Stories

Making the decision of whether or not weight loss surgery is right for you is not necessarily easy- everyones circumstances are different. The following stories come from genuine patients of Dr Taylor who wanted to share their experiences for the benefit of other people who may find themselves in similar situations. Would like to add your story? email it to surgeon@oclinic.com.au

Kim - Sydney

I can lose weight – that is not my problem. My problem is I have lost more than 500kg over my lifetime – I just cannot keep it off! I have lost 50kg so many times but it always ends the same way – gaining back the 50kg plus interest.
On my last attempt I started at 142kg and lost 47kg to get to the lowest weight I had ever remembered being in my life – 95kg. I felt great, looked great, was determined to “never go back there” and then over the course of 2 years, getting married, having a baby and life I found myself at 165.5kg! I was so disappointed in myself. But my biggest concern was that I could never successfully get to a normal weight on my own and stay there.
I had thought about obesity surgery many times over the years – but I was scared. Not scared of the surgery – scared of the lifestyle change. I was under the assumption that once you went down this path it meant you could never eat more than a mouthful of food ever again (this is not true!). I was not prepared for this – I LOVE FOOD – I love the taste of it, I love going out with friends for dinner, I could not give it up!
But here I was with an 11 month old baby that I couldn’t blame the weight on any longer – I had to do something – and this time I was determined for it to be permanent. I found myself waking at 2am searching websites on information about Gastric Banding. Personally I did not really care about the actually surgery or how it works internally I was interested in how it would affect my lifestyle afterwards. I found Dr Craig Taylor’s name through a directory at the hospital I had given birth to my baby at – how silly is it that I was concerned more about it being a familiar place and a convenient location!
I then attended Dr Taylor’s Information Night. After listening to the doctors, dietician, psychologist and most importantly Michael (the poster child for Gastric Banding) I was convinced this was the solution to the problem that had plagued me my entire life.
In June 2009 I had the surgery and in 10 months I have lost approx 55kg and I now have confidence that I can lose another 25kg and this time keep it off!
Lapband surgery is not a quick fix solution. It has taken dedication and my input to get these results. The after care service provided by the O Clinic is the key for me. By regularly seeing the psychologist I have started to get my head around the issues I have with food and why I eat. My only regret is that I did not get the surgery sooner!
 

Mariana, Sydney

The lapband has given me back control of my eating. No longer am I preoccupied by thoughts of food, planning what I'm going to eat and then the guilt of over eating. I never realised how much time I spent preoccupied by food. I now feel completely liberated and it's a great way to finally feel.

Caroline from Chatswood

My weight has been an issue for me since childhood. I tried all the programs and managed to lose weight but could never maintain it. Having been on a diet for years I weighed more than ever and decided to look into lap band surgery. I researched the procedure and then attended an O Clinic information evening. I was very impressed with Dr Taylor’s professionalism and enthusiasm and decided that this was the right thing for me. After a consultation with Dr Taylor, I booked my surgery and even though I was very nervous going into the hospital, I really felt I was in good hands. Now, seven months later I have reached goal weight and have nothing but praise for the team at the O Clinic. Their understanding, kind and caring approach really makes you believe that you can succeed and the medical, nutritional and psychological follow up they provide was vital to my success. I really feel that my weight issues are behind me and would encourage anyone struggling with their weight to take this step and take control.

Grace from Blacktown

My name is Grace and I had been struggling with my weight since I was in
Primary school, I'm 27 now. I had a baby 3 years ago and on top of the weight I already had, I put on an extra 30 kgs.
I had tried every diet and exercise program there was, and even though I would lose the weight at the time, a couple of weeks later I’d put it all back on again.
I had a friend who had a lot of success with lap band so I decided to look into it and get as much information as I could about it. I called many places but most were rude and I just didn't feel comfortable talking to them about it.
Then I called the O’Clinic and Dr Taylor’s team was very welcoming and always had the time for me, and provided me with the information that I needed. I had my surgery on December 16th.
I love having my band and my life has changed so much for the better because of it. I’ve lost 22 kgs so far and even though I still have a lot more still to lose it's getting easier because I have a great support team at the clinic.
I'm getting married in 20 weeks so I’m feeling so much better about the day, now that I have lost so much weight and I’m looking forward to reaching my goal weight and having a happier life, I can't thank Dr Taylor enough for that.

