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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

53 and in Need of a Change - Brisbane, AU

Name: 53 and in Need of a Change - Brisbane, AU
Item: Dr Justin Greenslade
Author: Poppie860

ORIGINAL POST

When a girl friend suggested this op a couple of...

Poppie860August 13, 2014

$6,000

When a girl friend suggested this op a couple of years ago I thought no thats not for me. But after years and years of yo yo dieting - actually I can't think of a time from the age of 15 onwards when I didn't diet, I thought there has to be a better way and started to explore the surgery options. At first I was keen on the gastric band but the more I read the less I liked the option and what seals its fate of not happening was that I live over 2 hours away from Brisbane so to have something that seems to be high maintenance just wasn't a good option. At first glance Gastric sleeve seemed to be a little to invasive but I must have been reading old info. I made an appointment with Dr Justin Greenslade and discussed my concerns - I have now booked in to have my surgery on the 10th Sep 2014.
Fingers crossed I have a uncomplicated journey.
Have approx 40kgs to loose and a strong desire for a more healthy active life.

Poppie860's provider

Dr Justin Greenslade

Replies (31)

MichelleR75

August 14, 2014

Exactly how I felt. The sleeve seemed too invasive and the band less scary. But in the end, I'm going for the sleeve.

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Good luck, do you know when?

MichelleR75

August 15, 2014

Only in my 1st of 3 months of dr supervised diet. What a joke. In October the dr can send the request into the insurance. It's typical booked one month after insurance approval. Looking at late Nov or sometime in Dec. Gosh this needs to be in Dec bc of my deductible.

Mom1976

August 15, 2014

My insurance won't pay for mine,so I will just make payments on it like everything eles, I will still go ahead with it because I really need to do this,maybe I will work a little harder if I have to pay for it,darn insurance company!!

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Please stay in touch so we can compare notes.

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Sometimes it hard to understand insurance company logic. You would think they would want a healthier you. Either way its a great commitment by you, a pat on the back to you. I wish you all the very best for your journey.

Zen lady

August 16, 2014

Michelle, the waiting is hard but better than not at all for me. :)

K_at_RealSelf

August 14, 2014

Welcome and thanks so much for sharing your experience with us!

Good luck with your surgery. I hope it all goes well and you have a smooth recovery. Have you had all of the pre-op tests yet?

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Thank you. As I am in pretty good health just badly overweight so not doing any of the pre-op tests unless necessary.

K_at_RealSelf

August 15, 2014

Oh well that saves some time! I wasn't aware that the pre-op tests were optional (obviously your doctor's option).

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Yes I did discuss this with my doctor and since I don't eat a lot of junk food (my problem has been portion control and continual grazing), do not have diabetes, kidney or liver problems to date then it wasn't really necessary. If you know of any other info I should be asking please let me know.

K_at_RealSelf

August 16, 2014

You should check out the following resources:

Sleeve forum - lots of support in there from other sleevers
Gastric Sleeve Guide
Nutrional Guide
Food survival Guide - post-op

Poppie860

August 17, 2014

Thank you.

Zen lady

August 19, 2014

Hi Poppie, I'm back home in Sydney getting ready for band removal surgery on Friday. I've been trying to order this seemingly popular Unjury Protein Powder on line in Oz, without any success and their website only takes US and Canadian orders. If you find it please let me know!

Poppie860

August 19, 2014

I tried the same and couldn't get it - there is also an issue with getting it through Australian Customs. I do have a girlfriend coming from the States in Nov but I think I won't be needing it by then. I am going to use Aldi's Slim and Trim instead since it got a really good review with Canstar Blue. And also since you mentioned about people using the gym protein drinks to bulk up I thought better of using them. The last thing this body of mine needs is more bulk. Have been thinking of you and your upcoming op. Wishing you an uncomplicated surgery and a speedy recovery. Please let me know how you get on.

K_at_RealSelf

August 20, 2014

As a brand it doesn't look like Unjury has moved into the Australian market yet. Have you tried other alternatives, available in Australia? Unjury is a popular brand, but there are probably Australian brands that work just as well. :-)

Zen lady

August 20, 2014

Thanks Poppie, thank goodness for a busy work day tomorrow less time to think about it. Aldi's huh? I'll look that up tonight, cheers!

Zen lady

August 14, 2014

Poppie - Melbourne VIC here! I'm waiting on mine on October 24th. I've about 30 kilos or 65 lb to lose, although as I wait that might creep up a little. Thanks for your story and I'll be interested in your journey and any post op Oz foods you manage, lucky for me I enjoy protein shakes and use them often already, it's just all the other food I use to that's my downfall, I'm a volume ester and the sleeve seems the best outcome for that.

