Hi, how you going Nell? Thanks for that, going to karate award presentation night tonight, see if I have got my orange belt or a half grade (means I redo the grade in october) If I get a half grade thats ok, initially I was a bit miffed about that but now not as much - means I wasnt ready for the grading as only been back at training for two months when this occured. Weight is gradually coming off and I am very happy with progress.
Great buying "normal" clothes now, love going shopping.
cheers.
Lynda

Thanks Jo. It'll all happen in its own perfect time, I tell myself. It's hard not to be impatient for the freedom this surgery brings, though.
If you're pre-admission is so early next month, so will your surgery be -- if they wait too long your pre-admission is out of date.
Are they putting you on a pre-op diet?

I just realised you asked me a question on a thread a month ago, I haven't been on for ages. Got depressed when my date fell through. But all looking good now, have my pre admission on the 4th July. But still no "actual" surgery date till then. at a guess it will be one or 2 weeks after the pre admission.
Hope the wait isn't getting you down, it will go fast. This site is great for preparing us.
Jo

thanks Nel, that put a great big smile on my face. I must admit starting last year in karate was a little daunting, especially at over 110kg, but everyone was so encouraging. Now that I have lost a good amount of weight I have to say it feels so much better. Only concern that I have at the moment is that both my hips ache/painful when I walk or after sitting for a while. Am thinking that I will start taking some glucosamine and see if that helps. apart from that all is good. I am now aiming for the 90kg mark, one step at a time. But its a very exciting journey, have just been to the shop and brought my first couple of sixe 16 jumpers!! Wow!! still in size 18 pants, but hope that will change soon.
Keep focused on your time to get the sleeve, you will love it. Oh only thing I have found that gives me heart burn is fish oil that I was taking, so stopped that and going to try something else. Cheers.

Hi Lacey -- have a look at my introductory post. I took out private health insurance early this year so will qualify for the surgery early next year. It is a long time to wait but it is a huge life change, so trying to use the waiting time well.
Thanks for asking,
Nel

Hey compact, Are you planning on getting the GVS? If so when & where are you having it done?

Hello Nel, nice to hear from you again. Yes I do like trying other things, things are going well. I am back at work now, everyone is so amazed at the weight I have lost, really pleased with my progress. I have also joined a gym, as well as going to the pool. Tonight did my first class of aqua aerobics! wow, that was so good. I have also gone back to karate, only one class per week at present, will eventually increase this to two classes as I had been doing. So its full steam ahead, the weight is gradually falling off. In August I get to go to melbourne to see my dad for his 80th, he will be surprised to see the weight that I have lost. Hope all is well with you. Lynda

Hi Nel, yes getting there slowly. Have been out with friends for short trips, not driving yet as I have a van - maybe in a few days. Actually feeling better today, not quite as sore thankfully. Have to be careful with medication as I am super sensitive to pain drugs - dont want to knock myself out. Walking gently at present, have plenty of time of work so no problems there,. Thanks for the encouragement.

Hi Lou,
Lovely to hear from you. If you read my introductory note you'll see that I plan to have the op myself early next year. I have only taken out health insurance in January with the plan to be able to do it.
I lived many years in Sydney and really enjoy knowing and visiting it. Loving the Red dirt here now. Send us up some of your rain!
warm wishes,
Nel

Hi Nel
I know how lonely it can be in remote areas- I used to live 'west of the Black Stump' in NSW quite a long time ago. I thought that was far enough, but you are even further inland!
What are your plans (re this site)? Are you just interested in the stories of those undergoing this operation and life-change? Or are you looking into a GS for yourself?
regards, Lou (in Sydney nowadays)

well done on being a little slimmer already. are you on protein shakes and small meals? how's your energy? happy for you that this excellent surgery is coming up for you. we are do lucky to be able to access it.
warm wishes,
Nel

Hiya Nel, yes lots of rain just lately. Pond is full as, and its great. Yes surgery is almost here, I am kinda excited and a little nervous. Trying to do all the right things, doing the preop diet, have already lost one kilo = yippee. Thanks for the encouragement.