chose a few lovely papers and matching ribbons from a great website last year and I'll get more when they are used up (or I'm sick of them). 

7. If I could have a personal masseuse, I would be in heaven. I love my husband, but he is not the best at back massages (although he is getting better). It feels like an indulgence to go for a massage at a fancy salon/treatment centre, so mostly I go to those cheap places at shopping centres (but only when I'm desperate). Even a bad massage is better than no massage at all. 

8. Wow ten things is hard. I'm not sure I will make it!

9. I can procrastinate with the best of them! In fact it has taken me over 30 minutes to write this post because I keep going and looking at other blogs. I'll call it looking for inspiration... yup. That's what it is. 

10. I'll go with the number here and say that I would be absolutely over the moon to be a size 10. I can't remember the last time I wore something that small. I have no idea what size that is for the US or UK, but here it is pretty small. 

I made it! Time to nominate my bloggers! I know that a lot of people I follow have already been awarded, so I think I will stick with one nominee, a new blog that I have just started following.. 

Andrea over at Adventures in Lap Banding has just started blogging, but I am addicted already. She posts videos too, and I watched them all one after the other, which gave me the sense of getting a tour of her house! I can tell we would get along because I want her to decorate my house. 

Have I mentioned....

..... That Zumbaman is hot? Seriously hot. Working out with the DVD is like being able to perve on someone without worrying that they will catch you.



Today's exercise - 20 minute express program.

Look him up on google-images.

You're welcome :D

P.S. I will be back later for updates!


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I hope you are sitting down

I thought I better prepare you. Yes, ladies and gentleman, I actually exercised this afternoon. Voluntarily!

Here is the evidence

Well, you can't really tell, but that is the cover of my DVD, the photo is a little fuzzy as it is from my phone. It wasn't too bad in the end, I cracked open the box I had bought in... oh, January, and perused my options before deciding on this one. To be honest, I was intrigued by the stick things. They aren't actually that heavy, but after holding them up for the better part of 40 minutes, I can feel the difference. Has anyone tried doing aerobics with over-ear headphones on? I felt very strange, but didn't want to risk waking up the husband who is currently on night shift, so I did the whole thing wearing wireless headphones that we have for the TV (priceless for anyone who does shiftwork). 

I estimate that I probably worked at about 70% intensity. Aside from worrying about waking up the hubby, I was also sliding around a bit on the tiles so didn't want to get too "into" the lunges and squats in case I went belly up! I think next time I will choose shoes that grip a little more on our flooring. (Hear that? I said Next Time!). Not as good a workout as I would get at a class, but better than nothing. 

So, onward and upward. My goal for this week is to do SOME kind of exercise at least 4 times. That leaves 3 more times before I get the tick of approval (from myself). I'm working tomorrow, but I will try and do a lap of the building on one of my breaks. Will see if I can improve on my PB :)  That totally sounds wrong on a lapband blog, I really mean my Personal Best!

Anyhoo, time to make dinner. If anyone is interested, the menu tonight is a vegetable packed spaghetti. Cheerio!

Confessions from a Zombie

Not that kind of Zombie. However, I did resemble the walking dead fairly closely today, as occurs after I finish a run of night shifts. I managed to stay upright for most of the day, my mistake was to lie on the couch this afternoon to watch telly. Zzzzzzzzz....... After that it was game over, even when I forced myself to get up after um... about 3 hours? It was very hard work keeping my eyes open. I missed pivotal parts of glee, so must go back and watch the taped copy. However, this is not the point of today's post, and is probably boring the rest of you to sleep! Confessions time!!

I confess that I am a jewellery junkie. I love to buy it, however it mostly sits in my jewellery box and only really comes out on special occasions. With the exception of my engagement and wedding rings, which I absolutely adore, and a signet ring I got for my eighth birthday - I wear these all the time and catch myself admiring my shinies.

I confess that I chose my engagement ring long before there were signs of an engagement, and slipped the business card into my hubby's laptop bag. I'm a bit particular about my jewellery (see above addiction) and I wanted to guide him with a style at least. He later told me that he was very glad I did, as he would probably have bought the first thing offered to him in a store by a well meaning salesperson. I love it very much, but I love him more.

I confess that if you take my first confession and replace "jewellery" with "makeup" then you will discover another addiction of mine. I have mainly one particular brand (whose name is that of a short French dead dude - bonus points for the movie that comes from). I started with a foundation, then found myself drifting near the counter anytime I was in a shop that stocked it. Ooooh, pretty! I don't have that! So why is this such a bad thing? I rarely wear makeup. I don't wear it to work, and only really do a "full face" when going to a big event like a wedding. And even then I try to get it done by someone else. But I still love buying it and playing with it.

