I had a gastric band fitted to save my life from the threatening consequences of obesity and within 9 months it did, but in the most unexpected way imaginable.
Before I had children I was never over 10 stones but since then the pounds have continued to pile on. Both my parents died from strokes, my mother when she was 40 and my father lived for 17 years after his stroke, putting an incredible strain on the family. The fear of putting my children through the same ordeal made me determined to do something about my weight.
I had tried many other diets before but nothing had worked long term. I decided that a gastric band would be a good option for me as it was a physical intervention. I thoroughly researched gastric band providers and as soon as I met Dr Ashton I knew that I had made the right choice with Healthier Weight.
I had my band fitted in September 2007 and at first everything was fine until I started experiencing some unusual symptoms. Dr Ashton and the Healthier Weight team were very reassuring in the support and care that they gave me while my problem was being investigated.
It took a while for the hospital to diagnose pancreatic cancer. I was told that my tumour was so close to my portal vein that if it wasn't removed, I would not make it to Christmas. Thankfully they decided that it was not too late to operate and the procedure went well. So if I hadn't had my gastric band, I wouldn't have experienced the symptoms that led to my cancer diagnosis and successful removal of the tumour. In short, my gastric band saved my life.
Here I am two years on, very much alive, 4 stones lighter and looking and feeling 10 years younger. Having a gastric band has made an incredible difference to all aspects of my life, my only regret is that I didn't do this years earlier!
Kate
Click here to listen to Kate's story on Youtube.
