Known by many as the 'Lab Band'  the correct name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding. A hollow band made from a special material (not sure what that is) is placed around the upper end of the stomach. A salt solution is then passed through a tube to inflate the the band. It can be tightened at any time or loosened by decreasing or increasing the salt solution. Sounds simple - and it is.

My personal decision to have gastric / lap band surgery was not a decision that I made light heartedly. Overweight by 40 kilos my health was declining rapidly with blood pressure very high, borderline type 2 diabetic and hip joints grinding under the weight I was not a happy camper and depressed.

Shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping were a few more of my problems. I always trailed behind the rest of the family and works along the beach - an old love of mine were now out of the question as the creeking joints could not handle it.

The fianal decision to make some enquiries came when I was moved aside and not offered a job promotion that I had been expecting and felt that I deserved. The position was at a higher level in the corporate structure but I knew that I just did not fit in with the 'image'. They needed someone with more bounce - a fitter, more alive, fashionable, younger person. They never actually said that but one look at the replacement told me all I needed to know.

Size does matter when it comes to fashion and the larger sizes only helped create a more frumpy, dumpy look. I started my search for a surgeon and gathered as much information that I could.

First I had to find a highly experienced surgeon as it was a procedure that had only recently become popular or fashionable I did not want to be anyones trial run.

While researching I was introduced to someone that worked for a surgeon who performed gastric banding. I now had 'inside information'. 'Just come in and talk to him' she said. 'Ask a few questions.' I made the appointment. This was the first giant step (or fat plod) in the right direction.

'What are the risks?' was my first question. There was a low risk of death, less than 5% - that was good news? Complications rate was low and only a small risk of infection. All surgery carried some form of risk such as blood clots or lung problems. The main risk was the band slipping or the pouch dilating - about 25%.The risk of the band eroding in the lining was only about 2%. Some patients experienced vomiting when eating. I was now getting nervous and not so sure.

 The surgeon was very straight with me - no beating about the bush, there were no secrets, he would tell all - the good the bad and the ugly.

The procedure is designed to reduce the amount you eat - that was it. The small pouch before the stomach traps the food. There is only a small capacity for solid food and I would feel full quickly. The food is digested slowly and I would feel full for longer periods. It sounded so simple but there was a catch, I still needed to control what type of food I was eating. There was no point in eating icecream and sucking on chocolates and sweets just because they were easier to eat. The menu for me was now only the 'starter' menu - portions no bigger than a small bread plate and no bread.

I had to have a blood test first - the results where startling. If I carried on the way I was then I would die - soon. My blood pressure was sky high, my cholestrol was over the top and my sugar levels confirmed that I was now a type 2 diabetic.

If I didn't have a heart attack soon then I was heading for a stroke - the decision was quick, I did not want to die - not yet, there was too much to live for.

There was mention that some people went home the same day after surgery depending on the individual and their general well being. My surgeon preferred that I stay overnight and well into the next day before an assessment was made as to my progress. This was just as well as I was in no state to go home the same day. It is very important to have some support - my husband never left my side, he now knows that I am such a baby.

For me it was a painful recovery. Immediately afterwards and all through the night - at least for 12 hours I experienced extreme pain. A pain that was somehow associated with my left shoulder and neck (something to do with gasses - but I wasn't listening). The operation was not as simple as had hoped, he discovered a large hernia and that had to be repaired first. Why did I always have complications? Thank God I had already had my gallbladder removed as he would have had to remove that as well.

I am usually very good with pain and had already given birth to four children but this did knock me. It was my fault that I had let things get so bad and now did not have the strength to deal with this. I had booked a week off work but this dragged into two weeks and when I did go back I was still very tender.

The good side was that I had already dropped 5 kilo's. Slowly I started to feel better - another 5 kilo's down. Pick up ten kilo's and see what that feels like to carry around. I had energy again and after the initial weeks of only drinking soup my tenderness in that area settled down as well and I could try other foods. I went back for a check up.

 I am told that I am doing very well. Some (only a few) do not loose weight. Not very encouraging if I had not already dropped ten kilo's. My surgeon is very pleased with me and another blood test is ordered.

Checks required:

Blood pressure

Cholesterol

Diabetes

Great news - not only have I lost some weight my Cholesterol has dropped to below four (I had been up to seven). My blood pressure has improved and is now under control but I still need some medication at this stage. There is no longer any sign of diabetes and I am out of danger.

I feel like a spring chicken but have a long way to go with visits to a nutrionist once a month and top ups on the band tightening process. A little vomiting so I slowed down on the tightening and as long as I am careful as to what I eat everything is going well.

I have lost over twenty kilos in almost a year - ten still to go but five will make me happy. I am a new person.

A visit to my cardiac specialist confirmed that I am well on the road to living a ripe old age. 'Best decision you ever made.' he announced after going over my records. 'You bought back your life, well done. Skip the 6 months visit I will see you in a year.'

There is life in the old girl yet. If you are wondering about the surgery - all I have to say is, 'You go girl, you deserve it.'