Patient Testimonials

Making the decision to have lap-band surgery has given me back my life.

I have been overweight since I was a child and tried every diet invented. All would work, whilst I was on them, but as soon as I stopped the diet, I would put all the weight back on that I had lost and more. My weight and my life were spiralling out of control and I was very unhappy.

Due to my weight and a family predisposition, I was at risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. I was a size 20 and knew that I had to do something about this.

14 months on, I am now a size 12. The LapBand has been an important tool in my weight management, it is has enabled me to achieve consistent results, along with the support of the professional, friendly and knowledgeable staff at SIOS. I have been able to retrain my mind, lose weight and regain my life!

My confidence is growing everyday and I love the fact that I can walk into regular clothing stores and buy beautiful, stylish clothes for myself. I love looking in the mirror at the 'new me'.

I would recommend LapBand surgery to anyone who has been struggling with their weight and feel the results for themselves.

- Elizabeth

After spending thousands of dollars on fad diets, losing a maximum of 10 kg, but then gaining 15 kg after each diet, I was only just getting bigger and bigger. I finally hit rock bottom and went to see The Sydney Institute for Obesity Surgery [SIOS].

With their support and guidance I have been able to achieve a massive weight loss and keep it off!

It is worth spending that little more to be have the support required through the extremely hard journey of weight loss! SIOS has taught me the basic principles of weight loss and has given me a new direction in life. In comparison to how and what I used to eat before (I never chewed and consumed massive amounts of the wrong foods), I now eat sensibly with regular food. I am also healthier, happier and a fitter person.

By far this has been the best weight loss experience of my life and I am still not used to being referred to as a "tiny little thing". My weight has held me back in life but not now!!!!

THANK YOU SIOS TEAM!

- Ellen

One of the most important considerations to make when embarking on the gastric banding procedure, is the support you will have after the band has been put in place. The support from The Sydney Institute for Obesity Surgery [SIOS] Clinic is second to none.

From the moment you walk through the doors, nothing is too much trouble. All aspects of your care are given in a very comfortable, caring and non judgemental manner. I had my band inserted in February 2009 and I came to it after I retired from full time work, I now wish I had been able to have the procedure earlier. Yes, I do eat much less, but I now select what I need to eat and feel quite satisfied with small portions. The information and support you receive regarding the quantities of food you will be able to eat following the band is extremely important and readily available through the SIOS Clinic. When the band requires adjustment, it is a quick and simple procedure performed by one of the Specialist Bariatric GPs.

I have full confidence in all the staff at SIOS, and am grateful for all the support I have been given on my weight loss journey.

- Pam

When I came to The Sydney Institute for Obesity Surgery [SIOS] I weighed in excess of 160 kg. I attended one of their information sessions and two weeks later I was 'banded'.

SIOS has been a massive part of my life ever since. The Clinic is supportive and willing to offer advice at the drop of a hat, kind of like a family from a distance for me.

The staff are not only polite, but really did understand how I felt, even though at times I could not understand how, as none of them looked to have ever suffered with a weight problem.

I lost about 50 kg within the first year and have since have had two healthy children. I am now about 65 -70 kg down weighing @ 94 kg today.

I now would never be without my band. Early last year I needed to have my band replaced, SIOS organised this for me, which was included in my program fee.

Two of my closest friends followed in my footsteps and were banded within a few years of me getting mine. They have also had great success at SIOS.

I now live an extremely happy life. I have energy and I sleep the hours of a normal person. I used to sleep at every available moment, but now can survive quite easily on 6 hours a day.

I spend my waking hours working and taking care of my husband and beautiful children. Not the other way round like it used to be. I attend the gym 3 - 4 times a week and for 4 years have coached my son's soccer team. These are things I would not have been around to see if it was not for the entire team at SIOS.

I am so glad someone thought of this wonderful tool and decided to make it happen for people like me.

Thank you SIOS... All of you... I am alive and have you to thank for this.

- Renee

Gastric Band surgery was a last resort for me, but I didn't know it was also the first step to being the person I always knew was hiding inside!

The band is now part of my life and my lifestyle. I can now say 'No thanks' to offers of food, and know when I am satisfied and do not need to eat any more. Only since the band have I felt that satisfaction.

The SIOS staff could not have been more supportive and friendly. In the time since my operation I have built friendships with all the SIOS staff. Even when I come to the Support Group Meetings if there are any Doctors at the clinic they take the time to say 'hello, how are you?'

It is not often that you can say that a Clinic takes time to know you by name, takes time to listen to your worries, to encourage you to stick with the programme, takes time to lift your spirits when you are finding it hard and celebrates with your successes. I can say with certainty, that this is what SIOS is about. They say that SIOS stands for Sydney Institute for Obesity Surgery, but I say it stands for 'Support and Information for Obesity Sufferers!'

- Edwina
(Banded 11 December 2007)

I was a YoYo dieter, prior to gastric band surgery. I could lose weight but never keep it off. I would lose 10 kg and put 15 kg back on, but since having lap band surgery in 2008 I have been the same weight for the past 3 yrs. Lap Band surgery has given me the tool to guide me thru life and keep my weight at a healthy level. I had lap band surgery not to be a size 8 or 10 but to be able to lead a healthier lifestyle as I had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and was morbidly obese. I also took 6 tablets per day and today I take 2.

The lap band surgery has helped my blood pressure and my type 2 diabetes. Lap band surgery is the best thing I have done for myself. I was 51 when I had the surgery and it has given me a new lease on life. I would recommend lap band surgery and the SIOS Clinic to anyone and everyone as this Clinic has the after care that will help you for the rest of your life. The staff at the SIOS Clinic not only looked after me on my journey but they have become friends forever.

- Kerrie