Attention ! Australian Sleevers

[*Shell* 162]

Hi Bec! It's nice to see another south side girl. Almost everyone seems to be from the north side!

I just got my referral today! To Dr. Reza Adib who operates at Greenslopes but has rooms at the Wesley. This is perfect for me as I work in the CBD and take public transit. It is hard to get to Greenslopes on public transit! Believe me' date=' I know. I had uterine cancer in 2011 and my specialist gynecologist/oncologist was there. I had to go back for 2 years for 3-month check-ups (I have a clean bill of health!) and every single time, it was a production to get there and then to get to work afterward. But anyway, has anyone heard of Dr. Adib? I see him (is it a man??) next Wednesday morning.

Did anyone here make proactive changes to their life before their surgery, even before they were asked to by their doctor? I have stopped drinking soft drink (my vice was coke zero), cut back from 5-6 cups of coffee a day (black) to only one in the morning, and started drinking a ton of Water. I figure I might as well get in the habit now, and I have lost 2 kg in the past 2 weeks.[/quote']

Dr Adib was my surgeon and absolutely fantastic

[*Shell* 162]

Are the Brisbane Sleevers ready for a get together again and catch up on how everyone's going??

I have been exercising 6 times a week and absolutely love my new lifestyle - have gone from 137kg to now 94kgs - only 14 to go YAY... My goal is to do my first ever Bridge to Brisbane run this year and have to keep pinching myself that a year ago I was so totally different and exercise was the last thought after working full time and 4 children, I had every excuse in the world

The sleeve has been my lifesaver and without a doubt would not hesitate to do it again !!!

[mistysj 1,940]

I would love to get together! I work very close to Roma Street.

[mistysj 1,940]

Shell, I would love to know more about your experience with Dr Adib. Did he pressure younto get the agb? It seems like all the info on his website is geared toward that. What was his pre and post surgery diet like? What kind of pre op labs or evaluations did you need to have? What was the out of pocket cost? What were his specific do's and dont's? Can I ask what your starting and current BMI were? What kind of goal weights does Dr Adib set? Is it a percentage of your total weight, a specific BMI target, or something else? Did you have to have drains or a swallow test? How long were you in hospital? (Sorry for all the questions)

I think I have figured out how to pay my out of pocket. I have some stock that I can sell. I sold $3000 worth already and have another chunk vesting on the 16th that I can sell. There shouldn't be too much excess above that, I think. That's a nice gift my company gave me!

[*Shell* 162]

Shell' date=' I would love to know more about your experience with Dr Adib. Did he pressure younto get the agb? It seems like all the info on his website is geared toward that. What was his pre and post surgery diet like? What kind of pre op labs or evaluations did you need to have? What was the out of pocket cost? What were his specific do's and dont's? Can I ask what your starting and current BMI were? What kind of goal weights does Dr Adib set? Is it a percentage of your total weight, a specific BMI target, or something else? Did you have to have drains or a swallow test? How long were you in hospital? (Sorry for all the questions)

I think I have figured out how to pay my out of pocket. I have some stock that I can sell. I sold 3000 worth already and have another chunk vesting on the 16th that I can sell. There shouldn't be too much excess above that, I think. That's a nice gift my company gave me![/quote']

I first met Reza a few years ago when I was initially looking into the band. For personal reasons at the time I did not go ahead and went back to him in May 2012 after hearing about the sleeve. He never attempted to reconsider the band and I think prior to myself I don't think he had done many sleeves as he was predominately the band. As I had my appointments a few years ago with the dietician and physiologist, I was not required to undergo them again which I was really happy about and then in July underwent my surgery at the Wesley Hospital. I always found to be very comfortable with Reza and he is not really the lovey dovey type and I had to ask the questions if I wanted to know something but I would not change anything. My pre op diet was opti for 2 weeks with one meal per day of chicken and veges. Post op was fluids & purée for 2 weeks I think and then soft food for a further 2 weeks.