I confess we have been married for ten months and I only took my wedding dress in to be cleaned last week. I peeked in the bag and my lovely white dress was covered in makeup on the neck and dirt on the hem. I'm a neglectful bride.

I confess that I hibernate during my night shifts. My husband is probably the only person who sees me/talks to me outside of work. I just don't have the energy for much else. I haven't commented on anyone else's blog, although I've been reading them all on my phone. This is the first time I've turned my computer on in four days/nights. I promise that I will try and make up for it in the next few weeks.

I think that's all this Zombie has today. Hope everyone has a lovely day!

12 and a half...

Minutes is how long it took me to do a lap of the outside of the building this morning on a break from my night shift. I have no idea how far it is, judging by the time I'm guessing about 800m?? A full minute improvement on how long it took yesterday! I know it's not much, but it's better than sitting on my arse eating which is how I normally spend my breaks.




Hopefully back with another confession post later today if I can stay awake. Hooray for surviving another block of night shifts!

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It's still Friday somewhere in the world...

....even if it has just turned Saturday here. Time for some Bring Your Own Crazy questions from Drazil!

1. How and why did you first start blogging? And how long have you been blogging?
This is an easy one! My very first blog post here was the 2nd of May 2001. Not that long ago! I started because the lovely Nola (can I link to you N?), told me it would be like having therapy in the lead up to my probable banding. Of course she was right! I was also inspired by several blogs that kept me up all night reading them (as in every single post), namely the aforementioned Nola, Catherine and Amy. I honestly don't remember how I found the latter two, I just know that when I did I was hooked. And I keep blogging because of the lovely people who take time out of their lives to read my blog and give me feedback (ok, I know that wasn't part of the question but I just wanted to recognise how important you have all become to me).


2. Tell me about your perfect mate - if you could invent him/her?
Well I've only been married for 10 months so I am going to say I already have him. I know, a cop out.


3. Do you wear fake eyelashes? Do you want to? Do you use glue or self stick ones? Do you like how they look?
I have worn them in the past and loved them! However I find it nearly impossible to apply myself. I have only ever used them when applied by someone else (usually a make-up artist but occasionally my sister). I wore them as a bridesmaid and also at my own wedding (these were "individual" lashes applied mostly at the outside edges). If you are considering them, see if you can get a trial somewhere, or maybe get the semi-permanent ones that last for a month or two.


4. Let's say money was no object, and neither was time off to recover - are you an advocate of plastic surgery after weight loss?
I'm gonna go with yes here. I have often imagined taking off my fat like it was a suit, and I kind-of imagine plastic surgery to be like this. I know that my skin is stretched and yucky and will probably remain once I have hopefully reached my goal (especially as I've not had any kidlets yet and I'm sure that won't help matters). If by some miracle I end up with a fabulous body without it, I will be grateful. Not saying I would definitely have it done, but I'm not saying never.


5. Repeat question - Summarise your life if blog land and real life.
Real life - I had the mother of all colds this last two weeks, so I feel like I wasted a lot of time sleeping and/or resting. I am feeling better now, just a hint of a residual cough, so I'm trying to catch up on all the things I let slide. Like housework (not my favourite thing anyway).

In blog land, I am trying hard to be a better commenter as I know how excited I get by having people comment on my blog. I didn't comment too much when I was sick, as I was reading everyone else's blogs on my iphone and it makes for difficult typing. I type pretty fast on a computer, so being restricted to a teeny-tiny pretend keyboard just gives me the s*&^ts. I've also picked up a few more followers this week. Hello! The more the merrier! Bring your friends! Hmmm. People pleaser much?

These are my confessions

Anyone else have that song in their head now? Good! Join me!

I have no idea who started this, but I have seen Wednesday confessions over at Drazil's blog a few times now and thought it about time I joined in. So here we go...

I confess that after all my bravado yesterday (day before?) I didn't actually take Zumba out of the box. However I did do lots of housework so I did move, just not in the way originally intended. I seriously underestimated how exhausted I would be after night shift. I was worried I would fall over as my coordination was suffering from lack of sleep. They say it is like being drunk, and I tend to agree.

I confess that I hate shiftwork but I know that we need the money right now. We really want to pay a good chunk off our mortgage before we start a family, and we also like to take trips to visit people and places. I don't want to give up this lifestyle, so shiftwork it is for now. Hopefully I will be able to get another position next year that doesn't involve either a paycut or shiftwork.

I confess that I really, really, really want to attend BOOBS, but it is way out there ridiculously expensive. I looked up prices for flights to get me from Mytown to Chicago, and it would be nearly 3 grand. So add accommodation and spending money, it is just too expensive. I really wanted to go when I was newly banded so that I could be inspired in person by all the wonderful bloggers, not just their posts. Thank goodness I still have the internet!

