I'm Rob and have just turned 60. I had bariatric surgery with Surgery Brisbane in December 2018 following a casual chat with my GP and coming to the realisation that, if I continued carrying the weight I had (at that time I was 150kg), I faced serious health issues including, but not limited to, diabetes and heart disease. Every day was an effort and I was not optimistic about living until my children finished school.
I was anxious about having the surgery, but the procedure and expectations were extremely well communicated by Dr Hatzifotis and the team and every step was explained and logical. The pre procedure diet was well explained and a lot easier to follow than I had imagined and weight started falling off even before surgery.
The surgery itself went very well and post-surgery pain was well managed. Dr Hatzifotis was literally there every step of the way, as were the wonderful medical staff at Greenslopes, and I felt very well supported and cared for.
Out of hospital, the process really showed its’ worth. With medical and dietitian support the whole way, eating less was very simple and the transition to a goal weight of 95kg over about a year was easy. I wasn't aware that the lining of the stomach produces a hormone that makes you feel hunger. With that greatly reduced, sticking to a new reasonable amount of food was no problem.
One of my fears going into surgery was that I'd lose all interest in food. I've always been a "foodie" and love everything about it. I continue to love preparing food and entertaining, I eat mostly what I used to eat, just a lot less of it. And I can still have a glass of wine, albeit before or after food now.
My only regret is that there doesn't really seem to be a cure for aging, although, without the surgery, this may well not have been a consideration! And I'm now really looking forward to seeing my beautiful daughters grow up with my wonderful wife, who followed suit with the surgery and is also enjoying wonderful results.
I can't recommend this surgery highly enough. I've now maintained my goal weight for a couple of years and continue to be supported by the wonderful team at Surgery Brisbane.
Life is no longer a struggle.
Dr Michael Hatzifotis • Surgery Brisbane • All Rights Reserved