Hi all,

This topic is empty and I just can't have it staying that way so I'll say hi for all those Kiwi's to follow.

I'm Suz, I live in Laingholm, Waitakere and I'm having surgery of the 25th June 2009 by Dr Richard Babor.

Nope, we certainly cannot have an empty forum. I will have none of it!
LOL. Now carry on with fun and frivolity! I'm butting out because I am an Aussie!
Hayley

woohoo Suz, (much nicer than fatgeek!)

Is Waitakerie in the south island? I'll visit you in september if you're up for it!

...runs of singing i'm goinging to New Zeland like a 2 year old... heheheh!

Waves at all the fellow Kiwis. Hugs to you all.

I can be found in Christchurch. My journey to the sleeve was via web reading on the band over the last 12 months but the whole post op issues (fills and possible problems down the track) sent me away. I stumbled on the sleeve a few months ago and away I have gone.

I am having the sleeve done next week via Intus in Christchurch and so far are very happy. The pre op has been very very through and they have even allowed for me up to five days in a private ensuite room at Saint Georges.

Cost including all pre-op (dietitian x2 visits, psychologist x1, nurse x3, surgeon x2), all operation costs, and 18 months post op visits is over $23000. This may change for others as I am their first sleeve only patient so far the band being more common. I have been approved for Southern Cross's maximum rebate a grant of $7500 but it is worth noting you need to pay the full operation cost then send in for the rebate. Be prepared

Steven Kelly has been awesome. My first appointment was a cancellation spot the day after I called for the first time. He set my mind at ease and talked honestly about both the risks and the benefits. He was very firm that having gone over my history of diets and yo/yo weight loss it was not my fault. Using this site and others I made a list of questions for my second visit with him and found out I was his most read patient ever. We even got down to the nitty gritty of the operation as a result.

I am a person that likes all the information and to know all the risks. I had major surgery go wrong on me many years ago (6 weeks in hospital and many skin graft operations resulted). Hopefully in the months to come I can fill new people in more on the later stages. At this time I am happy with my choices as the sleeve seems the most natural operation, with the best long term chance to eat and live normally weight free and without later issues from the surgery (once the risk periods are passed).

Hi Belly,

Waitakere is to the West of Auckland (although the government is soon going to make it part of Auckland to our dismay), so I'm a North Islander I'm afraid (although I was born in the South Island so I can call myself a Mainlander).

oh, well thats a bit dissapionting Suz. If you happen to find your self on the S island visiting rellies or something in september, sing out!
I know, i'll go to the northern tip of the south island, you go to the southern tip of the north island and we can shout really loud to each other hehehe!

I am so jelaous of you guys in NZ. I was born on the south island. When my daughter was about 6 months old we came for a visit and my hsuabnd fell in love with Chch and Dunedun, and we'd loe to move there, but never will!

I have found this site absolutely fantastic.
I was sleeved on the 17th June after extensive research and have found this to be the most useful chat site.
I started this with a weight of 181.9 kgs (huge I know, but I had totally buried my head in the sand was still active and the weight just kept piling on.) I would yoyoy diet in extreme amounts.
The day of surgery I weighed in at 156kgs
After surgery with the added fluid I was back to 163KGS
Now a month today post surgery I weigh 149 KGS
And would like to encourage and support any body that needs advise or support.

Hi Nicky,

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on the weight loss so far.

Do you mind me asking - who was your surgeon and where in Auckland are you?

My surgeon was the wonderful Habib Rahman and I am in Pukekohe

Hi Guys, just joined today, based in Central Auckland (Mt Albert), struggled with my weight all my life, been able to get down to 144kg from 166kg in the last couple of years. My procedure is booked for late September with Rob Fris. Looking forward to feedback or comments.

To follow up on my previous weight loss and encourage yet to be sleevers - i started this journey in june at 181.9 mid july weighed 149 KGS and today am down to 132kgs. I have finally joined a gym as well so lets see what the next weigh in will hold. I still struggle with eating enough food but am working on that at present. Good luck to all future sleevers and I hope I encourage some of you to take the plunge if undecided

Hi, Im kelly.
I was sleeved in Nov 09 and have lost 35kg. Not eating much but working on it, atleast my hair isnt falling out. Just found this site so really excited. My surgeon was Richard (cant remember his last name, they change them on me 2 days before) and I was done in Middlemore, Auckland.

Hi Kelly, welcome to the forum, you are doing very well, month 3 to month 4 is a great change time for your sleeve, I find protein to full me much quicker than carbs, veges etc.

