Attention ! Australian Sleevers

[kelliv 659]

Hi Guys' date=' to all that responded for some coffee samples, the overwhelming response left me short of supplies and my new shipment just arrived so have sent the coffee out to you all this morning ☕ ENJOY[/quote']

Thanks Shelley, you could have saved the postage and bought mine with you on Moncay.

[mistysj 1,939]

My size 20w jeans were a little loose before the surgery. I got them at City Chic outlet at the Gold Coast and they didn't have 18w and I was desperate because my 16s were skin tight. Now the size 20s are ridiculously big. I have to cinch them with a belt and the waist actually folds. The legs just billow. Also some of my tops are so loose I can't lean forward. So I went shopping.

I struck out at Katie's. what is up with the fake front pockets? I couldn't afford MySize $100 jeans knowing I would grow out of them. I found some jeans in size 14 at Autograph for 49 but I wasn't convinced. Anyway you guys know that's not a real 14.

So I tried Target and found some 18 (not W) for $20! They won't probably last but they don't have to. Also found some T shirts in size 20 for really cheap. I spent $145 for the jeans, 3 tops, a pair of shoes, a handbag, and 5 pair of undies. Not bad!

I know the sizes probably seem small to some of you but I'm not even 5' tall.

[kelliv 659]

My size 20w jeans were a little loose before the surgery. I got them at City Chic outlet at the Gold Coast and they didn't have 18w and I was desperate because my 16s were skin tight. Now the size 20s are ridiculously big. I have to cinch them with a belt and the waist actually folds. The legs just billow. Also some of my tops are so loose I can't lean forward. So I went shopping.

I struck out at Katie's. what is up with the fake front pockets? I couldn't afford MySize 100 jeans knowing I would grow out of them. I found some jeans in size 14 at Autograph for 49 but I wasn't convinced. Anyway you guys know that's not a real 14.

So I tried Target and found some 18 (not W) for 20! They won't probably last but they don't have to. Also found some T shirts in size 20 for really cheap. I spent 145 for the jeans' date=' 3 tops, a pair of shoes, a handbag, and 5 pair of undies. Not bad!

I know the sizes probably seem small to some of you but I'm not even 5' tall.

[/quote']

That's good buying Misty. Enjoy them while you can as I can guarantee it won't be long before they will be too big on you. I only got a couple of wears out of some of my transition clothes and am still finding it a challenge.

[brendani 69]

Happy days and more NSVs for you Misty. I'm so happy for you Looking forward to meeting you on Monday.

Update on me, and thanks to all that gave me such fantastic advice last night and this morning. I emailed back and forth with my dietician today, and spoke with Dr Nolan's crew and decided that I'm not mentally or emotionally ready to have the sleeve. I'm not writing it off, but I really think I owe it to myself to give it one last red hot crack with good old willpower and exercise. The advice you all gave really rang true, but Fiona (my dietician) said something that really stuck with me - that her many successful clients that WERE ready to be sleeved, all couldn't wait to be full from half a sushi roll - and I just couldn't bear the thought.

So I'll be off to a psychologist Monday, which I probably should have done earlier in my journey anyway, and then will consult closely with Fiona going forward. I know what I need to do, I just need to execute. Perhaps I can take inspiration from the QUEENSLANDERS on Wednesday night (thought I'd drop that in )

Ill continue to hang around, and look forward to meeting you SEQ peeps on Monday. Onwards and upwards hey? Congrats to all of you who are doing such great things, and best of luck to those of you who are pre-op in not falling at this final hurdle as I have.

Cheers,

B x

[sueoco 509]

Brendani - All the best for your future healthy life a head! I am glad you have made your decision and like you said, at least you know that there is always the option to reconsider in the future.. At least you are very well informed about what is involved and what the future would hold should you decide on the sleeve down the track.

I can completely understand how you want to really give the weight loss a go with diet and exercise rather that go through surgery. For me, I had reached the end of my tether and like you said, was looking forward to never being hungry again and being satisfied by half a sushi roll!

You have to do what feels right in your heart!

Please stay in touch and let us know how life goes for you.

[Sydney Susan 333]

Brendani, not a fall at the hurdle at all IMO. We should all take a long hard look at ourselves before we embark on something as monumental as this. And you seem young and healthy enough that you have time on your side - so take it. Frankly, when I see young women leaping into this I worry (it's usually women on this site, with such a focus on "thin" rather than "healthy"). Of course that may be because I'm old and want everyone to suffer as much as I have... Again, good luck.

Misty, I've always been a fan of Smith Family and St Vinnies stores in more upmarket suburbs - often get lightly worn, good brands cheaper than at Target/Katie's etc. Ironically they are often cheaper than Vinnies in less affluent suburbs - perhaps less competition for their wares??

Until the last few years I'd never bought a new pair of jeans ever, but as I grew bigger the available stock grew smaller. My now 14 year old son has been almost exclusively dressed out of these places, yet I'm sure none of my friends know this... One child families abound in the wealthier suburbs and the labels are usually not worn out, far less the clothes.

I spent $20 recently on 2 really beautifully cut size 16 pants, a very elegant red top with funky buttons and a sheer, flowing top in red and black. I love them all!

[mistysj 1,939]

Happy days and more NSVs for you Misty. I'm so happy for you Looking forward to meeting you on Monday.

Update on me' date=' and thanks to all that gave me such fantastic advice last night and this morning. I emailed back and forth with my dietician today, and spoke with Dr Nolan's crew and decided that I'm not mentally or emotionally ready to have the sleeve. I'm not writing it off, but I really think I owe it to myself to give it one last red hot crack with good old willpower and exercise. The advice you all gave really rang true, but Fiona (my dietician) said something that really stuck with me - that her many successful clients that WERE ready to be sleeved, all couldn't wait to be full from half a sushi roll - and I just couldn't bear the thought.