I confess that checking blogger/google reader is now the first thing I do when I wake up. Before I even get out of bed some days, I check it on my phone. I also check my email to see if anyone has commented on my posts. I'm a blog addict. My routine is blogs, email, facebook, twitter. My poor husband.

I confess that I am secretly pleased with myself that I have kept up my blog for this long. I know, a month doesn't seem that long, but previously I have tried keeping a diary or journal and it doesn't last. I also tried a blog once before and it still has just 3 posts on it. I think it's the validation of having people interested (followers!) who actually comment that has kept me going when, to be honest, I'm not that interesting at the moment! I promise more juicy posts once I finally get banded.

I confess that I am using this post to procrastinate. I really should be writing the draft of a journal article I'm supposed to be showing my supervisor at 11am (it is currently 654am). I was supposed to get it written when I was in bed with a fever last week so I'm dragging the chain a little.

I think that is enough procrastination confessions for one day! I hope everyone has a fabulous day filled with joy, happiness and health. Time to study.

xox

MOVE and TRACK

You guys rock! Thanks so much for your replies. Cinders, I will check out the options you have listed, and Allan, I may yet take you up on the offer! Sam, I have tried to restrict myself to special occasion buying only :) and Manda, it is also my sisters birthday, so you are in very good company there!

Onward and upward. I am feeling the most human I have in a week today, regardless of the fact I have just finished night shift and need to stay awake as long as I can. I will have some brekky soon and that will wake me up a bit. I have decided I need to do something physical today, I have been lazy for too long now. In January (I know, FIVE months ago!), I bought the zumba DVD's with the misguided assumption that I would work out with them at home and save money on classes. I was right in one way, I stopped going to classes! Yet the box remains unopened. Until today! I WILL open them today and MOVE.

I want a Zumba body. Actually, I want this Zumba body.

I have also realised that I really need to track my calories. I have done this previously in my journey (it feels like groundhog day sometimes) and it does keep my accountable to myself. It is far to easy to ignore calories if I don't see them in front of me. I just re-downloaded the nutrition and exercise manager from Calorie King that I have used over the last 6 years (I found my email receipt from 2005!). I recently had to get a new computer when my laptop died, and had not got around to re-installing all my software. How convenient for me. Well, no excuses now, I've got it open at the moment and I will start with my breakfast soon.

So they are my two must-do's today. MOVE and TRACK. I have several other "should-do's" such as Mt Washmore, study, unpacking the half-unpacked suitcases on the bedroom floor, finish tidying the office.... Are we noticing a pattern here? I seem to start things and not finish them.

No longer! I will be a finisher!!

I'll start by finishing this post. Have a lovely day everyone xox

Little Miss Dotty

I'm feeling a bit Dotty today, so here is a dot point post for your enjoyment. Random ramblings if you will. 

• I'm still sick. I managed to get rid of the fever (which is good as it was a bit scary - I didn't want a cold to turn into anything nasty), however I still have a lovely cough. Hopefully will be all healed in time for my days off this week. 
• I seriously wish I had a fairy shopping godmother in the US who could buy all the lovely things I keep seeing on blogs and post them to me. Things I can't find a supplier for over in the land of Oz. Like powdered peanut butter. And a flipfold. And several hundred things from the container store. I'm getting tired of seeing "cannot ship to your default location" on my amazon searches. And plus sized clothing! We don't have nearly the range here that you do. 
• As per previous point, I'm addicted to organisation products. 
• I am torn between this year moving too fast, and wanting it to move faster so I can get a surgery date! May seemed to come and go so quickly, but it still seems too long to wait until 27th June for my first surgeon appointment. 
• I've reached 29 followers! Hooray! And welcome :)
• I'm a geek. And lurve ThinkGeek. Sooo many Christmas presents came from there last year. 
• I'm addicted to Angry Birds, despite swearing I wouldn't play it. I got hubby addicted to it too ;)

Ok then! Enough dotty moments for one day. See ya later internet!

Blergh

Hi everyone. I know I owe you a post as it's been a few days, however I've spent the last 3 curled up on the couch a feverish, sweaty, feeling-sorry-for-myself ball of snot. TMI? Sorry about that. I've had to make do reading everyone else's blogs on my teeny tiny phone screen. Hopefully I'll get to my real computer tonight or tomorrow. Until then I have a question for my following peeps - am I following you? If not, please leave a comment below with your blog address so I can return the favour. Blogger doesn't tell me everyones blog address :)

Ok. That's all I've got for now. You'll be happy to know I've no longer got a fever (for now), but I'm developing a lovely cough. Yay me xo


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