Newbie, with a few questions

Hi Stretch.

Welcome to the forum. It is a great site with great people.

I also live in Sth Eastern suburbs. There are a few of us on here!

I will try to answer your questions but if you read the pre and post op threads, there will be more answers. Please realise my answers are just that, mine. Everyone's journey is different.

1. I have been overweight since I was 7. I started this journey at 144.2 kgs so I was super morbidly obese. I have lost 30kgs twice, but have never been able to keep it off which is why I decided to have the sleeve. Being able to lose weight will not count against you for the surgery, the sleeve is a tool to help you lose the weight and along our choices help us keep the weight off.

2. The recommended wait time for pregnancy after a sleeve is 12 months. There are ladies on this site whom have fallen pregnant sooner. The reason they recommend 12 months is to allow your body to heal, and adjust to the new constraints made on it from having a tiny tummy. I have not found that my life has any restrictions and I am still not sure if my family is finished.

3. I dont think the surgeon will care how you pay for the surgery, just that you pay...LOL. It may affect when you book for surgery as the process takes several weeks. Check the APRA threads for specifics.

Where are some of the cheaper surgeons?
I wouldn't look for cheaper, as opposed to good. I went to Patrick Moore at Epworth Eastern at Box Hill. I have PHI and I was out of pocket around $4200 in total.

Do I need to speak to my regular GP first, or can I get an appointment with a Surgeon without a referral?
You will need a referral to see the surgeon. You cannot see a specialist without a referral.

How long is the process from first appointment to surgery?
I had my first apoint ment with Dr Moore and my surgery was 3.5 weeks later. I wish it was even earlier but this was the first available surgery.

Can you chose if you want band/sleeve?
You always have a choice as you are the customer. You do need to do your research first, then go to your surgeon and listen to their advice. Then you make your choice and move forward. It is really important to discuss all of your concerns and needs with your surgeon.

I hope this helps. If you want any further clarification, PM me.

Hi Stretch and Welcome :-)

There is a lot of great information on this forum, read all you can, use the "Search" function at the top of the page and you should be able to find answers to most of your questions. As Gussam says, there is a section on Superannuation which will take you through the steps and has links to the forms you need. There is another section on Pregnancy with the Sleeve where you can read and chat with members who have had (or plan to have) babes after their sleeves. You should also check out the Surgeons section where you can see information on a number of surgeons.

I know what a drain the $$ are (I was self funded via my Super too) but don't just look at surgeons by price, when you read the site you will see that although most of us have had good experiences, there have been some here who definately haven't.

Have a read of the Pre-op & Post-op sections too, along with The Diaries they are a fantastic resource.

The more information you can get, the easier you will feel about what ever decision you make. I know that bands work for some people, but for myself, I am very very thankful that I had a sleeve instead.

Good luck - Carrie :-)

Hi and welcome!!

I am also Sth East Melbourne and the group I used was Lapsurgery Australia http://www.lapsurgeryaustralia.com.au/ and Ray Mc Henry was the surgeon I used.
This group do information sessions and will talk to you about your options

You will need to go to your GP for a refferral to see a surgeon - but you can go to an info session without one

There is a whole section about accessing your Super here you, do some reading and learn about how people have done it.

In relation to having another addition after the surgery - my family is finished but there are some younger girls on here who can give you some more advice.

Good luck with your journey......(pssst I have lost 20 kgs since January and loving life!)

Hi All,

Ive just come to the realiseation that..... im fat! (well ive always know, but now im actually going to do something about it!)

I am in the South Easter suburbs, and would like some pointers of where to go/what to do!

1. I am very overweight, I have been my whole life. Ive tried numerous diets, pills and general "better eating" combined with lots of exercise. I have lost weight before - but it took me more than 2 years to lose 20kgs (which ive since put back on + alot more) Is that something that can go against me if I was to look into the surgery - cause I can lose it... Just all be it VERY slowly?

2. Once you had surgery, was there anything that was restricted? Like, if you wanted more kids can it happen? Will your stomach grow back (like, can you stretch it again, or is that not possible as your cutting away 3/4 of it?) I have 1 child and want another, so is it best to wait until ive had another before I start this process?

3. I dont have PHI - and cant afford it. If I go down the path of surgery, the only option I have would be to access my super early (which i hate the thought of doing - but hate the thought of leaving my DD without a mother cause she'd died of heartfailure or something weight related more) Is this something that can affect my outcome (seeing im only 26?)

Where are some of the cheaper surgeons?
Do I need to speak to my regular GP first, or can I get an appointment with a Surgeon without a referral?
How long is the process from first appointment to surgery?
Can you chose if you want band/sleeve?

I hope I can find some answers through here - its a very confronting issue for me!