Hey Aussie folks,

Im 29 and am a Sydney sider looking to share knowledge of experience with others.

My surgeon is Dr Craig Taylor of North Sydney and comes very recommended.

My partner was sleeved over 12 months ago with Dr Craig Taylor and his experience alone has encouraged me to take a life changing journey.

However, as everyone is different Im open to hear others views, experiences and opinions.

I have 2 young(ish) children and don't want them to be burdened with a lesser quality of life because of me, being tired, sore, irritable and down in the dumps.

I want/need this change with the aid of surgery to stop existing and to start living.

Welcome Frank.

There are a great bunch of sleevers on here reassuring us newbies that we are about embark on the most amazing life changing journey and who are willing to answer our questions. I can only provide you with information i have first hand from both my partner (sleeved over 18 months ago) and my self (who is yet to be sleeved).

Enjoy your journey to a healthier you.

Hey' date=' Thanks for your great info and all. I too looking to go to Dr. Taylor.Have not set a Appointment yet,but have my signed up Insurance ready made.

Q; Did you do it with insurance is well, & whats the 'out of pocket' costs on theOperation,all included. I know there is the Hospital Stay, and some other costs involved. Your Photos,looking very good.It seems not the same person in the Pic . . . ! Anyway, Im new here, so looking forward to read & post some info & waiting time to my opp. Anyway, thanks again.

Big Frank[/quote']

I paid dr Taylor $120 for the initial consultation, $5000 for the surgery and after care (all inclusive) and my $500 private health insurance excess to the hospital on admission.

Hey' date=' Thanks for your great info and all. I too looking to go to Dr. Taylor.Have not set a Appointment yet,but have my signed up Insurance ready made.

Q; Did you do it with insurance is well, & whats the 'out of pocket' costs on theOperation,all included. I know there is the Hospital Stay, and some other costs involved. Your Photos,looking very good.It seems not the same person in the Pic . . . ! Anyway, Im new here, so looking forward to read & post some info & waiting time to my opp. Anyway, thanks again.

Big Frank[/quote']

I paid $170 for first consult which will be next month and then it's $5000 for surgery and $250 for insurance excess

Goodluck ✌

Really? I felt that he appreciated that I had done a lot of my own research and really didn't need to know a lot about the procedure' date=' more about himself as a surgeon and the facility for follow up care. I think he appreciates people taking this decision seriously and if you let him know that you've been struggling for a while and aren't doing this on a whim, he will be kind to you.[/quote']

Thanks puppyphat

I've been looking into the sleeve for a little over a year now, I was first considering the band, so it's not something I'm doing on a whim

So fingers crossed all goes well.

I'm starting to count down the days for my first consult lol

18f days and counting ☺

Okay so I saw dr Taylor yesterday, he said that I should consider the band because of my height and weight but my heart is set on the sleeve, so I've booked for the sleeve on the 7th march. I'm now so unsure of whether I should listen to him or listen to my heart.

Are they the only reasons he gave you as to why you would best suit the band? Do you mind me asking you height and weight?

I weight 104kgs and my height is 167cm

We discussed the pro and cons of each one and because I'm 23 years old he thought that with the band I can have the option to remove it later on and that maybe in the future there will be better options without having to do surgery or removing half my stomach

I was 104 start weight, 167cm tall and was sleeved by dr Taylor. I am 25. He recommended the band for me too but I got the sleeve. Best decision EVER!!!

Thanks puppyphat, I needed to hear that, I'm happy I booked for the sleeve, but its out of character for me to go against a Drs. advice, so this will be the first time I follow my heart. I hope I look as good as you when I reach goal.

Btw he put on a one week per op diet.

Just remembered something that dr Taylor said about how he uses sutures and glue with the staples to decrease the risk of a leak from happening, that made my day, I think in a way that also helped me, because I know I'm with a surgeon who takes very serious care of his patients.

Hey Mini,

I have identical numbers to you - 23 years old, 167 cms and i weighted 105 at time of surgery. my doc gave me the option of sleeve or band but i would never get the band a) all the vomiting. I've seen so many people vomit terrible and i would be scared of the burning of the osophegous 2) many of the people i have seen who have altered the band put on weight.

I was sleeved 7 weeks ago and have lost 16 kilos. i have always been a slow loser but i feel amazing! i am getting so many compliments and i feel so good. its the best thing i have done.

Feel free to ask my anything and id also love to her how you are coming along.

Hey Mini' date='

I have identical numbers to you - 23 years old, 167 cms and i weighted 105 at time of surgery. my doc gave me the option of sleeve or band but i would never get the band a) all the vomiting. I've seen so many people vomit terrible and i would be scared of the burning of the osophegous 2) many of the people i have seen who have altered the band put on weight.

I was sleeved 7 weeks ago and have lost 16 kilos. i have always been a slow loser but i feel amazing! i am getting so many compliments and i feel so good. its the best thing i have done.

Feel free to ask my anything and id also love to her how you are coming along.[/quote']

Omg congrats on the amazing weight loss and I had very similar concerns such as band slipping and erosion of the stomach and I don't want a temporary fix.

And it so good to find someone with the same stats, I can't wait till I'm losing

And thank you I'll definitely be asking you Q's and I'll keep you informed on my journey

Yay.

I've been given my surgery date to start this life changing journey. Im excited and nervous. Surgery will be on the 20th of March.

:-)

I am also really pleased to hear this. I am 102kg and 168cm and was initially told by his surgery I was ineligible (my BMI was 33 then) - I have an apt with Dr Taylor in March (and have 11 years of two failed lap bands) and if he agrees I will choose him as my surgeon. I have heard nice stuff about the Mater too!

Why try a Sleeve when the stats show it has a poor rate of success..??

Okay so I had my dietician and psych app a couple weeks ago and I was told that my initial weight was 102.3kg I was in shock because my scale at home for some reason gives me a higher reading. Anyway my surgery date is this Thursday and I honestly don't know what to take with me beside my toothbrush, retainer, hair care products and pjs + slippers. Is there anything I'm missing???