I am trying to organise a get togther for Auckland based sleevers, so keep posted on the site.

I am now approaching my 6th month and love my sleeve....

Good luck.

HI, I can honestly say that as a kiwi living in Aussie that we are totally ripped off as far as weightloss surgery goes in NZ. I am going to be sleeved 29th April in Perth by Gordon Padovan and I am looking at out of pocket expenses of around $3500 au. If I was living in NZ I would never have been able to afford the surgery. Ok I have paid my HBF hospital cover for 12 months and not adding that into the equation at around $35 a week. But it is a rip off in NZ!! I am so pleased that I have moved here, not permanantly mind you but what a great thing to be able to afford the surgery that will change my life and my outlook. I love Australia!!!

I agree completely. Full self pay (and in the end I think I have shelled out over $20000 after I deduct the $7500 Southern Cross gave me) is a major deterrent. I can only hope that some of the positive media recently on high profile cases means that one day we can get a free loan or even a grant. They support the stop smoking so I dont really get it.

HI everyone.
I was sleeved in Auckland through the superclinic. It is my understanding that the superclinic, along with a few other hospitals in the country are at present offering bariatric surgery (free) to people who qualify and collecting the results and data to put forward to the government in order to show that this surgery can prevent the more costly medical intervention.
You have to have a high BMI and it depends on any pre-existing conditions, and it takes quite a while to go through the process (my first appointment was 1 year before my surgery)
I weighed 160kg, was 30yrs and had no pre-existing conditions although was at risk of developing type 2 diabeties and high blood pressure. I have PCOS and because of that and my weight I couldnt have children (my fingers crossed that I will be able to soon)
My auntie also qualified, 49yrs, type 2 diabeties and alot of other conditions, she was sleeved 2yrs ago.
Fingers xrossed that this goes well and the government agree that in the long run they save $ by prevention than allowing the obesity problems continue.
Hope this is helpful......kelly

I have my first appointment April 13th, at Auckland weight loss surgery with Dr Beban. Woa!!

Hi everyone
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm about to have my 2nd interview with Richard Babor end of April. As someone mentioned you can get surgery in NZ through the public health system and there is certain very strict criteria for that.

I sometimes wonder if it's all too extreme, but I've been struggling for many years now (I'm 41) and the last 5 yrs have gained and lost the same 15kg over and over again. 144.8kg at my heaviest (and prob similar right now) I haven't been able to get under 130 for years.

Really looking forward to hearing how everyone's going after having the sleeve. Someone mentioned earlier you were thinking of an Auckland meet - that would be FAB! I'd be in for sure.

Nicky - I live in Pukekohe too, would love to know how you got on if you're still on the boards.

Cheers
Sandra

Hi Sandra!! I remember you from another forum that we were both involved in! I had my sleeve done just over 6 weeks ago, I bit the bullet and had it done privately, as I figured it was actaully a good investment. My weightloss has been slow and steady (and I did have a stall in week 5), but the main thing is when it's gone - it's gone!! yeehaa.
I'm really hoping that it continues to come off slowly in Winter, as I don't want to have to change all my winter clothes twice. I am just starting to be able to eat solids, although I do have trouble working out when I am actually full, and there have been a few 'throw backs'. All in all, really pleased that I took the plunge, after all the yo yo years I endured. Good luck and keep on with this site - everyone is amazing.....

Hi Jo - what was your name on TF? I don't recall the face, did you post on my Bariatric thread... I messaged someone recently to see how their surgery was but there was no photo - I'm thinking it was probably you :) Nice to get back in touch.

Does it feel weird with your tummy pretty much removed? I've often wondered if it would feel odd. I know I shouldn't eat as much as I do - but 10%? Do you feel well eating that little. I guess we've heard over and over about starvation mode etc., but this surgery just goes to show there really is no such thing. You eat very little and your bod isnt going into starvation at all.

I'm very much swaying towards doing the surgery now. I was chicken for a while and still anxious but the more I think of it the more I think yes. My bf is dead against it, but we're not all that serious and I need to feel comfortable the other 90% of my life when he's not around lol.

Looks like you're doing well, 12kgs, was that all after surgery or did you need to lose weight prior. The Optifast is what I'm dreading the most - you probably already know how I feel about shakes haha

Probably like most peopleon this thread, I just am so entirely over the yo yo's of dieting. I know I still will need to work at it but hoping this forced appetite suppressing of having such a small capacity will get me there. If I could lose around 50kg I would be one very happy camper - after that I'm a bid concerned about skin etc. and that, to me, would feel worse than fat.

