Effie's Journey

7th August 2009 Effie Speech - Bariatric Seminar (Gastric Sleeve)

effie — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:15:23 +0000

Effie’s Speech at Dietitians Association of Australia Bariatric Seminar Gastric Banding/Sleeve/Bypass

Effie’s presented her Patient Speech infront of 80 Dietitians, Doctors and Nurses

I was asked by my Dietitian and Surgeon to do a Patient Speech regarding my weightloss journey.

I have also uploaded the videos of my speech in 3 parts as the files were too big.

I have uploaded slideshow video and also the panel discussion!!!

Feel free to view my speech videos by clicking on the http://www.effie.heldzingen.com/videos/

My speech went very well, I talked about my life before and after weightloss surgery and how it has changed my quality of life. I had a really fantastic time with the Medical Staff, they were really listening to what I had to say based on my experiences as a Sleeve Patient. I made them all laugh aswell with some of the funny things I said reagarding my family.

It was the best experience of my life.

Thanks Nazy for giving me this wonderful memory to embrace on this experience and look towards the future.

I want to thank Dr Jorgensen again for saving my life, for giving me the quality of Life that I wanted from the beginning with my family. I know you get all shy when I say this but honestly THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART !!!!!!

Dr John Jorgensen - Article in St George Leader

effie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:05:52 +0000

Thank you Dr Jorgensen for giving me back my life. For giving me a chance to share good times with my family. You are a passionate Doctor who has a wealth of great knowledge and skill and I would recomend weightloss surgery to anyone who has suffered like I have most of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my Heart. With Love Effie Heldzingen

47.5 kilos lost - Transitional Photos

effie — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:01:21 +0000

My Transitional Photos from 152 kilos post op until current weight 104.5 Kilos

1 Year Post Op - Weight Loss 47.5 Kilos

effie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:00:58 +0000

Hi all
Its been a while since I have been blogging as we have travelled to Melbourne, Gold Coast etc and I am also now on facebook catching up with old school friends. I met up with Dr Jorgensen and Nasy March 10th 2009 and I have lost a total of 47.5 Kilos since my operation 1 year ago. They were both happy with my weight loss even though its slowing down my weight loss has been consistant. My next step now is to lose as much as I can before my 40th Bday as I discussed with
Dr J and then My husband and I are going to try for another baby. I will then tackle my Goal weight and skin removal if needed in the next 2 years. I am very happy with my weight loss I know that I have a long way to go yet but I can honestly say that I am ALIVE and enjoying evey moment with my family. As mentioned we travelled to Gold Coast and I was able to get on the Plane without Gasping for breath and also I big Giant step for me was that I didnt have to battle with the seat belt like i used to, it just fit like a glove. For the first time since becoming a family, I was able to go on the rides at Seaworld and Dreamworld without feeling like a heffa or that I would get stuck I am so happy I feel like im on a constant high. Thank you Dr Jorgensen for giving me my life back !!! with Luv Effie xxx

9 Month Post -Op meeting with Dr Jorgensen

effie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:13:14 +0000

I had my 9 monthly follow up with Nazy and Dr Jorgensen today both of which are extremely happy with my weightloss so far. My blood tests came back all clear and my levels of Vitamin D and Folate have increased. The parathyroid has improved tremendously which is good to see.

I feel so happy and want to express my deepest thanks to you Dr Jorgensen, I know you probably hear this all the time from your patients however with your knowledge, guidence and advice you have given me the opportunity to find myself again. We as a family go out almost every weekend and do things together. Nothing is a struggle anymore and at my daughters 3rd birthday which was last Sunday 9th November I was able to dance and play games with the kids. Last Year I struggled to walk and entertaining was so hard as I was out of breath.

So I decided to make you my transitional photo for you to show other patients just how much both my father and I have lost and how you gave us back our lives. Please feel free to give my website details to anyone considering doing weight loss surgery as I would like to inspire them just like I was. Thanks again Dr Jorgensen Kindest Regards Effie

Elizabeth - Heartkid of the Month November 2008

effie — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:33:58 +0000

I just wanted to share with you all that Elizabeth is “Heartkid of the Month” and

she is sharing her story on the Heartkids Australia website.

To view it go to
http://www.heartkids.org.au/index.php/state/news_item/28_heartkid_of_the_month/

or go to the main page http://www.heartkids.org.au/ then scroll down to where it says

40 Kilos Lost Woo Hoo !!!!!

effie — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:00:59 +0000

Well what can I say, I feel so good and so happy within myself. I have now lost 40 kilos and my current weight is 112 kilos. We went on holidays to Melbourne and have just gotten back. Well I shocked myself as I was walking everywhere and not once was I puffed out. I think I tired out Leslie and Elizabeth lol……

For the first time in my life im not questioning should I or shouldnt I go out as im more confident than ever about my body. I want to thank my parents both in Sydney and My parents in Melbourne for all their love and support through my journey. My Husband is now able to lift me up without breaking his back lol and I can now sit on the floor and get up without too much fuss.

For those people who are considering doing Vertical Gastric Sleeve Operation, I say go for it. It has changed my life so much, and has given me the opportunity to live life to the max with my Husband and Daughter.

Regards Effie

2008 Goldweek - Tiara and Crown Lunch

effie — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:30:31 +0000

HPCC raised a total of $518.00, Thank you to all who donated money for Sydney Childrens Hospital - Randwick. We had such a lovely day mingling with all the families and the kids were entertained with face painting, and crazy hair.
Cheers Heldzingen Family

I have lost 30 Kilos Yippee !!!

effie — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:04:03 +0000

Well what can I say, I am feel soooooooooo good, so much energy I cant stop myself. I feel like I want to scream from excitement on the amount of weight I have lost so far. I am shocked in the fact that I was carrying this amount of weight and much more that Im yet to shred. I have taken a recent photo so that I can compare my weight loss of 30 kilos and here it is, is so obvious that I have lots weight and my body is taking a new shape.

I just recently joined the yahoo Australian Weight Loss Support Group and have had heaps of people email me congraulating me on my new life changing experience. I have also had heaps of people message me asking questions as they are considering the Gastric Sleeve Op.

The one thing I can say to all these people is GO FOR IT !! You just have to make sure that this is what you want and to look more long term for a better healthier lifestyle.

I can now do the following.

1) Sit in a seat without worrying if it will collapse or that I woulnt be able to fit.

2) Bend and put my socks on my feet & tie my shoe laces without using a chair for help.

3) Clean the house without building up a sweat and its taking me half the time as I have so much energy

4) Play/Dance with my daughter without feeling tired or my back hurting me

5) Scratch my back with no assistance

6) Fit into clothes that I couldnt get into a while back

7) I have gone down a cup size in my bra

8) Have a bath without struggling to get out

Good Luck to all who have done the op and who are considering it.

Keep you all posted Regards Effie

Happy Mothers Day and Birthday Mummy!!

effie — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:04:31 +0000

Wishing everyone a Happy Mothers Day and may you all enjoy your family as much as we do.
We had a lovely breakfast with Orange Juice and Coffee. Aunty Georgina was celebrating with us too as she had just come out of Hospital and was recovering.
Later Elizabeth was handing out all the pressies and gave us all cuddles and kissses.
Thank you for your presents Sweetheart. I love you with all of my heart.
Kissess and hugs your mummy xoxoxoxox