Joanne’s Story

After years of yo-yoing from 98kg to 70kg and back again, having sizes 16-12 in my wardrobe and trying every diet available, including naturopathy. The heavier I got, the more depressed I got and the more I ate, I hated looking in the mirror, hated my photo being taken and would never swim, didn’t own bathers or shorts. I finally took control.

I booked a consultation with Dr Gordon Padovan and two weeks later, September 2010, was on the road to a slimmer, healthier me.

Although Gordon initially approved of me having Lap Band surgery I was explicit in the fact that I have Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy. I felt (and now know) that the Sleeve was THE way forward for ME.

Knowing everything I know now, about what it’s like post op and the road to recovery, I would do it all again with out hesitation. I had no pain, no nausea and even questioned Dr Padovan if I had had a “placebo” operation as I felt that good.

I tell everyone that asks “what have you done to yourself, you look great?” I’ve seen Dr Wonderful!

Eating is not the first thought on my mind when I wake up, it is now all about fuelling my body with the best fuel not the most fuel. I still eat out with family and friends which is all about companionship and fun not getting that food down my neck as much and as fast as possible.

No more granny knickers rolling down under my belly, no more sweat rashes, no more powdering to stop rubbing, no more feeling embarrassed about how I looked.
6 months later and I’m now wearing size 8-10 am 58kg and feeling fabulous about it. What fun to go into a store and KNOW that what you put on FITS!

For anyone wanting to achieve what I have achieved I say GO FOR IT!! Don’t be scared you are in good hands. Don’t worry about what anyone else may say. You only have one life and you may as well get the most out of the time you have.

The team at the Perth Bariatric Clinic is fantastic, friendly, caring and professional.

To Dr Padovan, Jocelyn and all the team I wish a very big thankyou from the bottom of my heart and new body.