Lissa_S

Hi Jewls, I think that with any surgeries there are risks and you'd be silly not to be concerned. As someone who had a leak, a long hospital admission and several complications I can now say that 12 months on I still think this is the best thing I could have done for my health. But if I had to do it all over again, I would make sure that I had PHI in case of emergency surgeries, that I had my finances sorted out so that should I have a longer than expected hospital stay I would be covered and that I had conversations with people about what to do if things went wrong (i.e. where to find my will, financial documents etc). However I am in the minority and most people on here had a "dream" run So be prepared however don't be alarmist. As I said, even with the leak etc this is still the best thing ever All the best, Liss

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg/ 382 Pounds and my current weight is 87kg/ 190 Pounds. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg/ 189.5 pounds - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. For anyone considering this surgery know that there are real risks involved. For a while, the first few months in fact, I had really thought I had stuffed up and ruined my life by having the surgery. This was due to the complications and difficult recovery that I had during this time. Looking back now, whilst I would never want to be back in that place, I am so grateful for where I am now that I truly believe this to be the most wonderful, life changing – life SAVING – thing I could have done for me, for my family and to secure my future. Where to from here? Well I want to lose about 14kg more which will mean an overall loss of 100kg and my weight will be around 73kg. I am quite tall so I would look quite thin at this weight. Not sure if I will get there or will want to, but at the least, I would like to lose another 10kg hopefully by Christmas. I am loving my new active life, the way that food has become fuel and though still enjoyable, it’s no longer the driving force in my life. I wish you all the same happiness and success in your own journey’s! I have put in some comparison photo's for you guy's to see the transformation Best wishes to you all! Cheers, Liss

Thanks Helen- you're all very kind!!! I would love too see you in October! Hope you can make it

That will be great!! Is Marina Mirage the place next to the Versace resort? They have some great cafes

Great!!! So Brunch at Surfers on the 5 th does anyone have a suggestion of where???

Hi all- I will be visiting the Gold Coast on the October long weekend. I would love to catch up with everyone who can make it! I was thinking maybe we could meet for Breakfast/ Brunch on Saturday October 5? Anyone able to attend???

Thanks K8ee That's very kind!

It's funny actually, that is exactly what happens. People have no idea who I am at first and then their reactions are hilarious Thanks for your kind words and yes, you WILL succeed just stick to the plan and don't give up. I've really had to learn (am still learning actually) to take a long term view about this whole weight loss thing and try to be more patient. I have to remember it took me a lifetime to get in the state I was in, I now need the rest of my life to continue to keep me from going back there! Seems a fair trade off though when you consider the amazing benefits

Awww thanks That's lovely!

Happy Sleeversary to me I can't believe that it has been 12 months since I had the surgery. For those of you who don't know me (for which there would be few on this thread) here are my stats: Starting weight was 173kg and my current weight is 87kg. Before surgery I hadn't slept lying down in a bed (comfortably) in over 7 years. I had chronic asthma, everything hurt all of the time (although I denied it back then) and it was just a struggle to move around. I had the surgery on September 3 2012. Things went badly. I got a leak. It took several surgeries and many months in ICU/ Surgical Ward before I could get the all clear to leave. That was November 2012. I didn't go back to work full time until the end of January 2013. Since then, well heck, things have just been getting better and better. The weight loss has been amazing. I've lost 86 kg - so tantalisingly close to half way lol. No fudging though - pesky 0.5kg The NSV's have been even better - the CLOTHES, shoes, movement, I am a "runner" now (on week 3 of the Couch to 5 K and am running in a 5K obstacle course at the end of the year), energy, clarity in thinking, enjoyment in life, exciting opportunities, flying without the embarrassment of asking for an extension seat belt, people looking you in the eye, not being "invisible" anymore, shop assistants are helpful and attentive, men FLIRT (okay, so maybe I do too - just a little), I've had a significant promotion, looking to travel OS next year, am planning for a future THAT I WANT not just settling for what I think I can have. It has been a truly amazing journey. I love you all - you have become friends to me even though (with the exception of Kelli) I've never met you in person. You've understood my struggles and triumphs in ways that my family and friends here struggle to do. I can't thank you all enough for your kindness, encouragement and support. And I promise that I WILL get around to meeting you **Wow, hope that doesn't sound stalker-ish...Deano, you're the copper - is that a bit creepy lol**. Before I finish my rambling post, here are some comparison shots that I put together. Thank you all for sharing my journey and helping me out so profoundly along the way. Much love to you all! Cheers, Liss

I think we are all different- I average between. 500-600 cal per day and I don't feel dizzy. I am even running now and find I don't get dizzy like I feared I would Starting week 3 of couch to 5K and I LOVE it!!! Plus it's got the weight moving again- lost 2 kg last week!! I hope it keeps up so I can be down to 80kg by my 12 month appointment with Dr Silverman next month!!!

Hi Donna- I was 173kg at surgery on 4 September last year. I am now 89 kg- so a loss of 84 kg in (almost) 12 months. My dr had a goal for me of 93 kg and she thought it would take 18 months I see her in four weeks so she should get a nice surprise. I plan to lose another 10 kg and then see how I feel but would like to get to 73-75 kg in the end if I can but will let my body dictate that a little and see where I am comfortable hope that helps!! Cheers Liss

I am not there yet either but am in training- although I didn't know it at the time I am trying to rope in some mates to do it too - it sounds like a blast!

When is it K8ee?

Scotty- wow you look amazing!! Totally rocking Your sleeve!!

OMG that sounds like so much fun

Lol hope I can catch up with you, Kelli and the other Brissy Sleevers in October!!

Hey all finished week 1 of the couch to 5k app and I am feeling great!!