Kiwichick42

Im in NZ and have just woken up; checked my emails to see all of your responses waiting for me. Thank you soooo much for your advice .... And the time you have taken to type such comprehensive answers. There are a range perspectives - which is really really helpful. Thanks everyone. Kiwi.

Hi Everyone, I had my second meeting with my surgeon last night. At the first meeting I didn't know what procedure I wanted and he talked me into a Sleeve. Last night I explained I had done a lot of research and had decided the Sleeve was too drastic for me and I wanted the Band. The surgeons jaw hit the desk and he spent the next 5 minutes telling me what a mistake I was making. "Bands only work 50% of the time; I've cleaned up so many messes with the band; the weight loss is temporary and slow; at least 40% of bands require some sort of revision at some stage" ....and on and on and on....blah blah blah !!! BUT - he followed this with "I will do the band if you really want it". I came away from the meeting disillusioned, upset and confused. I think I need to find another surgeon....I don't think I can progress with someone who doesn't believe in the procedure I want. (His stats 600 Bypass surgeries; 300 Sleeves and 100 Bands.) BUT - I am really annoyed and disappointed that I have already invested so much time in this process ....meeting psych's, nutritionists; etc... AND around $500 for these pre-surgery meetings too!! If I move surgeons, I will have to start again. I am booked in for surgery on July 16. SHould I stay with him and get the surgery done on 16th? Or bite the bullet and find another surgeon? Thoughts? Regards Kiwi PS: Another thought has crossed my mind - and wondering what you think. Do you think surgeons are anti-band due to the more intensive follow up care that is required. I think they like the idea of cutting off your stomach and setting you free - never to see you again. I think the fill/unfill thing makes us less attractive as patients from a commercial and time perspective. Am I being a conspiracy theorist?? Or is there something in that?

Wow - Fantastic results !! Go You ! Makes me know I have made the right decision when I see pics like yours. Thanks for sharing the pics. Kiwi

This thread has helped me - thanks everyone who has posted. I had my second meeting with my surgeon last night. (7:00pm meeting) The previous meeting with him, I didn't know what procedure I wanted and he talked me into a sleeve. This meeting I let him know I had been doing lots of research and had decided the sleeve was too drastic for me and I had decided to have the Band. His jaw hit the desk and he spent the next 5 minutes telling me what I mistake I was making. The Band doesn't work; I clean up so many messes; weight loss is only temporary and very slow; at least 40% of all bands need revision surgery at some stage ...BLAH BLAH BLAH !!! Then he said "But I'll do it if you really want me to". I came away from the meeting disillusioned, upset and confused. I have decided I need to find another surgeon; and am sooo disappointed I have wasted so much money on my appointments thus far - AND so much time !!! But; I really cannot progress with a surgeon who doesn't believe in the procedure I want. Do you think I am crazy changing surgeon at this late stage? I am booked in for 16th August. What do you think? Regards Kiwi.

Hi ! I am keen to connect with New Zealanders who have been banded in NZ. I'd like some advice re surgeons in NZ that are pro-banding. My surgeon is Anti-Band - and I have decided it;s not a good idea to progress with him. Would love to hear from other NZers going through this journey. Regards Kiwi

Great story - thanks for posting Mis73

All the best. You are a month ahead of me. I look forward to reading your updates. Good luck with everything. Kiwi.

Thanks Libralatin, I have had a look at the link. The Optifast 900 is similar, but not exactly the same as the one I am using. Your one has 22.5g of Protein per service and 16.8g Carbs. The Optifast I am using has 17.5g Protein and 22.5g Carbs. It just seems so bizarre to me to be using a Protein Powder that has more carbs than protein. My regular protein powder has 32.9g Protein and 0.6g carbs. I've been told there is something in it to reduce the size of the liver - but I still can't understand the carb count. Glad to know Optifast is working for you. All the best on your journey. Kiwi : )

LOL - That's funny. Made me literally laugh out loud.

Oh man, that sounds horrible. How are you now? It was 4 months ago that you posted the above. I pray everything is okay. Kiwi.

Great idea Hippychick. I have been doing high Protein low carb too - and cutting down the volume and eating more slowly. All the best on your journey. I look forward to your next update. Kiwi

I've been told to use Optifast. Apparently that brand is one of the few that has complete nutritional content. Got to admit tho - they are MUCH higher in carbs than my normal shake .. And much lower in Protein. Weird.

Brilliant - thanks everyone!!. That's a weight off my mind .... Now to get the weight off my body. :-)

Hi Abbie and Lilbit, I haven't had surgery yet either and went through the same dilemma - band or sleeve??? I spoke to a range of people ... And one thing a bypass friend said to me, made it so much easier to make my decision to go with the band. She said.... "At your age (42) you will see other great weightloss solutions be developed. Medical science is developing so quickly. Imagine if you make the irreversible devision to cut half your stomach off (sleeve).... And then in 5 years time the 'ultimate' solution comes along? At least with a band you are taking control of your weight NOW .... But giving yourself options for the future. " Don't know if the above will strike a chord for you.... But it made sense to me ... And made my decision making easy. All the best. Kiwi. :-)

Hi Everyone, I have my final appointment with surgeon/psych this week and hoping to be banded in Aug. I have a question for bandsters who sleep on their stomachs. I've read that most people have their port just under the bra line in the central part of the abdomen. I really think this is going to be painful; given I sleep on my front... I also lie on the floor a lot. (to read or watch TV etc). What is the ideal Port position for those who lie on their fronts a lot? How long after surgery could you sleep on your front? Any advice greatly appreciated. Kiwi. :-)

I haven't been banded yet... But I'm very familiar with high protein snacks - these might help?? Ham roll ups. (slice ham with a cheese stick rolled inside.) boiled eggs; bacon &egg muffins (one egg and small bits of chopped up bacon. Microwaved in rubber muffin tray) Almonds; cottage cheese with a wee bit of unsweetened pineapple; Atkins bars; pâté on low carb crackers. That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm hoping to be banded in Aug. All the best with your journey.