How will I get through the next 51 weeks?

Hi meow,

I was in your shoes 12 months ago.
It is now the day before surgery!

For the first couple of months it will feel like it's going to take forever but believe me it will go by very quickly.

During the 12 months I tried to prepare myself by doing a bit of opti to find out what products I like and to let myself know I can do it.
I also learnt about mindful eating. Eating slower and listening to my body when it tells me I'm full.

Also the healthier you are the better prepared your body will be for surgery so I've been walking on the treadmill everyday for some time now. Jut remember every little bit helps.

My wait has just begun!!!! March 2016 be here already

Hi everyone

Youcandoit - self funding can cost around $20,000! I'm not sure which surgeon does it that way but there is a great FB page, Perth gastric sleeve forum and there are people on there that have gone self funded. They would be able to help you with your questions.

I'm waiting for my PHI to kick in, sooooo frustrating. If I had the money I'd go self funded like a shot!

Hi guys, I have got my referral letter and also made my first appointment with the surgeon on two months time. I am exciting that finally I will be able to overcome my weight problem after so many failures, my only concern is...how will I cope with my three little kids. Eldest will be 6yrs and the youngest will be 1yr 4 mths. Is there anyone in the forum who has done this with little kids in the house and can share there experience with me and give me some tips.

I have seen the GP and it was simply. Just told him what I was there for and wrote me a referral. He also told me it is a common thing people come to ask about.
I then rang to make an appt with the surgeon but when I told the receptionist i didn't want to wait for my PHI to kick in and she informed me they don't operate on anyone without PHI.
The surgeon come very highly recommended so I am willing to wait but if anyone know a good surgeon in Perth that operates on self funded patient please let me know.

I just saw my GP yesterday and had the same concerns as you.  I'm 31, have a BMI of 40 and no health problems.  I was expecting to be weighed and given the third degree etc but didn't experience any of that.  I was in and out of the office after about 2 minutes!  I told him why I was there and he basically nodded and starting writing the referral and seemed fully supportive.  He did ask me why I was considering it so I was honest and said that it's more preventative as I've struggled with my weight my whole life and want to avoid any possible health problems in the future.  

Fingers crossed your appointment goes just as well youcandoit!  

Now, only 11 months to go of my waiting period…..

 

Thanks for all the great advice. I have put together a long list of my previous attempts at weight loss, some of the medical issues I have associated with being overweight and all the research I have done so fingers crossed.
I will update you after I see the doctor.

Absolutely right Newborn. My dietician even says worse... He said "Out of all the people who lose 20kgs, only 5% manage to keep it off for more than 2 years" now that's a crappy statistic, ESPECIALLY considering how much time and effort it takes to lose 20kg!

Youcandoit, if a GP tries to make u lose weight first using prescription medication, I would firstly ask them to show you statistics on the success rates and other data to justify its use, and I'd ask them to reconsider giving you the referral, and if they won't... I'd just try another GP.  There are many who will do it. Hope it goes well for you and you don't even have to concern yourself with any of that.

Hey youcandoit, im in nsw so sorry i cant answer your Qs. I was scared to ask my gp too, but she has been wonderful. She said gps across australia are actively wanting the op to be funded because it is so effective. Currently it is the only effective avenue for weight loss for five years. Even weight watchers, by the five year mark have a rediculously low success rate- below 10% i believe

Hi all,
I'm 27 from regional WA. I have been researching gastric sleeve for the past month and it is defiantly something I want to do. I have been over weight since the age of 12. I have lost 5-10kgs a dozen times and have lost 20-25kg about 3 times before (diet and exercise) but each time have put more weight back on. I have always been embarrassed by my weight and always dreamed of being able to shop for clothes in the normal size section. I have just signed up to health.com.au through iselect. Is anyone else with them? I'm finding it hard to process the fact that I have to wait a year. Has anyone from Perth had the sleeve done and paid for it? How much did it cost?
I am also extremely nervous about going to the GP. Mostly because I could be denied. My BMI is just over 40 but I haven't been to the doctor about my weight before. Will he expect me to try and loose weight with prescription drugs before he approves the surgery?
I would also love to hear from anyone who lives in regional WA and has had the surgery. How many time did you have to go to Perth and how long for?

Mabrahmz wrote:

Groundhog Day!!

Exactly!

We have Latrobe Health Insurance and when the Weight Loss centre asked me which one we had she said they are excellent. 

Groundhog Day!!

No I know what you mean! Every morning I wake up and as the hips complain I find myself talking to them, only xx days left! But it seems like its stuck on the same time haha

lol no it's not just you, Bumbles.  :)   I think it's because it's almost over, you can see the end in sight and are 'hungry' for it.  lol  sorry about my choice of word  :D

Is it just me, or does the waiting get worse the closer you get lol - 6 weeks left to go to see the surgeon, 4 months left to go before PHI kicks in and Im obsessed with it!

Hi TinaLou! Welcome. Fingers crossed it goes quick enough for us   

Hi everyone
I signed up with HIF today! We can twiddle thumbs together, get frustrated and excited the closer our sleeve dates get.  

I am so excited right now.  That year will go by eventually and we will be packing for hospital in no time.  

Haha, thanks! *thumb twiddling begins*

JessaJessa, welcome to the thumb twiddling group!

I popped over to the introductions thread and now I'm visiting here. PHI started yesterday... The count down has begun!  

Hey Eki
YOu will get there, don't give up,   I was also a size 26   and I waited 18th mths, just take one day at a time and learn as much as you can on here while you are waiting, I had my sleeve on the 6st Dec and im now a size 16 top and size 18 bottom,   it will happen for you too, just don't give up ok, we are all here to support and help you 

Hi dreamlife, I waited 18mths for mine, the time will go by quickly and it gives you heaps of time to research everything you need to know and get great help and advice too before it all happens, best of luck

I feel so disgusting, exhausted, frustrated and angry at self.  I don't think I can wait an entire 12 months, feeling so physically crap because I'm huge. Every time I lose weight, I fail, and end up putting on loads more.  I've given up trying becauto lose weight because I know it will end up a waste of time, and I will end up bigger than when I started.  Why even try?  I've gone from a size 14 to almosy 26 in 2 years.

Hi Dream4life - I too had the long 12 month wait for PHI to kick in, for me its 31 October this year - Im getting a bit excited now, but the wait is killing me :(