Howdy everyone
New to this forum and just thought id introduce myself
Im from Canberra and had the Gastric Sleeve on 19th Sept.
I was on the Optifast liquid for 6 weeks prior to surgery and lost 20kg.
So far since surgery ive lost another 10kg and currently weigh 160kg.
For those requiring information or questions, feel free to ask, i'll try my best to help out as much as possible.
This is a life changing experience for me. Having always been an active person my weight was becomming a problem, too big a problem.
I am looking forward to getting back into the sport i luv.
cheers, and thanks

Belinda,

Dr Daoud was my surgeon too, he is great.  I am not sure what the out of pokets for you would be, but Marlene from his office will tell you.

Anne

Hi Belinda,
I don't know how much he charges but Dr Daoud http://www.queenslandobesitycentre.com.au/ is a good surgeon - he firstly repaired my band, then removed it when it was still slipping and he's just done an RNY for me.  His rooms are at Greenslopes but he operates at Sunnybank now.

Margie

Hi all,
My names Belinda, i have been banded 7 years and due to several complications i have decided to get the sleeve. I am currently looking for a surgeon and because i dont have health insurance i will be paying the full cost of the surgery.
I am looking for any surgeons in qld who do the surgery and if you know how much they charge that would be a huge help!
I have found a great surgeon who charges $12,000 which i thought was perty good, what do you think? I have dealt with him for my band and he is very good.

Any help appreciated
Thanks

Belinda

I have not had band, but I tried to last week and the surgeon had problems due to an artery of mine in the way. Good luck, make the decision and go with it , I did that and Im not looking back.

I had my band removed a year ago due to it continually slipping - have now gained 18 of the 20 kilos I lost and am having an RNY bypass on August 25. I thought about a gastric sleeve but am a sweet eater so the fear of dumping is what I need! Good luck, Margie

Hi Kim, I'm booked to have surgery next month. I'm not sure if you can answer this but do you know if there is any risk at bleeding internally from eating too much? Also, when did you start to loose the weight? How much have you lost now? Cheers Maximus

Thank you for your prompt replies.....all I need to do now is make the date so I will keep you posted when I have had it done.

Hi Andrea Two weeks should be fine to have off before going back to work. Have you been on the forum for vertical sleevers on this site? Most of us are on the main sites as this doesn't get much movement, also you will get most of the answers you need as others post them. I had my op june 10th 2008 and have lost 15kgs. Debbie

Hi Andrea Congrats on your decision to make some life changes. Bariatric surgery is a big step in taking control of your weight. Being terrified of surg is a pretty normal thing - it is good to be aware of all the pros and cons, but dont make yourself ill over it. As for time off work, it really depends what type of work you do. Pain levels should be controlled no problems by day 10, but you will feel really weak and tired - and you shouldnt be on your feet all day. If you have an office job 10 days should be ok - I would say 2 weeks would be better. On your feet work 3 weeks - and then take it easy. The reasons you feel weak and tired are.. normal post op feeling (some people more than others), the biggest is the sudden drop in calorie and food intake - you prob wont be hungry and will have to force the food down in the first few weeks - small amounts often (6 times a day) and it seems to take forever to eat, especially for me.. a busy working mum I could 'speed eat' a meal in about 60 seconds. Sitting for 15 min to eat 1/2 cup of food was so frustrating!..I am much much better now (5 yrs post op) and eat like normal people (maybe a little slower) Good luck - post up your questions so we can help you out PS If you get the date for surg, exercise lots before surgery - it will help reduce your recover time and complications of surg if you are a few kilos lighter..