Testimonials - Bariatric Success Stories | Adelaide Bariatric Centre

Adam's Testimonial *

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:16:53 GMT

Since my early teens I was overweight. This made it particularly difficult throughout my schooling as I received constant teasing and bullying. Even when I left school the teasing and smart comments continued. I was unfit and felt that it was almost too much to go out in public as I was so embarrassed. It was difficult finding clothes to fit and to look good in them and I even struggled to wear a seat belt.

I tried many diets including different milkshakes to lose weight but with little or no success. I decided to look into the possibility of gastric banding and had a referral to see Professor Toouli. After my first consultation I was told that I needed to lose 20kg before I could have the gastric banding surgery done. I was really disappointed as this seemed at the time an impossible goal to set me. My starting weight was 187 kg and my BMI was 54. However, I attempted to lose the weight by eating better and keeping myself motivated to do some exercise. I was successful in losing the 20kg and therefore able to have the operation.

After the operation I received a lot of support and help from the dietitian, doctor and nursing staff to help me go home and look after myself and know what foods to eat. Since having the operation I have been going for walks and have had a personal trainer to help keep me motivated and to stay on track. I have also joined a gym and have learned to make good choices with the food I eat.

Today, I feel so much better but still have a way to go but I weigh 124kg and have a BMI of 36. I now feel healthier and am starting to feel better about myself. It is a great feeling when I see someone I haven’t seen for a while and their surprise and comments about how great I look. They always encourage me to keep going. Going shopping for clothes is more enjoyable now especially when I began to drop in sizes. I was always looking for the biggest now I’m looking for 2 or 3 sizes down from that which gives me such a buzz.

I would really like to thank Professor Toouli and all staff for their help, support and continual encouragement in helping me achieve what I have so far. I am much happier, more confident and hope the confidence builds and continues. For anyone who is overweight and has struggled to be successful in losing the weight I would highly recommend getting the gastric banding done as it has changed my life.

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Adam

* Disclaimer: The medical information on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Adelaide Bariatric Centre makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this website. Results may vary from person to person.

Renee's Testimonial *

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 05:56:30 GMT

I had been struggling with my weight since I was about 18. I spent the last ten years trying every diet and weight loss method there was - low calorie, high protein, milkshakes, insane exercise. Basically, you name it and I had tried it. In the end I decided to have a sleeve gastrectomy, because I found myself thinking, “I’ve been trying to lose the weight for ten years and I can see myself doing it for another ten years.” I also have a family history of diabetes and related illnesses, so that played on my mind.

The staff at Adelaide Bariatric Centre were really great, from the very first appointment. I grilled them about everything and they were happy for me to ask as many questions as I wanted. They go over everything with you and really tell you how it is, so you know exactly what you’re in for. My surgeon, Jacob Chisholm, was fantastic. He and the rest of the staff there really go above and beyond the call of duty to help you out and make sure you’re fully informed.

In my mind I had exhausted every other option, so I wasn’t too nervous about the surgery itself. The recovery afterwards was easier and quicker than you would probably expect. I was a bit tender at the start, of course, but I only needed to take the occasional paracetamol. I just made sure to be cautious and follow the rules, so it was fine.

I had the surgery done just over a year ago and in that time I’ve dropped from 94kg down to 62kg, so I’ve lost more than 30kg in weight. Before the surgery I thought I’d be glad if I just got down to 70kg, as I hadn’t weighed 70kgs since I was a teenager - so to have exceeded that is just great.

I’ve maintained the weight loss by not eating and drinking at the same time, sticking to nutritious food and exercising regularly. I didn’t really feel like exercising for the first couple of months, but as I began losing weight and feeling more energetic I started walking and outdoor training. The main thing after the operation is just to eat well and exercise.

If you ask me, my experience has absolutely been a success story. The surgery has changed my life and is the best thing I’ve ever done. I certainly recommend it to any prospective patients who might be reading this - just do it! Everyone I know says I’m like a completely different person. I feel like it, too. I don’t just look completely different, I have a whole new outlook. The best bit is definitely the mental side; I’m more energetic, more motivated, more engaged and a lot happier. I’ve received a boost in self-confidence.

Being able to go shopping and find more clothes that fit me is pretty good, too!

If you’re thinking about gastric surgery, make that first appointment and see if it’s suitable for you. The staff at Adelaide Bariatric Centre are fantastic and will answer any questions you have. It’s not about being skinny - it’s about being healthy.

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Renee

Vicky’s Testimonial *

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:26:02 GMT

I have been struggling with my weight for many years now due to an accident which left me needing a full knee replacement and unable to exercise. As a result of not being as active, I just became bigger and bigger. I needed to lose weight for my health and self esteem, as the bigger I became the more depressed I became and the more I ate.

I tried every diet out on the market but none of them worked. I tried diet pills, I tried everything.

I ended up going to see Professor Toouli to see if gastric banding surgery could help me lose my weight. He went through explaining what gastric banding was and what I would need to do. I explained that I was unable to exercise and he was still confident this would work. I was excited for the first time in years! My weight had ballooned to 96kg from being 68kg.

I just made sure I followed Professor Toouli’s instructions leading up to my surgery and following surgery. I had the operation and expected to be in pain for days but that was not the case. I was up and about the next day.

I couldn't believe the results after the surgery! I went to see him every couple of weeks to begin with to have saline put in my band. It was amazing every time I went I had lost weight, it was falling off before my eyes. I had tried everything and given up but this was working and within 5-6 months I had dropped to 70kg. I am still 70kg and am so happy and no longer depressed. I can even do a little exercise now.

This was the best thing I have ever done in my life and I can only say if you are having trouble like I did go and see one of the surgeons at Adelaide Bariatric Centre about surgery. It has changed my life and I guarantee it will change yours too and you can be active and happy again.

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Vicky

*Disclaimer: The medical information on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Adelaide Bariatric Centre makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this website. Results may vary from person to person.

Dorinda's Testimonial*

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:30:26 GMT

I will forever regard my decision to have a stomach banding operation as one of the most brilliant moves I’ve ever made in my life! I know there are people who regard stomach banding as a ‘cop out’, the easy way out, but guess what? Nothing could be further from the truth! It is certainly NOT a way out. It works because it’s a wonderful opportunity to retrain yourself to portion control eating; which in turn helps you regain your health so you improve and maintain an enjoyable quality of life. Once and for all you take responsibility for your eating. You gain a life!

before surgery

Consider this analogy – assume you’re scaling a particularly treacherous mountain face and having trouble maintaining your grip. This is not the first, second or even the third time you’ve attempted and failed. Someone comes along and offers you a helping hand in the form of evaluation of your technique, redirection of your training and support with a team of experts which, with a lot of self-help on your part would guarantee you success; would you turn your back them and dismiss it all as trifling?

after surgery

If like me, you are petrified of developing secondary, chronic illnesses as a consequence of having type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pains etc you would jump at such a chance, roll up your sleeves for the hard yakka ahead and brace yourself for a success story. And that is exactly what I did. Now 5 years down the track and 80kgs lighter, I’m clear of all the chronic ailments. I’m fit and healthy. I feel and look much younger and I’m enjoying life to the max. The journey continues and will do so for the rest of my life. “A lutta Continua” - the struggle goes on but at least now, I’m enjoying the journey even when I periodically fall off the wagon, I never give up. The alternatives don’t bear thinking about so always forwards and onwards …. What took me so long?

Click here to visit my website

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Dorinda

*Disclaimer: The medical information on this website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Adelaide Bariatric Centre makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this website. Results may vary from person to person.