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Thank you and good luck. Since you have been using protein shakes can you recommend any? Have been investigating them and it seems to be a minefield out there as to which are good and which are not. Looking at the Aldi ones and Optislim which both got good ratings with Canstar Blue. Also looking a Delicious by Giant which you get through gyms - though the reviews on this one seem to be very mixed.

Zen lady

August 15, 2014

Poppie860 - I like BodyTrim, Optifast and Optislim, and between those 3 brands with their range of flavours I'm always able to enjoy a lower calorie meal once a day at least.

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Thank you. I have tried the Optifast or was it Optislim - either way didn't have a problem with it though Someone did tell me that they have a lot of sugar in them - Sugar is my big enemy. Have you tried any of the other protein drinks that can be purchased from gyms?

Zen lady

August 16, 2014

I checked and sugars don't seem an issue on either (they are different products). The gym ones are more for bulking up, so says my gym junkie 20 year grandson. There are many versions in Heath food shops but I'm happy with those 3. Mind you, I seems our taste buds change post op, so maybe I'll have to try others then.

Poppie860

August 17, 2014

I agree - go with what we know.... The whole gym protein drink thing seems to be a mine field. It just that they say that protein is a great muscle healer so was looking for a product that had a high protein quantity. I didn't know about our taste buds changing I just thought we didn't crave food like we did pre op. Thank you for the info.

Zen lady

August 17, 2014

Poppie - I guess I'll know in just over 2 months! Very exciting times. I'm not eating as well as I should but I know, however I'm always trying and today I managed a 30 minute walk on my treadmill, of which I am very proud!

Mom1976

August 15, 2014

,Hi Poppie860, I to am in my fifties,did not start putting on weight till I was diagnosed with Fibro. everything changed after that. Felt so bad all the time had no energy to walk,excerise,even do daily chores,but no problem eating.I to want to get the sleeve,just starting out on my journey Sept.2 with my first Dr. app. just to talk about it,very scared but very excited. I weight 290 at 5'9" and I am ready to take the first step. Good luck to everyone!!

Poppie860

August 15, 2014

Thank you and good luck with your journey.

Zen lady

August 15, 2014

Good luck as you start this journey Mom1976!

Purplepassion70

August 16, 2014

Good luck, I have mine in 10 days..

Poppie860

August 17, 2014

Good luck, its exciting isn't it???? ...... I would like to say nerve racking as well but trying not to tell myself that - its that whole British "stiff upper lip" mentality. Please keep me posted on how you go. How much are you hoping to loose?

Mom1976

August 17, 2014

Poppie- I am hoping to loose at least 100lbs. I'm tall so anything under 200 would be wonderful,but I have the number 165 that would rock my world,so I guess we will see. I know one thing at $20,000 I am not just going to sit around and let it fall off by itself, I'm going to work as hard as I can with working out and eating what I'm suppose to!!

Purplepassion70

August 18, 2014

I understand, the amount of money we have to pay is motivation enough. Good Luck on your journey.

UPDATED FROM Poppie860

21 days pre

Why didn't anyone tell us this?????

Poppie860August 19, 2014

Health Warning! Do NOT shampoo in the shower
DO NOT wash your hair in the shower!!
It’s so good to finally get a health warning that is useful!!!
IT INVOLVES THE SHAMPOO WHEN IT RUNS DOWN YOUR BODY WHEN YOU SHOWER WITH IT. WARNING TO US ALL!!! Shampoo Warning!
I don’t know WHY I didn’t figure this out sooner! I use shampoo in the shower! When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label this warning; “FOR EXTRA BODY AND VOLUME.”
No wonder I have been gaining weight!
Well! I got rid of that shampoo and I am going to start showering with Dawn Dishwashing Soap. It’s label reads, “DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.”
Problem solved! If I don’t answer the phone or emails, I’ll be in the shower!

Well worth a good giggle.

Replies (1)

Zen lady

August 20, 2014

I wish!!! :)

UPDATED FROM Poppie860

7 days pre

A week to go....

Poppie860September 2, 2014

One week to go. Am excited and more than a little nervous. Bag is packed with all those little things you don't think about last minute like lip balm - I hear that as you are restricted with fluids and this causes your lips get very dry, My own pillow - this is more for the car trip home as protector from the seat belt. Some Supradyn (dissolvable multivitamin) and a good book which I am hoping I will be up to reading.

Replies (3)

donnamaria56

September 3, 2014

Good luck to you! I can so remember :) It has been 9 months this week . I am in size 10/12 was 20.At my highest 22/24 . Feels wonderful! You will feel so much better.I had MGB with Dr.Peraglie. Not any pain after. Good luck.This part is hard the waiting as well as liquids then it will be smooth sailing!

Poppie860

September 3, 2014

Thats wonderful and exactly what I am hoping for. This time next year I want to be down to a 10/12 and am more than prepared and happy to put the work into getting there. Thank you for you support.