What made you realise that the growling stomach had to be silenced?
My weight was 140 kg, I was limited from exercise. I couldn't play tennis with my son, even though I used to lead an active lifestyle. The excessive weight on top of inflamed heels made walking difficult. There were also other restrictions like constant backache. In my job, I do a lot of flying and it became restrictive and a bit embarrassing.
Were you already trying out other weight loss options?
I've tried a few weight loss methods – diet guides, injections. I spent my life traveling around and eating out.
Why did you finally settle on Appetite Re-Programming Weight Loss System?
I'd gone to see Dr. Look+ to look at stomach stapling, and I was sitting in foyer, (when I found out about the programme) and I thought, I like exercising, I want to be thinner. To me, this seemed like a much less invasive option, and I wanted to see how it works. If there was a quicker recovery time as I didn't want to spend much time in hospital. It seemed an easy and less invasive way, and you have to marry it with exercise, which is ideal for me.
How dramatic are the improvements then after you've tried the procedure?
I've had significant weight loss – a completely different body shape! I've lost 15 kg. Weight has gone from my stomach, face, neck and people have noticed. It's flattering.
Are you happy with your results?
Yes, I'm happy. I can go for dinner, order 2 entrees, enjoy food, have a great night out, and I'm still enjoying life! I exercise and now I'm eating in quantities that are smaller. There's nothing else to do but lose weight.
Can we talk about your motivation level to lose weight after going through with the programme?
Very high. My motivation was not to waste this time and effort. I'd stopped drinking. I told myself that I was going to reduce weight, and within 2 weeks of the procedure, I had lost 6 kg. My family has a bad heart history; I have 2 young children, I don't want to waste the rest of my life being overweight. The quick weight loss was also a high motivating factor. That encouraged me to keep going.
Would you recommend the programme to your friends? Why?
I would. A good friend of mine is overweight, and I know he's trying to lose weight, and I said I'd share my secret with him soon. There's no point in being embarrassed. I'm sharing it with others too. It's just been a fantastic experience, and my family is excited about it because they were worried about my weight.
"My patient, Mr. A has since completed the BIB program successfully. He has lost a total of 37 kg on follow-up reviews after the balloon was removed. He feels good, lives well and no longer requires medication for his hypertension. With the support of our team he was able to use the BIB as a focal point for change, establishing important lifestyle habits that will result in sustainable weight control in the long run."
– Dr. Melvin Look, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
* Name has been changed to protect patient's privacy.
+ Dr. Melvin Look, Consultant General Surgeon at the Centre for Gut, Liver and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in Mout Elizabeth Hospital and East Shore Hospital