I know they're recommending 2 weeks off work. It's possible I might have a new job soon, do you think it's possible to go back to work earlier than that? How did you feel post op - wondering if I'll need help or be ok on my own
:O)

My TF log in was under DEEZL, and I live in Whangarei. I actually enjoyed by time doing TF and did manage to lose 14kg over a 5 month period, but as soon as I stopped it came back!!
It still blows me away that I am eating such small servings (compared to what I just to pack away), although I am doing reasonably well capacity wise. Some on here can only managed 2-3 spoonfuls, whereas I have been able to manage 1/2 + cup no trouble.
You will manage the Optifast stage, as it is so essential. I was very ho hum about it, but when my surgeon showed me the photos of my surgery and I saw the horrible yellow fat around my liver and stomach I was horrified!! My liver was in good condition (thanks to the pre-op diet), but ewwww gross - that fat!!
I got through my surgery really well, and have not needed any pain/reflux relief since leaving hospital (I did elect to stay in there and extra night as I live so far away). I was back at work the next day (day 4 after my op) and was driving and pretty much doing everything. I had never been hugely active, so I didn't need to slow down much! lol
I jumped on the scales this morning (stark naked and after a pee/before coffee) and the scales blinked at 99.9! Hip hip hooorray!!! I have achieved my 1st goal and can now go and enjoy my prize over the weekend.
Good luck with your decision making - I am lucky that I have a very supportive husband (emotionally), but did struggle with my teenage daughter coming to terms with what I was doing. She changed her tune tho when she saw the weight coming off and the smile on my face.
It was worth every dollar! :o)

Hi, It is interesting how we all go through this journey. I keep thinking, maybe I can just lose weight. Yes, I can, over and over, and pick it all up again and more. We have just been on holiday, and we went to 90 mile beach. The walk to the lighthouse was no problem, and I set a brisk pace for the walk back up. At my first rest spot, I was dizzy, felt ill, and thought that I would pass out. I HAVE to get this weight off and keep it off.
I haven't told my 18 year old yet.
My husband is fully supportive, I am lucky.
My first appointment is tomorrow!!
Cheers, Wendy

Good luck with your appointment Wendy. next time you visit that lighthouse - you'll be able to run to it!! :o)

Thanks Jo. Strangely enough I had a friend her today who was giving me the low down on all the other ways I could lose weight without surgery. I know she meant well, but really, we've tried many of these ways before gawd knows how many diets. She did say if I can do the shake pre-surgery then perhaps I could just continue... I know what she means, but it doesn't appear to work that way does it. I was just reading how only 4% of dieters tend to keep their weight off for life - that's really really low!

I tried to weigh myself today and it said EE which is short for GET OFF ME YOUR TOO FAT. It means I'm over 137.5kg which is as high as my scales go, so I was less than impressed with that.

I'm feeling a bit flat with it all. I'm mad at myself that I'm now considering surgery, something I used to think was for people who were almost immobile and here I am - joining the queue.

I had to quickly get dressed run outside and put the bins out today because the garden bin guy was early and that little fit of exercise left me out of breath. Not good, but I'm still undecided. Surely there's a magic wand somewhere :)

.... by the way Jo, don't forget to update your ticker to 99.9% that's fantastic! I think many of us can relate how great it would be to see double digits. Well done, massive effort.

Hi Sandra,
Yea, sure, you can lose weight with the shake, but can you keep it off? I can't. I always put it back and more. So this is now enough. Will let you all know how my Dr's appointment goes tomorrow.
Wendy

Sandra, I was like you and thought surgery was only for those of us that were immobile, and then one day I had a good look at the women in my family. I didn't want my daughter to have to go through what I have been through with my mum. Mum (like me) has battled all her life with her weight, and now suffers from diabetes, heart condition/ high BP, arthritis and fluid retention. Her GP suggested surgery, however she feels she is too old to cope with the operation and aftercare. She was so delighted when I decided to have the op instead. I decided I didn't want to be my mum.
Research all you can...it is a big life changing decision.

oh...my daughter just saw your pic and reckons you are a babe!!

Thanks girls

I'm really glad I found this forum support. I know there's a thread somewhere for pre-sleevers but it's great to have fellow kiwi's to chat to :)

I just had a private message also saying it felt that her brain had been operated on, not her stomach. I'm hoping that's the case, it feels so extreme, and yet I don't really want to continue this roller coaster ride. I think if I lost 10kg pre-surgery and cancelled surgery it wouldn't be too long before it went back on... actually, even if I kept it off 6 months would be great but I think you're right. I don't believe we'd even all be here chatting if we hadn't tried shakes n various things a thousand times over.

