Monique’s Story

Monique age 38, mother of 3.

I was morbidly obese and I knew it.
I had tried lots and lots of diets, and just didn’t stick with them.
My BMI was 45, I was tipping the scales at 135 kilos, and I had a sore lower back, sore hip, sore knee and swollen ankles.

I was starting to get worried, I knew I wasn’t getting any younger, and I didn’t want to have a heart attack, stroke or get type 2 diabetes.
The fact that my weight was a constant burden on my mind, the thought of dying slowly from other diseases scared the heck out of me. I really didn’t know what to do.
I had often prayed, that I would have a car accident and wake up 4 months later from a coma and be slim.

I read an article in a magazine and went online to investigate further and found Perth Bariatric Clinic. I emailed Dr Padovan who gave me a brief outline of costs and encouraged me to make an appointment.

I continued my research decided what procedure I wanted, made an appointment and went up to Perth to meet Dr Padovan.

I have never looked back and regretted one single thing.
I had a sleeve gastrectomy in September 2007 and for the first time I feel alive.
It’s been eight months, I have lost over 35 kilos, my BMI is down to 33 and I’m still going strong.

Knowing everything I know now, about what it’s like in hospital after the surgery and the road to recovery, I would do it all again with out hesitation.
I was wearing size 26 clothes. I’m now buying size 16.
My goal is 75kilos and to be wearing a size 12.
I will be seeing this right to the end. I fully intend to have a stomach lift once my weight has stabilised.

I feel like a woman again. I feel strong, confident and attractive again.
I have been given a second chance at life and that feeling words cannot describe.
I fly up to Perth to see Dr Padovan, and I don’t need an extension seat belt. I have to tighten my seat belt now and there is heaps of belt left over.

I sold all my large size clothing on EBay and made some really good money as anyone would know getting larger sizes can be difficult. I used that money to go out and update my wardrobe.

For anyone wanting to achieve what I have achieved I say go for it. Don’t worry about being scared you are in good hands. 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 and so professional.
Dr Padovan, Jocelyn and Steph thank you from the bottom of my heart (and health!)