Attention ! Australian Sleevers

[kelliv 659]

Shellz, that certainly sounded smooth for you. I haven't heard about swallow test. Please elaborate.... Thanks

[kelliv 659]

How do you all go drinking Water with sleeve? I struggle to get 2 litres down now before the op.

[*Shell* 162]

It is to check if there is a leak in your sleeve. I had to drink a whole cup (in mouthfuls, then swallow) this terrible licorice thick Syrup taste and then a type of X-ray is taken. Took about 30 minutes and thought I was going to pass out after standing and doing the X-rays then had to lie down with a stomach full of this liquid, I struggled to keep it down. I literally felt sick for a few hours after.

[kelliv 659]

Oh dear, I will not be looking forward to that. You poor thing. It's the first time anyone as mentioned it. I am glad to know about it in advance. Thanks

[kelliv 659]

Just curious how you all decided on a sleeve? I am surprised more people don't opt for it. Reasons seem obvious to me.

[*Shell* 162]

Hi Kelliv

I was scheduled to get the band a few years ago with my same surgeon but last minute cancelled for a family emergency. Anyway last year I started researching again and came across the sleeve and knew immediately this was right for me. I did not flinch that this was permanent, I wanted a permanent solution and it just made sense. I am glad with my decision especially when you hear that many get debanded and go for the sleeve. I went straight back to my surgeon and said this is what I wanted and he said a great choice.

[kelliv 659]

Thanks for sharing your story shellz I hadn't thought of surgery until about 6 weeks ago when my sleep specialist suggested it. I immediately started researching and met with surgeon, dietician and Phychologist fairly soon after. Doc said he was happy to do either band or sleeve on me, but I was already 95% convinced on sleeve. Wen dietician and GP told me it would be their choice too, that clinched it for me. Looking for a permanent tool, so reversibility not an issue for me. Also didn't want a foreign object inside me for life with the various complications that go with bands. Very confident with my decision.

[Aussiegirl 580]

I was at the Wesley from Friday morning - wheeled into theatre at 2.30pm and awoke in recovery about 5pm.

The next day Saturday did my swallow test which was horrific and my worst experience of the whole op. anyway all was good and allowed home Sunday morning. Have had a very positive experience.

Thank fully I did not have to endure the swallow test. My doctor did have me on nil by mouth for 48 hours tho. Then onto Clear liquids, still in the hospital.

I chose the sleeve for a number of reason (even tho the band was the first thing i considered), mainly as I didnt want the constant filling/refilling of the band, having an object in me, and the failure rate of the band and the ability to eat meat. The sleeve really is a set and forget, i can eat anything my body can tolerate.

[mdefabio 73]

I also chose the sleeve because I wanted something permanent. I had the surgery on July 11 and it's been okay. I get these searing burning pains on my left side when I do some activity. I also get depressed somedays. Does anyone know what that's about?

[Aussiegirl 580]

Apparently it is common to suffer from some depression after surgery. Most people will also have the thoughts of what the heck have I done. Thankfully I didnt so I am not sure what I can say to help, other than speak to your doctor, they may be able to help with it. I did suffer from alot of fatigue early on, and allowed myself the time to sleep if that is what I needed. Also getting active helped me alot with feeling better and recovery, just walking early on.

[Kayargh 112]

Kayargh' date=' how much did you get back?[/quote']

Sorry kelliv, I have not been sleeved as yet. That was the qoite at Pindara hospital and they stated I would get around $250 back. But I'm not getting slewed on te Coast, going to Brisbane to have it done in a public hospital...will save around $5000!

[MrBig 17]

Studied in Perth, Melbourne & Townsville.....

Not an official Aussie but I enjoy pretending to be one...

[petite-size-me! 70]

I also chose the sleeve because I wanted something permanent. I had the surgery on July 11 and it's been okay. I get these searing burning pains on my left side when I do some activity. I also get depressed somedays. Does anyone know what that's about?

July 11 hasn't been that long ago. The little cuts in our abdomen lead to larger cuts in our muscle wall that are still healing, take it easy on yourself

It's according to what you mean by depressed? It's normal to feel lethargic and to go thru some buyers regret, to be sad that you can't comfort yourself with food (if that was an issue before) if you are having depressed episodes that involve thoughts of harming yourself or others, best to talk to someone.

I think keeping an open line of communication with a support person and your surgeons office (psycholgist) should help manage all the negative feelings that can come when we are expecting cloud 9 and get post op instead!

[kelliv 659]

Hi everyone, tans for your comments re radon for choosing a sleeve. My reasons are virtually identical to mine. All great reasons. Got quote for anesthetist today. Only $500 gap as my private health fund covers the bulk, so very happy with this. My surgeon Is more expensive than soe others at $5,900. I am hoping to get about $1,000 of that back.

Went shopping today and bought:

Gourmet baby food for purée stage (beef & chicken with vege)

Bamix stick mixer

chocolate & vanilla Optifast

Mini packs of variety of V8 juice

Benefibre

One week until start of 2 week preparation.

[petite-size-me! 70]

Hi everyone' date=' tans for your comments re radon for choosing a sleeve. My reasons are virtually identical to mine. All great reasons. Got quote for anesthetist today. Only 500 gap as my private health fund covers the bulk, so very happy with this. My surgeon Is more expensive than soe others at 5,900. I am hoping to get about 1,000 of that back.

Went shopping today and bought:

Gourmet baby food for purée stage (beef & chicken with vege)

Bamix stick mixer

chocolate & vanilla Optifast

Mini packs of variety of V8 juice

Benefibre

One week until start of 2 week preparation.

[/quote']

Hey kell,

Dietician at hospital gave me heads up on a pharmacy product by nestle called resource Protein. I liked the coffee one.

She reckon although opti is good on pre op, post op not until mushy stage. She said it has something in it to expand and make you feel full, which doesn't help after surgery, u need all the room you can get.

Other than the regular shakes, resource has a juice version. I didn't get any and could have kicked myself as I got very sick of the thick consistency of the shakes!

If you look in the grocery store near Ice cream cones, there are room temp icy poles that are no sugar added or sugar free. Pop some in the freezer! They count as Water and feel good going down!

Good luck with it all! xx