Lisa, Sydney

My weight problems started in early childhood, and by the time I was in my late 20’s I had tried, and failed at, every diet under the sun. At 35, and weighing over 150kgs I decided to give weight loss one more go. I joined a gym and went every day, but I couldn’t get a handle on my eating habits. After a year I had only lost a few kilos and once again felt like a failure.
Finally I went and saw Dr. Taylor at O Clinic. That first appointment changed my life forever. I had already done a fair amount of research about the lap band, but talking to Dr Taylor cemented that this was the right step for me.
The team at O Clinic are amazing. Everyone there is so encouraging and it’s such a warm and caring environment. I feel so supported every month when I go for an appointment.
Now, five months later, my life has changed immensely. I am no longer a slave to food. In fact, I hardly ever think about food anymore. After a small amount I am full and just don’t feel like having more. I never thought it would be possible to feel this way!
I enjoy cooking for my husband and four children and we all sit down together for a family meal like we always have, the difference being that I am only interested in eating a fraction of what I used to.
I have lost around 27kgs in five months and I am so happy with my results.
I am still on my journey with the band, but I can honestly say it is the best decision I have ever made. My struggle is over. Finally, after so long, I am very excited about my future.

Rebecca, Sydney

Like most people, I had tried everything, but lap banding was different. It appealed to my sense of trusting the science, and not my will power that had let me down so often before. The band works in two ways – physical restriction and changing the way my brain thinks, the neural patterns. Naturally the first two questions I had were “Is it reversible? What happens when I’m skinny and I don’t need it?” and “I’m young and in my 30’s, what happens if I get pregnant?” Dr Taylor was very good in explaining it’s totally reversible but it’s unlikely I’d want it removed and to my second question, you reduce the fluid in the band to accommodate a pregnancy. Happy days!

It’s been 8 months since my surgery and I have lost 85% of my excess weight and still going. I’ve not been this weight since I was 15 yo. You do eat significantly less but you are rarely hungry and never have that feeling of failure or that you have let yourself down when you binge – because you don’t binge, you don’t feel like it. So you have more time to get on with living a happy and healthy life!

Beverley from Castle Hill

Many years ago I had stomach stapling without success. Dr Craig Taylor performed stomach banding on me, he oozes confidence which makes one feel very safe and secure. He is a talented surgeon. I was a person who was hungry all the time, morning, noon and night, so the most wonderful positive thing for me is for the first time in my life I am not hungry, its just great!
 

Selina from Wahroonga

For so long I believed only a certain ‘type’ was able to go through with the gastric banding procedure, being in my early twenties and weighing 105kg with no major health problems I just assumed I wouldn’t have a chance to be considered because I wasn’t an extreme case and most of my reasons stemmed from me wanting a better quality of life – something I deemed ‘superficial’ and ‘selfish’ at the time!
It was only after researching the procedure that I realised wanting a better quality of life was not selfish, superficial or vain, it was normal and something every person has a right to, even me.
I chose to tell almost everyone around me about my decision to go through with the procedure and yes there was protest after protest from many people but it was usually from those who were selfish, jealous or just ill-informed.
I acted quickly and booked my operation in two months after my first appointment, I didn’t want to waste anymore time and what a fantastic decision that was! I have been living with my band since January 2009 and have lost over 25kg so far.
There have been some habits and foods I’ve had to say goodbye to, but after living with my band for a few months now they are certainly things I do not miss and have never really thought about, in the grand scheme of things the rewards far, far out way any food, habit or diet out there.
I’m only half way through my weight loss and already the results have been extraordinary. From fitting into beautiful clothes, receiving genuine compliments, having more energy, enjoying exercise, feeling confident, gaining a thirst for life and by far the biggest change – noticing that my life no longer revolves around food – I eat to live, I no longer live to eat and what a liberating feeling that is! I certainly didn’t realise how much time I spent obsessing over what I was going to eat, what I wanted to eat and what I shouldn’t have eaten.
So if you’re thinking about going through with gastric banding, stop wasting time and just do it, I’ve spoken to too many other patients at the clinic who agree that if they could change one thing, it would be to have done the operation sooner, and Dr. Taylor is wonderful, he’s like God’s gift to fat people!
‘No more excuses!’.
 

