Weight loss surgery
I’m looking into getting weight loss surgery. I have been told by the specialist a lap band will be around 11g and gastric band around 24g. I will be required to pay the whole amount as I do not have private Heath . Pros and cons of both. Obviously the lap band is what I’m more swaying to just for money wise. Pls tell me your experiences, how much you lost ? how long it took you? I’m 167 cm and 97kgs. I’m just so sick of being unhappy with the way I look.
Thanks heaps X
Weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery
Posted in:
Health & Wellbeing
13 Replies
I had two cousins have gastric bypass in 2012 both had gained the weight back within 5 years...
They lost 45 and 50kgs within the first year
I personally know 13 people in my family and close friends who have had this surgery, including my own husband, and also my sister. 8 of them gained all the weight back after initially losing shit loads. They just could not stop eating.
Its a bandaid fix.
Unless you can control your own impulses, and lots cannot, it just won't work.
Also, you can go public for under $1000 but its a 2 year wait list.
I always think for that kind of money you could take up any hobby you want with a daily personal trainer, and I feel for sure your life would change then too.
Get a personal trainer for a fraction of the cost 🤷♀️
Hi lovely
I am part of a support page on FG called Bariatric Support Australia, there you will find lots of helpful info and people who have been there that can answer your question x
I know three people who had the Lao band- all three had it removed after complications. I know at least 7 people who have had the gastric sleeve, after two years only 2 of them have kept the weight off.
The sleeve IMO is the less complicated option but you really have to keep your head in the game and not fall into old eating habits.
The pre diet which is very low calorie would see you losing 10kg easily in the two weeks pre surgery.
Just make sure you’re completely committed to it otherwise it’s money lost ❤️ Best of luck xxx
I have had the sleeve done. I'm 2 years post op. I lost 40kg within the first year and have kept it off.
It is not a miracle, it is a tool. You need to eat healthier after you have it done.
I have a friend who had lap band and had complications after it started to move around.
I would do it.
like many have said, it doesn't fix your mind. Maybe join weight watchers, or do jenny craig and have someone manage all your food till you learn how to do it your self. the surgery only works if you can overhaul your eating forever. and most people don't learn that from gastric ops. Sounds like you could invest the money into a lifestyle change you will get so much more long term benifit. It won't be easy but nothing good is. good luck,
Like you, I'm 165cm and was 97kg, I've tried every diet out there. A couple of months ago I went to my GP and she put me on to an amazing nutritionist under a GP care plan, which can include another service like psychology. My nutritionist works out of psychology rooms and is working with me on mindset and practical changes to my everyday food that I can make and keep up. It's NOT a diet, it's trying to fix the long term patterns of eating behaviour. Last time I tried to diet I actually gained 3 kgs. This time, 10 week in with this support and I've lost 10kgs. Have more to go, but I feel like the changes I'm making are sustainable.
I looked at sleeves, but found lots of stories where people gained the weight back, and you have to be aware after this kind of surgery there are things you can never eat again.
If you haven't seen a nutritionist I can highly recommend giving it a go first. Good luck, I know the struggle.
Love all those weighing in who have never been through this experience themselves. Firstly most surgeons will no longer do lap bands as they cause monstrous issues and all end up with removals and revision to something else (sleeve or bypass). Secondly, there are many ways to fund the surgery. Either pulling out super, top level private health (leaves you about $5000 out of pocket) or public. I went public, I had to sit on a waitlist for 3 yrs, but I couldn't self fund, so that was my option, I am 30kg down at 10weeks po. This is a tool to help weight loss and you still have to put it some hard yards, multiple small meals a day, constant sipping of water etc. My stomach can currently take 1/4 - 1/2 a cup or food at a time and it is very high protein based foods. Work out your BMI, the public list doesn't tend to take people under 40BMI, unless you have co-mobidities such as diabetes, heart problems etc. Private surgeons i think will operate over 30BMI. Good luck, join a forum on fb where you can get lots of advice. I'm in Perth WA and am on the Perth Bariatric Support Forum.
Can you look into getting health insurance? It’s a 12 month waiting period but it will save you so much money! Plus by the time you get an appointment with a surgeon, do all the things needed first (medical, ultrasound, dietion) and book a date for the surgery itself it might be pretty close to a year later anyway. If not, you can withdraw from your super for the costs as well but it is heavily taxed. As for the type of surgery, avoid lap band, as far as I know it is very rare for surgeons to even offer that option these days because it just caused so many issues and almost always had to be taken out.
I would choose out of gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
I had the sleeve and it was the best, you do still have to work for results though, I lost the first 25kg easy enough but I had to put in a lot of effort for the next 30kg. It’s a tool, it will reduce the amount you eat but you still have to eat the right foods, I had to avoid carbs like the plague to get there but I’m 2.5years post op and sitting on my goal weight pretty easy now (even after having a baby). I am worried about gaining again in the future as I have heard quit a few do because they’ve stretched their stomach again and that’s why you got to watch you don’t overeat as time goes on. The Gastric Bypass has a better long term success rate (I would have gone this road if I had of researched a bit more) so definitely look into that too! It’s usually a bit more $$ though.
Join a Facebook Group, read and ask questions and good luck!
I have had lap band for 4 years after trying every diet, exercising everything you can possibly think of, but my weight just wouldn’t budge.I didn’t make the decision lightly and took me at least a year to decide.I was 130kg now I hover between 70-75kg.For me personally it was the best decision I have ever made, my only regret I didn’t make it sooner.I definitely won’t lie it’s hard work and you need to be in the right frame of mind to make it work the band is only a tool and you’re doing the rest. I haven’t eaten McDonald’s for 4 years, you need to be a very strong person to be able to choose healthy options and be prepared to find alternatives.The first 12 months is especially hard as you’re adjusting to what you can eat and can’t, also there might be stuck moments where it scares the living day lights out of you and you think you’re dying but you soon learn very quickly it’s part and parcel with having wls.I do occasionally have reflux which is horrible but again it’s all about you managing your food and fluid intake.Good Luck ultimately it’s your choice and decision!
There are other ways to loose weight. I know of some who had gastric band and lost weight but still eating crap food. Due to circumstances she had to have removed a year later and put the weight back on.
3 months ago l was 107kg unhealthy and not eating properly and felt shit. I have joined a group which l found on FB called the Active Mum movement ( it is just for mums though) and l joined up. It has been the best decision ever. I have lost 17kg since starting. There is lots of support and the trainers are great but you need to commit. You get help with nutrition and tracking your food plus tracking steps, weekly check ins and trainings as well as focusing on and changing iyour mindset. Once you get started there is also exercise programs which you can join live classes or follow yourself. It cost me $30 a week and l highly recommend this group. Good luck on your weight loss journey whatever path you take.