Obesity Patient stories

I am in my mid fifties and have been on and off diets for the last 40 years, trying every diet imaginable. I was also a medication controlled type 2 diabetic for 7 years. I finally decided to have Lapband surgery 18 months ago and am now a size 12 and not a size 22. I am no longer on any medication for diabetes. For the first time in my life I have thrown away all the clothes that no longer fit me instead of keeping them 'just in case' I put on the weight again (and more). My only regret is that I didn't have the Lapband surgery years ago as I feel much more confident and can now go into any shop, knowing that something will fit me. My husband thinks I look great and happier too, his only regret is having to pay for a new wardrobe!

- EB, Bateau Bay

I have struggled with trying to keep weight off for many years. Each time I lost weight, I would balloon up more. I am now, thanks to not only the Lapband, but the loving concern by Dr Caska and his team;

• Alive
• In good health - no fear of diabetes, blood pressure is normal
• Able to move - from one who struggled to walk 100 metres, hiked 7 kms into a jungle in Uganda with help from 2 porters and a photographer who has known me for years and couldn't believe that I was able to trek so far! I fell a few times and, once I had watched mountain gorillas for an hour, was exhausted (I am 60 and have other injuries as well), and then got carried out of the jungle by 10 pygmies on a litter!!

Many blessings team. I would never even thought about seeing mountain gorillas ?60 kgs ago.

-SM, Ettalong

Just a few words to let the world know how Dr Caska changed my life with Lapband surgery. It was 30 kgs ago and I feel great. I can now put on my shoes and socks without a struggle. I can cross my legs and be comfortable without a struggle. I can pick clothes that I want to wear, not the ones that are big enough and don't get a choice, without a struggle. These seem little things but are big hurdles for people like myself. Lapband surgery has changed my life and I do not mind telling the WORLD about it!

-RR, Bensville

I am a 55 year old female who has struggled with a weight problem my entire life. Following a back injury five years ago my weight gradually ballooned to 145 kg. In March 2010 I had a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy performed by Dr Caska. Today I am 40 kg lighter and have gone from a size 26 to a size 18. I look and feel better than I have done in years. I can still eat anything I like in limited amounts, food tastes great and maintaining a stable weight isn't difficult. Dr Caska clearly explained all pre- and post-operative care to me and has supported me during my follow up appointments. His professionalism in keeping abreast with the latest information regarding this type of surgery is admirable and ensures my continuing good health. The confidence this generates has inspired me and given me the ability to turn my life around. Thank you Dr Caska.

Once I had my mind set to get lapband surgery done almost 3 years ago, I have lost a total of 35 kgs. I now feel I am maintaining a great path for my 'new life', and at 56 I am feeling very healthy with no more high blood pressure problems. It is fabulous to now have great self esteem and it has really broadened my horizons as far as goal setting for things I wish to do in the future - things that I wouldn't have done before. Shopping for clothes is now a fun experience because I have plenty of clothes in my smaller size. Getting Lapband surgery done was the best decision I have ever made for myself!!

-SB, Killarney Vale