My closest friends are very supportive and I was surprised that they all thought it was a fabulous idea and are very excited for me. These friends are all slim and have never really battled the bulge so I was pleasantly surprised. Strangely enough the friend who thinks I should try 'another diet' is overweight herself and has yo yo'd 15kg over the last few years herself...an insy part of me wondered if perhaps she didn't want me to lose...surely not, but the thought did enter my little head.

Lots to think about. In the meantime, I love reading all your stories and how everyone is going.

I have a Q. for anyone wanting to answer...

What is the most negative thing you have experienced since being sleeved?

I can't thank you enough, to chat to people who actually know the anxiety and questions in my head is fantastic.

Most negative. For me the loss being slow, the vigilance I need to still pay to my diet to loose anything at all. You need to go into this seeing it as a journey not as an instant fix.

You can regain, you might not loose all the "hunger", and so on. You need to think about after and all you are willing to do to make this work. Reading the stories here is a huge help in that.

It is a huge step in the right direction and I weigh less now than I have for over 30 years. I love my sleeve and the chance it has given me. The scales go down very slowly but still 10 months out they creep down. That is totally amazing to me. This operation was the best thing I did for me but I did think the operation was the fix. Its not - its just a tool that helps.

Just back from my first Doctor's visit, and all went well. I didn't burst into tears.
Next week I see the dietitian and psychologist, then make another appointment with the surgeon to set the date. So all is on.....

Very cool - I wasn't sure how many appointments I would need before surgery so I guess my one on 23rd April is only the step in many.

It's interesting to read how much people lose and how long it takes. I have received a message from a friend who's friend says she has lost 30kgs since surgery - surgery was about a month ago? That doesn't seem right to me at all, infact, it sounds down right dangerous if that is the truth. Apparently she's never hungry and barely eats at all. Each to their own, but sounds like a recipe for disaster really.

I don't think it's a fix at all but I do hope it's a very strong tool. Afterall, I've used many tools before diet pills and the like and haven't had much success for longer than a few weeks. I'm hoping the surgery - if I go through with it - is a tool Ican't put down. I can't forget to take the pill or forget I'm on a diet when a morning tea shout comes along. I like what one person said about it feels like their brain was operated on, I think that's what I need.

Since it's just your stomach though - how does everyone cope with stress now that you can't reach for comfort foods?

Hi everyone , Lee from Manukau, so glad I found this forum. Many of you have already had the surgery and some of you may be on the other side of the fence at the moment and waiting for or contemplating gastric sleeve surgery. I am at the beginning of my long journey and trying to gain enough knowledge that will prepare me for the little molehills that lie ahead. Enjoying reading about real life experiences on this website, excellent source of information from people that are living the dream. Well done and much love to you all. I will be joining you soon and cant wait either. Take care xx

Hi Lee,
Great to hear from you. I am also a newbie, I had my first Dr's appointment this week. So I have also started the long journey. I am seeing Dr Grant Beban at Auckland Weight Loss Surgery, and am doing this privately. I am under 5 ft, and have a BMI of 41. So plenty to lose.
All the best,
Wendy

I have found since my op i have lost a lot of the cravings i had before. The nurse thinks they may come back, but on occasion I will try a little bit of chocolate or cheese etc and still find it to be too strong a flavour for me.
My hunger has increased but thats good as it means my metabolisim is working better. Also, I still struggle to eat more than 1 cup food a day, getting better at eating protein. I am now 5 mnths post op and almost in the 'under hundys club', have lost 60 kg in the last year.............and im loving it.
Great to read everyones experiences, keep up the good work

Hello you lot :-)

I've just been reading the thread and thought it was probably a bit rude not to say hello.

I am from Christchurch but have lived in Sydney since 1982. We (hubby and myself) are presently organising our lives and preparing to move back to NZ later this year.

I had my sleeve op on the 12th of Feb this year and can honestly say that it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I already feel so much better, can do so much more, and am so HAPPY.

I hope you are all exploring the rest of the site (it would be great to have a bit of kiwi presence on the other threads, LOL). The diaries are a great resource and, should you start one of your own, an excellent way to look back on your journey.

