Live Life - The Newsletter of www.weightlosssurgery.com.au
Issue No.4

David’s Story

I have always been a big person. Since 1994 I have been on medication for an obesity related condition. At age 24 this was a bit of a shock but not a real surprise. I have been to a dietician, weight loss clinic, used diet shakes, I even joined the gym and had a personal trainer. There was always a common theme. I would lose about 20kg each time then plateau out, not lose any more weight and then go back to my old ways of eating the wrong foods and then put all the weight back on. This cycle went on for years.

In June 2007, just before my 37th birthday, I went to my doctor to get a new script for my medication. He said to me that he has neglected me a bit and we need to do something about my weight. He advised that once I reached 40, losing weight would get harder and harder.

He recommended that I should think about Gastric Banding, with a healthy diet and exercise. My doctor gave me a referral to a specialist and I attended their information evening, which gave me a lot of information. It all looked very easy and simple to lose weight. I still had my concerns. I happened to be watching the ABC Australian Story with Mikey Robins, who also had Gastric banding. After discussing this option with my family I decided it was for me. So after meeting with the specialist nurse, dietician and then the doctor, a date was set. My surgery was set for 22nd September 2007.

The surgery went ahead with no problems. It was just an overnight stay in hospital so I was home the next day. For the first few weeks it was just mushy food and drinks then I moved on to solids. It took me about 4 weeks to get back to normal after the surgery.

As I come to my 2nd year anniversary I have lost 40kg, gone from a 5XL shirt, 132cm pants to a 2XL shirt and 112cm pants. What I like most is that I can now go into most stores and find something in my size. I no longer think about food all the time, and sometimes I have to remind myself that I need to eat something.  This has also made me realise that it is ok to leave food on your plate and not have to finish it all.  Food is no longer my focus in life. I am still not at my goal, but this time when I plateau the weight does not go back on. It has changed my life forever. The only regret is that I did not do this earlier. I am very happy with my Gastric Band.

If you have had weight loss surgery and would like to share your story with us please email your story of approximately 500 word length and a before and after photo to bariatricedge@its.jnj.com

Band friendly recipes
Cauliflower and Seared Capsicum Soup – Serves 1

Energy 74cal      Protein 6.5g      Fat 1.6g      Carbohydrate 6.6g

This recipe has been taken from BandFOOD by Helen Toouli, a book of mouth-watering recipes suitable for patients who have undergone a restrictive weight loss surgery procedure.

To purchase a copy for $28 (including postage + handling), please email helentoouli@optusnet.com.au, or contact Adelaide Bariatric Centre by calling (08) 8177 1503 or faxing (08) 8177 1357. Please note that credit card payment is preferred.

Tips For Success – My New Lifstyle

The Gastric Band will work with you, but it can’t do all the work for you. It requires you to make lifestyle changes such as eating differently and exercising regularly.

Start your new lifestyle before surgery

It takes time to become accustomed to life with the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band, or other types of weight loss surgery. So get a head start by practicing your new eating and exercise behaviours early. Think of this as a warm-up routine in the same way an athlete does stretches before an athletic event or a musician practices before a concert.

Eating and drinking in a new way

Eating and drinking in a new way means establishing new habits. This means smaller portions and appropriate food choices.

• Eat several small nutritionally balanced meals each day. Your healthcare team will give you advice regarding the large variety of foods that are appropriate to maintain healthy and balanced nutrition.
• Eat approximately 1/2 cup of food at each meal. Protein will stay in your upper stomach longer than other foods.
• Do not snack between meals.
• Sip 8 cups of low-calorie, non-carbonated fluids each day. You may want to avoid carbonated beverages because bubbles in these drinks may temporarily block the stomach, may cause discomfort, and may increase burping.
• Do not drink anything 15 to 30 minutes before a meal and do not drink during a meal. Wait 30 to 60 minutes after a meal before drinking anything. Liquid will cause food to empty from your upper stomach too quickly. The goal is to keep food in your upper stomach so that you feel full sooner and stay full longer.
• Take very small bites. Chew each bite slowly and thoroughly.
• Wait a few moments between each bite.
• Avoid foods that may block your stoma. Examples include bread, pineapple, celery, fibrous foods, and non-tender cuts of red meats. Later, as you become accustomed to your Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band, you may find that you do not have to avoid these foods.

Exercising to reach your goals

Please remember that you should not start any exercise program until your bariatric team says that you are ready. Be sure to follow their recommendations.

• Do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times each week. Choose an activity you sincerely enjoy, like walking, dancing, swimming, biking or skiing, and do it with a spouse or friend.
• Begin weight training when a member of your healthcare team says you are ready. High repetitions of low weights increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
• Enjoy a full range of physical activities. The Swedish Adjustable Band does not limit your ability to participate in sports or other physical activities.

Listen to your Band and pay attention to the signals it sends your body

• Regurgitation, nausea, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhoea may be signs that you need to eat less, eat more slowly, chew thoroughly, or eat different foods.
• Intolerance to some foods may develop, but specific food intolerance is different for each individual.
• Dehydration is a sign that you need to drink more fluids.
• Pressure at the top of your stomach or hiccups are examples of signs that your upper stomach is full. If you continue to eat past these signals, you may experience discomfort.
• Abdominal pain that lasts more than three hours means that you need to contact your surgeon right away.
• With time, you will learn how to interpret these signals and how to eat and drink to prevent discomfort.

Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Question: What questions should I ask my GP?

Answer:

• How would I benefit from weight loss?
• What are my best weight loss options now?
• Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?
• What are the next steps I should take?
• Can you refer me to a weight loss (bariatric) surgeon?
• What should I look for in a weight loss (bariatric) surgeon?

Question: What questions should I ask my GP?

Answer:

• What types of obesity surgery procedures have you performed?
• How many of each weight loss procedure have you performed?
• Can this surgery be performed using minimally invasive techniques?
• Can I be considered a candidate for surgery even though I have one or more associated health conditions related to my obesity?
• Which weight loss procedure is best for me? Why? What are the risks involved?
• How long will I be in surgery?
• What is the length of my anticipated hospital stay?
• How long will it be before I can return to pre-surgery levels of activity?
• How will my eating habits change?
• Do you have information about obesity surgery costs and payment options?
• What is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated health conditions for your other patients?
• Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences, both positive and negative?
• What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand this surgery?

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This e-newsletter is published and owned by Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd and is intended for Australian and New Zealand visitors. © 2009 Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd.