Totoro

Aren't you allowed to eat fresh vegetables???

Hi Tonya, I'm the same age and height as you, but I weigh 115 kg (254lb). I have not yet have the WLS, but have decided on the sleeve for a number of reasons : 1. I will still enjoy spicy foods, and a variety of foods without fear of them getting stuck or causing bad reflux 2. There are many long term complications of the band, including erosion, slippage etc. 3. I want something permanent, I need to change my lifestyle forever. 4. I really don't like the idea of a large foreign body inside me, and be able to feel the port under my skin is not appealing. However, having said all that, I have a close friend who is very happy with the band and loves it. So it's very much an individual choice.

Wow this is a very interesting thread to read BEFORE I've been sleeved! Yikes!

Thanks! I tried to put the link on, but for some reason it didn't come out, which is why I just put the name. I thought it might have been a restriction on posts or something!

Yeah I teach high school so easier to be less mobile than with smaller kids. However, my classroom is on the second floor and I'm up and down those stairs several times a day which is what I'm more concerned about.

I think I might take sick leave... I don't really want to waste my school holidays recuperating. Plus, my own kids will be at school too, won't have to worry about amusing them at the same time.

Anyone else sleeved by Dr Garett Smith from Northshore weightloss clinic??

My husband is exactly the same as your mum. I really need to do this to feel healthy, he keeps telling me he loves me like I am and shouldn't feel fat shamed by everyone. He says he's sad that I've been bullied into feeling so bad about myself that I feel I need to have drastic surgery. I, however, have tried explaining that I'm not ashamed at all, I just want to feel comfortable and healthy and run around and swim with my two young boys. He needs to lose a lot of weight too, BTW.

Haha yes they did photoshop it a bit! I read it online and that was the first time I'd actually heard of the sleeve. It really piqued my interest and I'm going to see my GP next week for a surgeon's referral, although I'm still anxious about slicing apart an organ. How will my stomach stand up 30 years from now?

Hi everyone, I'm just investigating surgeons now, and since I live on the north shore of Sydney, I have been looking at the Oclinic in Crows Nest and the North shore weight loss clinic. Would love to hear about experiences of these. I have read very good things about the Oclinic. Heading to my Gp to get a referral to a surgeon very soon. Wonder what her reaction will be.... ????

Hi everyone, I'm so glad to have found this thread! The USA based ones have some brilliantly supportive people but there seem to be some big differences with all the pre op st uff compared to here. A 6 month preparation period for example! Also, its good to hear about local Surgeons and hospitals and actually understand metric measurements LOL! So, I have a BMI of over 40 and have very good health insurance, however I will still be applying for early release of funds from my super to help ease the financial burden for my family. Can we do this even if we only have the compulsory contributions ? I've only very recently started thinking about getting this surgery, in fact, just when I saw that Australian Idol in a magazine with her amazing weight loss. I'm so at my wit's end with my weight and am really Starting to believe that I need to do something drastic and life changing. of course I have my doubts and concerns. Certainly Surgery of any kind is no walk in the park. And removing most of a healthy organ is a bit of a worry too but to me this is a last resort, that for certain. Regarding surgeons, for those in Sydney , does anyone have experience with the O clinic in Crows Nest (who operate out of the mater) or the North shore clinic who use North Shone Private Hospital? I'm going to an information evening at the latter in a week or so. Would love to hear from anyone going through the same journey as me.

h.i everyone, I'm very new to the game, I've only just started considering WLS after seeing a newspaper article featuring a local singer who lost more than 60 kgs! (sorry, I'm in Australia and use the metric system ) So, I'm really just in the researching phase of my journey - I have a couple of basic questions First- after the whole recovery period, is it possible to still enjoy spicy food? I LOVE chillis etc Also, can you drink carbonated drinks like soda water? Thank you for your help.

Thank you so much for your replies - I'm beginning to get a clearer picture of what's involved. Do you need to track everything you eat and drink ALL the time or just at the beginning?

h.i everyone, I'm very new to the game, I've only just started considering WLS after seeing a newspaper article featuring a local singer who lost more than 60 kgs! (sorry, I'm in Australia and use the metric system ) So, I'm really just in the researching phase of my journey - I have a couple of basic questions First- after the whole recovery period, is it possible to still enjoy spicy food? I LOVE chillis etc Also, can you drink carbonated drinks like soda water? Thank you for your help.

Oh that's great news!! I was worried it might cause heartburn or reflux or something