Just wanting some info and possible real life experiences. Thinking about getting a gastric band to help with weigh loss. I've trie every diet, I exercise regularly, but just can't shake it. My bmi is 41. I'm massively obese. I weight 120kg. And miserable. My asthma is effected by the weight I carry, my feet hurt every day, I've started snoring it's so bad I don't sleep in the same bed as my husband. But I'm so embarrassed to mention it to my doctor, or how to bring it up. I figure I could access my super to pay for it. Has anyone had this done? What is the rcovery time? How much did it cost?
6 Replies
Please speak to your GP, they are incredibly understanding. I looked into it a few years ago but managed to get my BMI down. Even met with the surgeons who were lovely. They told me to get my emotional eating under control first with the help of a psychologist, otherwise I'd be dealing with the band and a whole world of emotional pain simultaneously. Turned out I didn't need the band.
There are some health funds that cover it but you need to be a member 12 months usually.
My friend had a gastric band and it never really helped her she only ever lost 10kg that's it...it cost her $1000 after the Medicare subsidy. My recommendation would be to spend the money on "that sugar film" it gives you a great insight into why people can't lose weight. Why not consider trying to find some one who is a personal trainer or some one who would be willing to sit down and help with a food plan and exercise plan for you ? Someone to do regular weigh ins to keep you motivated ?? Good luck I know it's horrible feeling the way you do ? y
I had a gastric sleeve done in November 2013! Best thing I have ever done! My life has changed for the better in so many ways! I lost 48 kgs to bring me into my healthy weight range! I'm now a size 10 to 12 and LOVE IT!!!!! Talk to your gp about a referral to have it done, I too used my super!
I have Herd of a lot of people who had problems with the gastric band and together with my doctor choose to have the sleeve done! I was back at work after a week! But I have a desk job! So that made it easer!
The only people that know I had it done was my immediate family as I did not want to have to justify my choice to judgmental people!
I know how you are feeling and completely understand your situation. Six months ago I would have used pretty much the same words to describe myself, including all the health ailments.
I had a gastric band in 2007. Think very very carefully before doing this as the band is not a magical solution to your eating issues, and often contributes to other problems. I weighed 122 kg when I had it done, and got down to about 63 kg by the end of 2008 - BUT that was because I was having a lot of trouble with it and could barely get anything solid into my stomach. In 2009 I had to have it re-positioned (it had slipped and was about to completely block off my stomach). That worked ok, for a while, but in 2011 I had to have an emergency removal after it slipped again. It was very difficult to live with - you have to modify the type of food you eat as well as the way you eat, reflux and heartburn can become a real problem, and 'blocking' can become an every day occurrence (blocking is where food gets stuck in the opening to the stomach and the only way to clear it is by vomiting). I pretty much lived on liquid and with my head in a toilet for 4 years, but also had chronic constipation due to not being able to get enough bulky fibre in my diet. I was definitely happy to be slimmer, but it certainly came at a price.
After it was removed I regained all the weight and was on the brink of having the gastric sleeving done in November last year. I'd done all my research, talked with my doctor and surgeons, arranged to get money out of my super, got everything set up to take the plunge..... then because it really IS a drastic measure to have irreversible and risky surgery, I decided to give the old fashioned methods one last try: I joined my local crossfit gym (Crossfit Barrier Reef in Cairns) and set myself some eating rules. Since October last year I have lost 25kg and am fitter, stronger, happier and more confident than I have been in a long, long time. Befoer the band I had done pretty much every diet under the sun and a lot of them just make life miserable. I am definitely not a person who enjoys counting calories, so the 'diet' I find that works best for me is the Paleo diet (80% of the time, with 20% of my meals being whatever 'cheat' meals I have a hankering for). I also pay attention to my portion sizes, FORCE myself to have breakfast, and make sure I eat lots of leafy vegetables every day. I also have to pay attention to what thoughts are going through my head - the 'self dialogue' can be defeating, so I've had to learn ways or 'thoughts' that keep me on track, such as 'yes, I feel a bit peckish, but I'll have a glass of water and wait another 20 minutes just to make sure'.
A huge part of losing weight is getting away from processed food, particularly food that has added sugar (ie, sugar, fructose, sucrose, glucose, fruit concentrate, corn syrup, honey or any other 'natural' sweetener). Don't get stuck on 'reduced fat' foods. Sugar is your enemy, not fat.
If you really are at a point where diet and exercise don't work for you, then my recommendation would be to opt for the gastric sleeve instead of the band. Yes, it is irreversible and the recovery time is longer, but the surgery is not much more risky, the side effects are far less troublesome, and the results are definite. Either surgery will set you back a good $15,000+ unless you have health insurance that will cover some of the costs. You can access funds from your super and your doctor/surgeon can assist with that process. I'd also recommend you get on to some online discussion forums to get an idea of what people's personal experiences have been.
Final word of advice: no matter which path you take it will not be easy. If you do have the surgery it will be painful, difficult, scarey and emotional in ways that will surprise you. AND you will still have to exercise AND you will still have to diet. If you don't have the surgery you will have to find the commitment, determination and courage to take the long hard road. BUT you owe it to yourself to do something to improve your quality of life.
Good luck with whatever you choose xx
Hi,
if you decide to go down the surgery path I would suggest you look at the sleeve over the band. I had the band done.. I wish I had of gone with the sleeve.
I have seen lots of success with the sleeve.
You do have to remember that you still have to watch what you eat and exercise.. It's only a tool.
Good Luck!
I'm doing silhouette body reprogram, its fantastic teaches you portion sizes and which fresh foods to eat and stay away from. 6kgs in just under 3 weeks so far :-) you can find them on Facebook