Attention ! Australian Sleevers

[Nessa1977 155]

Yeah I know. I've added a little cordial to try and get it down easier but it's hard. In summer I can do 2lt, just not during cold weather.

[KristiP 51]

Hi KristiP - I'm hoping you don't mind my nosiness - I was wondering what happened with your band to need it out? I just find it interesting with the bands. Sleeve still seems to have a stigma (my experience), but the bands don't. But it seems like a whole lot of banders have had issues.

Hi Ozeedonkee,

I am having my band out because after 4+ years I have not been able to make it work for me. Either too tight and can't eat ANYthing, or too loose and can eat EVERYthing. Got sick of the constant "stuckage" and needing to know where the toilets were whenever food was involved. Tired of doing what I was told to do and it NOT WORKING and then getting told I WASN'T doing what I was told. Learned to eat around it.

My sleeve is the first step towards a Duodenal Switch, although I'm going to try to avoid the DS.

[ozeedonkee 145]

Hi Ozeedonkee' date='

I am having my band out because after 4+ years I have not been able to make it work for me. Either too tight and can't eat ANYthing, or too loose and can eat EVERYthing. Got sick of the constant "stuckage" and needing to know where the toilets were whenever food was involved. Tired of doing what I was told to do and it NOT WORKING and then getting told I WASN'T doing what I was told. Learned to eat around it.

My sleeve is the first step towards a Duodenal Switch, although I'm going to try to avoid the DS.

[/quote']

Thanks that's the kind of muck around that made me decide to sleeve.

[Nessa1977 155]

Same with me. I went in wanting the band but my surgeon discussed sleeve with me and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted the sleeve.

[Mimz 38]

Thanks for replying Kelliv. I'm happy with my decision at the moment, I don't like the long term maintanence of the band and 10-20% longterm risk of having to go back into surgery. All those PB stories, stuck moments and needing to always know where the toilet was is not at all appealing!

I'm frightened of complications, but then again who isn't, the fact that I'm overweight should frighten me more really. I'm prepared for the lifestyle change, in fact I have no issues with it at all and have been very good at doing it in the past, but that damn hunger and overeating has always been a problem for me.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

[ozeedonkee 145]

Same with me. I went in wanting the band but my surgeon discussed sleeve with me and the more I thought about it' date=' the more I wanted the sleeve.[/quote']

I went to my GP to discuss banding (although secretly thinking about the sleeve) and she said "Have you heard about sleeving? I went to a seminar and it seems to be a better way to go."

Yay! Write me that surgeon referral please!

[Mimz 38]

Nessa

I think we may have all done that! I went in there to ask about the band but ended up turning towards the sleeve. I'm off to a seminar tonight and am looking forward to being able to chat to the doctors and success stories!

[Nessa1977 155]

I had never heard of the sleeve until I saw him.

[ozeedonkee 145]

I don't think it's even an option in Tassie yet (true)

much more mainstream in America

[Mimz 38]

I knew about it but was really really scared about having it done! Ive managed to butt out the fear enough to want to schedule the surgery!

[donna15 0]

OMG! I'm so glad I found you guys!! It's been so hard to find Aussie Sleevers out there!

Let me indroduce myself, my name is Mim and I'm from Sydney. I have already had an appointment with Dr. Craig Taylor at Crows Nest and was booked into surgery for the 15th October for a band. I originally wanted a sleeve and he recommended the band to me because I think he saw how daunted I was by the sleeve, anyhow I freaked out and cancelled the band and after thinking and lurking around forums I decided that I may book myself in next year for the sleeve. It just seems that people are generally happier with the Sleeve. I decided to book next year because at the moment work is very busy and I can't get the leave that I need for the surgery.

I'm glad to have found you all and look forward to picking your brains about everything sleeve!!!!

hi there is also a Facebook page for sleevers and one looking at it im in there are lts from sydney in it the address is https://www.facebook.com/groups/162574350511311/

[jules58 37]

When my hubby went to the seminar I was looking at the band,couldnt bring myself to the sleeve BUT then hubby said that the sleeve would be better for my so sleeve it was.No regrets..

[kelliv 659]

Thanks for replying Kelliv. I'm happy with my decision at the moment' date=' I don't like the long term maintanence of the band and 10-20% longterm risk of having to go back into surgery. All those PB stories, stuck moments and needing to always know where the toilet was is not at all appealing!

I'm frightened of complications, but then again who isn't, the fact that I'm overweight should frighten me more really. I'm prepared for the lifestyle change, in fact I have no issues with it at all and have been very good at doing it in the past, but that damn hunger and overeating has always been a problem for me.

I look forward to getting to know you all.[/quote']

The hunger as such disappears with a sleeve and it's impossible to overeat as you just can't get much down. I had lamp chop,potato ans salad for dinner and now feel very uncomfortable as still ate too much. Takes a lot of getting used to.

Sent from my iPad using VST

[KristiP 51]

I am not scared at all to go into surgery. I wasn't with the band and I'm not with this. The way I see it, if I die on the table I won't know, and if I don't get my weight and susequent health issues under control, I'm going to be on the coroners table much sooner than necessary.

I wish I'd known about the sleeve at the time I went looking for help. I initially went in wanting a RNY, because my best friend had such great success with it (albeit with some major and ongoing complications.....she had hers done in 2004/5? and is still having recurrent issues with hair loss in cycles, chronically low in one nutrient or another and still has such hellish issues with dumping that I'm glad they talked me out of the RNY), but I just wish I'd known about the sleeve option.

My surgeon said the whole sleeve-on-it's-own came about actually in WA where I lived at the time because so many people getting DS lived remotely. I don't know if that's exactly right, but dang, why didn't MY GP know about the sleeve and offer me that option, instead of talking me into this stupid god awful band? I loved it until I started getting fills and then it just went to hell in a handbag from there. I hate this thing and have hated it for almost 4 years and I can't wait to get it out......although I want it as a souvenir! I figure people with gall stones get to keep their stones in a little jar to show all and sundry....why shouldn't I have Agnetha (my band) for the same? God knows she cost me a fortune and hasn't been worth a dime of it! I just want to keep it in a jar on my bedside table, as a reminder of sorts.

The more I read and watch vlogs about the sleeve the more I feel I will be able to make it work and not need the DS portion.....but I like knowing that the DS is there, IF I need it. My surgeon is one of the last in Australia doing it, and the only one I know of in Victoria, so count my lucky stars I guess.

Cheers!

[Cookeeeeez 269]

Hi kristi!

I wanted the ds too as I had researched it for university before. But as you've mentioned most doctors aren't doing it anymore and i have been told no doc in aus is doing it as a 1st option anymore

My doctor even wrote a large number of articles on it (which is why I picked him) but won't do it anymore either...

I'm just focussing on getting my head right do hopefully I won't need malabsorptive later either

Welcome aboard