I have checked this thread out every now and again since I joined the forum but it has always been so quiet. It is really good to find you all here now.
- Carrie

Today my date was set - 26th May, with Dr Grant Beban at Mercy Hospital, Auckland. Optifast starts tomorrow. Yippeee, I'm on my way.
Wendy

Great stuff Wendy. All the best with the Opti....I loved it (I got the Coffee flavour through Pharmacy Direct)

Day 19 today on opti. Only 9 left to go. How are all the other kiwis going? It is very quiet here.
Cheers

Hi All

I just signed up tonight although I found and have been reading everyone's posts for about a month.

Needing some help with patience at the moment - I had a Band removed in Sept 2009 at Middlemore hosp due to a perforated stomach and massive abdominal infection and I was told that I would have a sleeve after 6 months (giving my stomach time to heal) - well by my calculation it's 8 months and NO sleeve.

It gets harder everyday to eat a small amount when there is no restriction and I never feel full.

I also developed a massive hernia (looks like i'm maybe 5 months pregnant and my abdomen feels solid like it too) which needs to be operated on.

HELP -

Hi KiwiChick,

Welcome to the site.

I had my sleeve op in Feb this year and can honestly say that it is the best thing I've ever done for myself and those who love me. I'm only half way to where I'd like to be but already the changes in how happy I am and how I enjoy my life are phenomenal.

Now that you've signed up you'll find there are some new areas that you can access. Have a good poke around, the diaries in particular are a great resource, and there are some good hints in the pre & post-op sections to help you through. If you have any questions, ask away, there's sure to be someone who can help.

Nice to meet you and I look forward to sharing your journey.

Cheers - Carrie

I was just wondering if there is anyone else in South Auckland on here? I am looking for someone to go to Aqua aerobics at Manurewa Aquatic centre with, I used to go all the time - but due to my hernia I have lost all motivation (and the fact that it causes me a great deal of pain means that I really don't want to go), but my Surgeon (Richard) tells me I need to be going to the gym - so if there is someone out there who is interested in going then we could meet up there. The class is really awesome and fun

Hello. This is the most fantastic site for people like myself who have been considering surgery and wondering all the things that you wonder about what happens before, during or after. I have written to you because I am due to have a gastric sleeve procedure carried out by Richard Babor at the beginning of October. Its all a bit nervewracking really as I have absolutely no family support over my decision. My GP has referred me and says go for it - he has followed my battle with weight for many years. Richard Babor agreed to surgery after declining last year because of lack of family support. All I get from the family is "what if it goes wrong". Suppose I am now feeling very vulnerable because it is really happening now. Wondered if any of you could identify with this and give me a bit of support. If you live in Auckland it would be great to have a cup of tea with you or any other local sleevers. I felt so confident with it all right up until this week. I read all the comments and long to have a little weight loss chart like all of you. Just need to get some confidence back.

Sorry to rattle on but hope you can help. If you do answer could you copy it into lesley.hawes@rwkingsland.co.nz as well because this comes straight to my Blackberry.

Thanks Lesley

Hi Lesley

Finally a fellow kiwi on this site - we seem to be few and far between! I'm due to be sleeved on 10 August and I stumbled across this site a few weeks ago and it has some really good stuff on it.

Stay away from the negative stuff and focus on the positive - how YOU will feel and look after the procedure has been done - this is all about you - not them. Once they see the results they will change their attitude pretty quickly I'm sure.

Keep looking around this site cos there is LOTS of stuff which will be relevant to how you are feeling. My doctor initially referred me for a band but the surgeon suggested the sleeve and I've just ran with that. I have all sorts of feelings going on at the moment but I'm trying to keep my mind focussing on the end picture.

Keep smiling.

Dunedin Sleever. Sleeved 22/06/10

Anyone from Dunners?

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the site. I'm not from Dunedin, but plan on spending a bit of time there when we get back. I've got a lot of family there, and we're a member of a car club that has many members & activites in that area.

Have a good read around the site, there's lots of good information here, and lots of great members who will go out of their way to help you if you need answers that you can't find.

Cheers - Carrie

Hi Steve

Had my surgery here in Hastings on the 10th. Doing okay but could be better.

Are you pleased with your sleeve? No regrets?

Yeah, it a bummer about having to pay for it yourself. Apparently ACC is able to pay $7500 towards it but they are very strict on accepting your application. I would have had to wait until next April to apply and then could have been turned down so decided not to wait.

Had the staples out today and back to work tomorrow. Mr F is happy with the way things are going for me so I guess I have to be happy too.

Congrats on your weight loss - 20kg is massive.

Bubbles