So I'll be off to a psychologist Monday, which I probably should have done earlier in my journey anyway, and then will consult closely with Fiona going forward. I know what I need to do, I just need to execute. Perhaps I can take inspiration from the QUEENSLANDERS on Wednesday night (thought I'd drop that in )

Ill continue to hang around, and look forward to meeting you SEQ peeps on Monday. Onwards and upwards hey? Congrats to all of you who are doing such great things, and best of luck to those of you who are pre-op in not falling at this final hurdle as I have.

Cheers,

B x[/quote']

I'm glad you are doing what you need to to feel comfortable. The sleeve will still be here in a month or a year. There is no rush. When you're ready it will make all the difference. Please stick around so you can get an idea what the whole journey is really like.

[kelliv 659]

Happy days and more NSVs for you Misty. I'm so happy for you Looking forward to meeting you on Monday.

Update on me' date=' and thanks to all that gave me such fantastic advice last night and this morning. I emailed back and forth with my dietician today, and spoke with Dr Nolan's crew and decided that I'm not mentally or emotionally ready to have the sleeve. I'm not writing it off, but I really think I owe it to myself to give it one last red hot crack with good old willpower and exercise. The advice you all gave really rang true, but Fiona (my dietician) said something that really stuck with me - that her many successful clients that WERE ready to be sleeved, all couldn't wait to be full from half a sushi roll - and I just couldn't bear the thought.

So I'll be off to a psychologist Monday, which I probably should have done earlier in my journey anyway, and then will consult closely with Fiona going forward. I know what I need to do, I just need to execute. Perhaps I can take inspiration from the QUEENSLANDERS on Wednesday night (thought I'd drop that in )

Ill continue to hang around, and look forward to meeting you SEQ peeps on Monday. Onwards and upwards hey? Congrats to all of you who are doing such great things, and best of luck to those of you who are pre-op in not falling at this final hurdle as I have.

Cheers,

B x[/quote']

Brendan, did you see the SBS Insight episode on Fat Fighters in May. I've just watched it online and it was very interesting.

[mistysj 1,939]

Brendan, something else to consider. Do you know ANYONE who has lost as much as you want to, with diet and exercise, and kept it off for more than a few months? I know ONE and she will be doing Weight Watchers and running marathons for the rest of her life to keep it off. She even became a personal trainer so she can exercise enough and still work. She is so unique that she was written up as a WW success story and used on their advertising in America.

I'm not trying to be discouraging. But statistics show you won't be able to lose and keep the weight off on your own. I hope you can. If so, you will have accomplished something that is nearly impossible. In comparison, over 80% of people with the sleeve lose 60% of excess weight and keep it off for more than 5 years.

[brendani 69]

Kelli - I haven't, will look it up

Misty - Yep I know one as well. Best mate actually. Was always a fat kid, and while we were living together at uni he decided to try Lite N Easy. Lost about 40kg and has gained back about 5-6kg total. He's a school teacher but works out most mornings. Still drinks like a fish too. He just really turned his life around. I know I'm up against it statistically but I have all the know how and now I have the motivation - fear. I didn't have that before. Even thought of my family's welfare if my health was to deteriorate was not enough. Now I've made a promise to do everything in my power to lose this bloody weight.

[brendani 69]

I don't believe my obesity is pre-determined. I believe it has come from essentially being lazy. Being too lazy to cook or being too lazy to exercise. I don't have the insatiable hunger that a lot of you mentioned before you were sleeved. I rarely feel hungry. I eat because I like it, and I eat more because I like it. I have always been active and will continue to train 3 times a week with my trainer. Working closely with Fiona and having a burning desire to make change will see me successful this time.

[mistysj 1,939]

Sounds like you have a great plan. We will support you 100% and I certainly hope you succeed!

[lessismore67 158]

I don't have the insatiable hunger that a lot of you mentioned before you were sleeved. I rarely feel hungry. I eat because I like it' date=' and I eat more because I like it. I have always been active and will continue to train 3 times a week with my trainer. Working closely with Fiona and having a burning desire to make change will see me successful this time.[/quote']

It is good news that you are going to take time out Brendan.You really do need to be very sure that this surgery is right for you and that you have truly exhausted all your options.Your mental and emotional headspace have to be in sync.The sleeve is a tool - it is as effective (or not) as the person using it.The surgery carries real risk.

I saw a psychologist specialising in weight management issues for a year before I could even bear contemplating bariatric surgery.During that time my arthritis continued to progress to a point where I am in constant pain and struggle to care for my family, or to work, let alone exercise.The side effects from the meds I have been on are causing a domino effect of serious health problems.I am going to continue on the opti and have the surgery next week.

You haven't missed the last hurdle.I deeply envy you your ability to know how much you eat for pleasure alone.I also admire and applaud your determination to use other weight loss tools and resources to achieve your goals.The sleeve is another option if ever you need it later.

All the very best to you and have a salad sanger for me

[brendani 69]

I just want to say that all you guys are awesome.

That is all.

[Aussiegirl 580]

Brendani, as many have stated before and also your dietician, you really do have to be ready to embrace the change.

I truly do hope you do successfully rise to the challenge, we look forward to hearing your success with or without surgery.

Just as an FYI.....this all comes from the girl who has spent the evening drinking cider, shots and still somehow managed to finish .2/3 a chicken kebab.....life really does get normal after a while.

Don't try this if you are newly sleeved.......it doesn't even remotely end well.

Not recommended as an everyday occurrence, however farewells and birthdays combined.....anyway a couple of hours in the gym for me tommorow.

Enjoy your weekends everyone