I had my op on a Friday and I was discharged on Sunday morning. I did have a swallow test which was the worst part of my whole op. I had no nausea, gas pain, really no complications at all and all went really smoothly. Actually I recall the the nurses saying I had no complications, nausea etc as I had a very good surgeon and anaesthetist. My surgery took about 2.5 hrs. I took 2 weeks off work but was feeling o good that I could have gone back within a few days but instead used the time to go pamper myself and do some shopping etc.

My out of pocket was the following;

Surgeon was $4500

Anaesthetist was $2000. (Got $500 back from Medicare and medibank private)

Maybe another $500 for swallow test/X-rays and medication ( reflux, panadeine forte which I didn't need either)

My BMI was 44 and both our goal weight is 80 so am on my way which I m hoping to do by July being my 12 months (57kgs loss).

He has been extremely happy with my progress and has not pressured me in any way and in fact wants to know everything now and is excited to hear about the journey.

I would do this op again in a heart beat with Reza as without him I would be stuck in the same rut.

That's great about your stock you can access for this. Hope I have answered all your questions, he has now done a few sleeves of people I have met and they all are very happy. Let me know of anything else I can help with

Shelley

[mistysj 1,940]

I first met Reza a few years ago when I was initially looking into the band. For personal reasons at the time I did not go ahead and went back to him in May 2012 after hearing about the sleeve. He never attempted to reconsider the band and I think prior to myself I don't think he had done many sleeves as he was predominately the band. As I had my appointments a few years ago with the dietician and physiologist' date=' I was not required to undergo them again which I was really happy about and then in July underwent my surgery at the Wesley Hospital. I always found to be very comfortable with Reza and he is not really the lovey dovey type and I had to ask the questions if I wanted to know something but I would not change anything. My pre op diet was opti for 2 weeks with one meal per day of chicken and veges. Post op was fluids & purée for 2 weeks I think and then soft food for a further 2 weeks.

I had my op on a Friday and I was discharged on Sunday morning. I did have a swallow test which was the worst part of my whole op. I had no nausea, gas pain, really no complications at all and all went really smoothly. Actually I recall the the nurses saying I had no complications, nausea etc as I had a very good surgeon and anaesthetist. My surgery took about 2.5 hrs. I took 2 weeks off work but was feeling o good that I could have gone back within a few days but instead used the time to go pamper myself and do some shopping etc.

My out of pocket was the following;

Surgeon was 4500

Anaesthetist was 2000. (Got 500 back from Medicare and medibank private)

Maybe another 500 for swallow test/X-rays and medication ( reflux, panadeine forte which I didn't need either)

My BMI was 44 and both our goal weight is 80 so am on my way which I m hoping to do by July being my 12 months (57kgs loss).

He has been extremely happy with my progress and has not pressured me in any way and in fact wants to know everything now and is excited to hear about the journey.

I would do this op again in a heart beat with Reza as without him I would be stuck in the same rut.

That's great about your stock you can access for this. Hope I have answered all your questions, he has now done a few sleeves of people I have met and they all are very happy. Let me know of anything else I can help with

Shelley[/quote']

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all my questions! It all sounds great. Well the out of pocket seems higher than some but what can you do, right? All up, the year long Optifast program cost at least $7k. Looks like wls will be about the same. By the way my BMI is the same as your starting BMI but I'm very short.

[mistysj 1,940]

I've been thinking and I'm second guessing myself. I have had GERD and I have diabetes. I'm wondering if I should be considering RNY more seriously. I guess I will ask Dr Adib on Wednesday.

[Aussiegirl 580]

Hi all my Sleevers buddies,

It has been quite some time since I have been on here with work demands and running a family of 7 so planning on sitting down today and catching up on what's been happening. I see we have quite a few new members which is great...

I'm still going great, actually better than great - I am in double digits for a while now and life couldn't be better

Hope everyone is well xx

Shell, great to see you back in here....looks like you are having amazing success...love the new pic

[mistysj 1,940]

If I end up getting RNY I hope you guys will still hang out with me! LOL!

