Like everyone I had tried everything everything to lose weight over the years.

I heard about Lapband from a relative who had lost 38kg in a year. In the Christmas of 1999 my sister-in-law suggested that I delay a trip to the States and have the operation instead. That was the crunch. The seed was set! I found out all sorts of information about the Lapband and decided it was about time I did something positive!!

I met with one of the surgeons, who told me to go home and think about it for a month. I didn't need a month - I already knew it was what I wanted. So, after getting home, I tentatively booked my surgery for the earliest date - which happened to be my 49th birthday and while my husband was out of town. People thought I was crazy doing it on that date but I just knew it was going to be the last time I ever put off something I was so determined about.

While I was being wheeled into theatre I kept thinking that I could still make a run for it!!

I can't say the operation was plain sailing. I was quite sore initially but couldn't believe the recovery rate. Within one week I was back driving the car.

I found the liquid diet a challenge - but I got there! Following the rules definitely made life easier.

I have had my ups and downs with not being able to tolerate some foods but I am learning. I don't seem to throw up as much now. I think I am learning to chew slowly and take my time - something that was difficult to do in the beginning. Old habits die hard I guess.

I have gone fairly slowly with the inflations. I have had three inflations and am currently at 3.2ml. I have the attitude that I have my whole life ahead of me to get where I want to be so there is no rush. I am contemplating being inflated to 3.4ml to help me move ahead a little.

I'm certainly enjoying my weight loss. I recently went to Australia and one of the biggest thrills was being able to pull the safety belt tight. Going swimming and walking is such a joy. It really has opened up a whole new world. If some one asked if I would go through the operation again I would say "Yes". It has helped me enjoy life to the full.

I regret that I didn't take my measurements prior to the surgery. I had the idea that I it would start me thinking about "dieting" all the time. Looking back I can see it would have been interesting to have had those figures.

I still have quite a way to go but I know I will meet my final goal one day - which is fine. I no longer feel as though I have this lead weight of guilt hanging over me. I have had tremendous support from my husband, family and friends. I don't have a problem people knowing, as this is the biggest high I have ever been on.

A Postscript (March 2001)

It is now a year since I had my surgery and, looking back over the ups and downs of the past twelve months, I wouldn't change a thing!

My hardest challenge has been coping with dreadful reflux at night which was caused by being overinflated. It took a few deflations and inflations to find the optimal inflation level but we perservered and have found a level I am happy with. At times I've also gotten fed up with having to watch what I can and can't eat with the Lapband. Another challenge has been the expense of having to keep buying new clothes as I lost weight (sometimes buying clothes that are hanging off me two weeks later!) and constantly having to get my rings re-sized (I'm down four ring sizes now!).

I feel the benefits far outweigh those problems. It is wonderful to be able to buy clothes off the rack! I was thrilled to be able to put on a size 14 dress for my "after" photo above. I also enjoy all the comments and compliments I get from people now. Most of all I have become the mum that I always wanted to be for the daughter we adopted while living in Fiji. We have two grown children and our daughter who started school last year. I have always been conscious of the fact that we were not only older parents but a different colour as well. I couldn't change those things but I could change whether or not I was also a "fat" Mum. Now ... I'm not only a normal-sized Mum but I can also run and swim with my daughter which I've always wanted to be able to do. All of these benefits definitely outweigh any of the sacrifices I have had to make.

I really do believe that, if you want something bad enough, you go all out to get there. The Lapband has really helped me get to where I am today will, hopefully, help me to reach my personal weight loss goals of 90kgs and then perhaps 80kgs.

If you are contemplating having Lapband surgery I wish you well.