Arjay
Hi, My name is Robyn and I am 51 years young and counting! It seems as though I have been overweight all my life, I do not remember a time, or recall a photograph, when I wasn't the fattest person there.
I previously had gastric stapling back in the early 80's, lost a lot of weight but gradually over the years, put it all on plus doubled it! Long term problems from this have been dreaded hernias, of which I now, have had three extra surgeries for repairs.
I have started to have problems with my knee (onset of arthritis), and just feel so uncomfortable, I have little energy, and little or no interest in a social life at present.
A friend who last year had banding done, has set me upon the path of further investigation as to what is available out there for me. I have visited with a Bariatric surgeon here in Melbourne and have had umpteen blood tests, cat scan, barium swallow, gastroscopy etc. Results of these have shown several more hernia's, and that my stomach has stretched to a normal size above the original stapling. He has suggested the Gastric Sleeve as a possibility, something of which I originally did not research as it was the banding which I was interested in.
I do have concerns regarding the Sleeve vs the banding in so far as it isn't reversible, but after reading the comments here on this forum, and further investigations and much reading, I am no longer as closed to it as I was when he first suggested it. I meet with one of his colleagues next week to discuss further options available to me. It seems I will need to have open surgery, and depending on the outcomes of Dr. Aly and his colleagues discussions re my case, I believe now, I am better informed to make a decision upon their recommendations.
Realistically, I know all the risks with surgery, but to not take a risk, I think is even worse for me.
I wish me luck!