Just got back from mass and brunch with the girls. DH is practicing with his band (he plays double bass for a bluegrass band). This afternoon I plan to do lots more reading and research, and finish up the laundry. Enjoying the sunshine after yesterday. What are y'all up to?

[kelliv 659]

I would love to get together! I work very close to Roma Street.

I am more than ready for another catch up. I am free for lunch this Thursday if that suits everyone? Just name the time and place as I am totally flexible.

[kelliv 659]

Are the Brisbane Sleevers ready for a get together again and catch up on how everyone's going??

I have been exercising 6 times a week and absolutely love my new lifestyle - have gone from 137kg to now 94kgs - only 14 to go YAY... My goal is to do my first ever Bridge to Brisbane run this year and have to keep pinching myself that a year ago I was so totally different and exercise was the last thought after working full time and 4 children' date=' I had every excuse in the world

The sleeve has been my lifesaver and without a doubt would not hesitate to do it again !!![/quote']

Hi Shelley, love your new photo and you look amazing and must feel great. I've been wondering how you are. You are being very good with your exercising. I am travelling a lot and just can't seem to get into any exercise routine. I have bought myself some resistance bands though which pack very easily and can be used anywhere. I look forward to seeing you soon.

[one_elle26 118]

Hi mistysj,

I was going to have a Bypass originally so I did lots of research into the operation, however, there has been a change of plan and I changed my Surgeon . My current Surgeon is very experienced and doesn't recommend the Bypass for the following reasons:

*There is a lot of dissection and reconstruction with the Bypass, which means that it is a 'higher risk' procedure.

*In his experience, (35 years ) there is a higher chance of post op complications like ulcers and wound breakdown.

*He believes that the weight loss with the Sleeve can be as successful as the Bypass. ( and I had a LapBand for 10 years )

*The sleeve is the first part of the Bypass Operation, so if the Sleeve isn't successful, then a Bypass can be considered.

I was keen to have the Bypass because of my pre existing medical conditions including not being able to exercise, however, after our discussion and his confidence that I could lose at least 60 kg I changed my mind and I can now say that this time in 2 weeks I will be sitting in my hospital bed on the night before my sleeve operation.

I hope this helps with your decision, although it really is a very personal decision and you have to go with whatever operation you think will be the most successful for you.

Best Wishes

[kelliv 659]

Hi mistysj' date='

I was going to have a Bypass originally so I did lots of research into the operation, however, there has been a change of plan and I changed my Surgeon . My current Surgeon is very experienced and doesn't recommend the Bypass for the following reasons:

*There is a lot of dissection and reconstruction with the Bypass, which means that it is a 'higher risk' procedure.

*In his experience, (35 years ) there is a higher chance of post op complications like ulcers and wound breakdown.

*He believes that the weight loss with the Sleeve can be as successful as the Bypass. ( and I had a LapBand for 10 years )

*The sleeve is the first part of the Bypass Operation, so if the Sleeve isn't successful, then a Bypass can be considered.

I was keen to have the Bypass because of my pre existing medical conditions including not being able to exercise, however, after our discussion and his confidence that I could lose at least 60 kg I changed my mind and I can now say that this time in 2 weeks I will be sitting in my hospital bed on the night before my sleeve operation.

I hope this helps with your decision, although it really is a very personal decision and you have to go with whatever operation you think will be the most successful for you.

Best Wishes[/quote']

My surgeon said exactly the sae thing and rarely does bypass as they are so risky.

[*Shell* 162]

Hi Guys, put together a photo collage today of some pics from pre surgery July 2012 to now. Size 24 in clothes now at 16 YAY, even some 14. Love my sleeve <3

Pic of me in Red top was morning of surgery at 137kgs

Pic of me in Jeans was most recent at 94kgs

[kelliv 659]

Hi Guys' date=' put together a photo collage today of some pics from pre surgery July 2012 to now. Size 24 in clothes now at 16 YAY, even some 14. Love my sleeve <3

Pic of me in Red top was morning of surgery at 137kgs

Pic of me in Jeans was most recent at 94kgs

[/quote']

Wow, wow, wow!!!