Jenny from Roselands

Losing the weight has never been the problem for me. I have tried every diet under the sun – legitimate weight loss programs, herbal supplements tablets just to name a few. Yes, I have lost weight. The problem for me is that it keeps coming back on. If I lost 10 kilos, I’d put 20 kilos back on. Numerous times I have tried to shed the kilos from my 122kg, 173cm frame.
I saw an advertisement in the paper for the gastric-band operation and realized this could be for me. I attended an information night, but more importantly, from two women who had had this procedure and they sounded surprisingly just like me.
No-one ever judged me or questioned how I had let myself get to this point. The surgery was like any other surgery and it took about one week to recover. Then things started to happen. People began to notice the regular weight loss. The loss was nothing dramatic – a few kilos each month.
Now, here I am eight months on and 40 kilos lighter. I feel fantastic. I have realized the amount of food I need is miniscule compared to what I was consuming before and, the great part is, I physically am unable to eat large amounts anymore. Even though I still eat some “not so healthy” foods, I am only able to eat very small amounts of them.
Lap-band surgery has given me a new lease on life. I am able to keep up with the children and even treat myself to some new clothes. This has not been like any other diet I have been on. I am still able to eat the foods I like and crave but, now I am restricted as to the amount I can eat before I feel I have had enough. The best part is now I feel like I am in control and I will never put that weight back on again.
 

Joy from Smithfield

It is hard to write about my weight problem without starting to cry but I have to be honest it has been a difficult and a very painful journey. For years I started thinking about whether I could ever be a normal weight again. I was tired of being the “fattest” person in the room and the person that was teased and laughed at all the time. I didn’t have any friends and could not find work and people were constantly giggling and staring at me all the time because of my weight. One night when I decided to venture out I spent most of the night listening to people giving me weight loss advice and it was awful. I was simply existing from day to day and just thinking that my life was over. However, I would say that what affected me the most was that I could not get a job in my profession as a Solicitor. After I graduated from the College of Law I remember thinking “wow” I am now a qualified lawyer but I could not get a job because of my weight. I hid from the world for about 6 years and just sat in the house watching videos and comfort eating. Then a friend told me about lap band surgery and I began researching the topic. I thought this may be a tool that could help me become “normal” so I went to a few information seminars. I met with Dr Taylor [my surgeon] just prior to the operation and I remember thinking what an impressive person and what an intelligent Doctor [so knowledgeable in the area of obesity surgery]. I had my lap band surgery on the 14 April 2008 and started to see changes both physically and mentally immediately. One of the most important changes has been the fact that I am finally free from feeling hungry. I am now constantly pinching myself because within a few months my whole life changed…”I was transformed”. Shortly after the operation I bought a property, I received a salary increase at work and also I began to notice people behaving differently towards me [I have even been asked out on dates and that has not happened for 6 years]. All in all it has changed my life for the better and for the first time in 6 years I am able to wear nice clothes and I have a spring in my step again! I do not think I could ever repay Dr Taylor but I know that he has saved my life and for that I will always be grateful to him.
 

Justine from Marsfield

I have tried every diet known to man and had spend lots of money on them (possibly thousands). I never thought i was 'that big' until yet another diet failed and my weight blew out. I was now 'that big' and when I saw myself in some party photos I was shocked and disgusted!
I decided to get lap banding. I had done a lot of research into it and decided to meet with Dr Taylor. The surgery went smoothly, and i have been supported throughout the whole process.
My biggest regret about lap banding is that i didn't have it done sooner!! I have lost over 30kg and have gone from a size 18 to a size 12 (which i haven't been since my teens). I also have a new lease on life!
 

Maxynn and Jorja

We are a very happy mother and daughter team, having had lap band surgery together. Once we took the first step by attending the seminar, our lives have completely changed. There is no other way we could have lost the weight and kept it off.
We would say to anyone thinking of having the band, do it, and enjoy the rest of your life.
 

Heather from Burwood

Having a Lap Band has been the most liberating decision and action I have ever taken in my life, loosing 45kgs has changed my life so that now I can feel confident in any situation. I look for opportunities rather than make excuses to attend a function dreading that people will see how fat I have become, fat is being as well as doing. Fat took over my thinking so that I thought fat. Now I am wearing a size 14 top and a 16 bottom. Who would have thought that I have been able to loose 80% of my excess fat and my BMI is in normal range. I have just turned 60, I look better now than when I turned 50, thank you Dr Craig Taylor.
 

Edwina from Moorebank

At 56 years old and after trying every diet and program out there, I was feeling a total failure. I came to an information night for lap band surgery and my life was changed.
I finally lost weight! With the encouragement and support of the team I knew that the weight was never coming back!  Dr Taylor gave me every support I needed and explained things in non-technical language so I could understand what was happening to my body. From 124kg to 73kg – I can recommend gastric banding for anyone who wants to get rid of the weight permanently. There is no going back for me – my future is great!
 

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