HIya, Well I don't know if by now you have already had surgery but I thought I'd answer anyway . I was around your weight and had the lap band. I had to wait three weeks after the consult for surgery. No prep for me - others have to go on liquids for a little while - apparently it depends on the size of your liver. Some drs like to 'shrink' it a little so it's easier to band. I was in hospital overnight. Pain was minimal. Eating...... hmmmm.... I think this is a very personal thing but fresh bread is a no no (which is good for me because I tended to live on cheese sandwiches at times lol), meat is fine, have to be careful with any root vegie, asparagus and celery are out now. Basically I can eat pretty much whatever I did before - just you have to chew a lot and eat small pieces. Results are great. I no longer take medication for diabetes or high blood pressure and I lost my excess weight in 11 months and have maintained where I am at about 62kgs. I didn't use to walk to the shop, now I run 10km road races lol. It is a lifestyle change - a big one. The operation itself and the rules you have to follow are pretty basic - its the headwork that is hard. If you are a stress/emotional eater you need to find new alternatives/strategies to deal with that - preferably before the op. If anything is going to sabotage you it's the reasons you became big in the first place. I, like you, liked the idea of no re-arranging of my insides. I also like the fact that it is reversible. Would I reverse it? No way. Was it worth it? Oh yeahhhhhhhh Do your research well and decide which WLS is best for you and your lifestyle. Everyone has an opinion lol. Check out the main Lapband Forum and look at profiles. Also remember that a lot of successful people don't post on boards because they are busy with life so you will see a lot of posts from people needing support. Congratulations on choosing a healthy life Good luck with your decision.

Well there is a God lolol Thanks for that Sarah.

hi debbie. My name is kelly from Rotorua NZ. One of my friends has a sleeve and is doing well. we have a support thread on trademe if u wanna check it out - people there are as lovely as they are here :) there messageboards are under the "community" tab under "opinion". Pop in and say hi :)

You're welcome Jay. I do believe that Vegemite is now banned in the US Something to do with it having added folate that you don't do. The US version had less salt than ours. We have just returned from a visit to the US.... I could have smuggled a jar in for you lolol Sharyn.

I love Vegemite lol....... lots of Vit. B.. although my American husband likens it to axle grease LOL Sharyn