Testimonials

Patricia

My Lap Band Story to Date
My journey to date….

Laparoscopic banding procedure December 2008

I have always been chubby or overweight. There wasn’t ever a time where I was referred to as “skinny”. Even as a baby, my mother says I the most contented child as long as I had something to eat. During our sea journey migrating from Italy when I was two years old, I lived on chunks of parmesan cheese! Yes, my tastebuds were already well refined.

Most of you reading this story will identify with what I’m saying. Although I wasn’t dangerously overweight, the scales never showed my weight lowering, but each time I weighed myself, I was heavier. I just got bigger and bigger. The only time I remember losing any weight was when I fell in love. During those first two amazing weeks, I could live on air alone. But the euphoria didn’t last too long and the yo yo dieting started from around 18 years of age until late last year, in my 49th year.

My father had recently undergone bowel cancer surgery and all siblings were told to be aware, look after ourselves, be conscious of our eating, so for me, this meant it was now time to stop mucking around and time to get serious about my weight. I tend to take after my father’s side of the family, so I was petrified. It was time to get serious, so lap band surgery became my only option.

Yes, of course I want to look wonderful. We all do and that is one of the many benefits, but mostly my choice was for health reasons. I want to live as long as I can for myself, my children and my loved ones. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to die at all!

The decision to undertake lap-banding surgery was not taken lightly. I researched and investigated this option for about 8 years before taking the step. I discussed it with friends, family and some people I knew who had already had the surgery. I decided to take the leap and had my surgery one week before Xmas, 2008. Yes, my first step was to realise I would not be able to enjoy lashings of Christmas food just one week out of surgery. And this was the first of many adjustments to my thinking about food and how it made me feel.

Today, early July 2009, I have lost 21.5kg (having started off at 98.5kg). I am very happy to say the least and I feel fantastic. I don’t crave the large amounts of sweets or carbohydrates I used to consume and if I do, I tell myself that I remember what they tasted like and I enjoyed them at the time, but now it was time to stop abusing my body.

There are many obvious changes in me. I look better. I feel amazing. I have had to buy new clothes. I am more confident even though I already was at 98.5kg. I look much younger. I no longer suffer from reflux and no longer take this medication.

Am I struggling with anything at the moment? Maybe just one tiny thing…..and that is the extra attention I am getting.

It's a wonderful world and a wonderful life, and too short a time on earth. Don’t waste it.….feel the best you can and live life to the fullest.

Current weight: 77.2kg
Goal weight: 63kg

For More Information Contact:

The Ipswich Obesity Surgi-Centre
8 Roderick Street
Ipswich 4305

Tel: 07 32829319
Fax: 07 32023320