2020 has been one of the strangest years that many of us have ever experienced. It’s had lows, even lower lows and most of us will be ushering it out of the door on the 31st and giving it a good kick on the way. COVID-19 has been hard for everyone, many lives lost and businesses forced to close their doors. Yet, with all the hurdles that the pandemic has presented, our British stiff-upper-lip has allowed us to achieve some amazing things.
The national lockdown in March forced the closure of schools, shops and public facilities, it cancelled events and grounded flights. The whole world had been put on pause for a while. But through it all, our amazing doctors and nurses carried on. The NHS continues to show huge resilience in the face of adversity. In private practice though, the pandemic didn’t stop us changing people’s lives for the better. As we say goodbye to 2020, we take a look at some of the inspiring weight-loss transformations from this year.
2020: What can be achieved during a global pandemic
The Coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that maintaining a healthy weight is key to living a long, happy and healthy life. Many people have committed to putting their weight problem behind them for good this year, and the results speak for themselves. There is no better feeling than hearing what our patients have been able to achieve as a result of their life-changing procedure. So, here’s a look at what can still be achieved despite being in the depths a global pandemic.
We’ll begin with some facts and figures; Healthier Weight patients who had their procedure in the first 6 months of 2020 have lost on average 44% of their excess BMI. That’s already an astonishing figure and will only increase over time. Gastric band patients lost an average of 31%, gastric sleeve patients lost 57% and gastric bypass patients said goodbye to 64% of theirs! Healthier Weight patients have collectively lost over 1000 stone this year alone. So, here’s to another incredible year of weight loss!
Nikita
Gastric sleeve 20.03.2020
Starting BMI: 46.3
Current BMI: 29.8
“Exact same day, 1 year apart. 13 stone lost forever! ❤️”
“The start of 2020 was a hellish year for me. I was at my heaviest and constantly in and out of hospital with blood clots and general ill-health. Every time I saw my GP, I was told that my weight was my biggest issue, and they suggested weight loss surgery.
“It wasn’t the easiest decision, the fact I had tried and failed at every diet was a major thing. I was told I could get the sleeve on the NHS but I would probably have to wait 3 years… Looking into the different surgeries I thought the best option would be the sleeve. I consulted with my family and decided that I couldn’t wait those 3 years because I would probably be dead. So, I found Healthier Weight and I honestly can’t fault them from start to finish.
“My surgeon Professor Ali was amazing! He explained everything to me and what I needed to do. I had my surgery on the 20th of March 2020 just before the first Lockdown. From that moment on, it was the best decision of my life.
The emotional rollercoaster
“It wasn’t easy following the diet stages. It was hard because sometimes you wanted to pig out on food… but it isn’t worth the foamies! The sleeve is a tool that you need to work with, if you work with it you will get the results you desire. Yes, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, not one day is the same but you will get through it.
“Thanks to Healthier Weight and Professor Ali, I am now at 12st and healthier and able to be a proper mum to my kids. I don’t need to worry that one day I might not be able to wake up and see my daughters grow up. Take the plunge if its what you want, because you will never have any regrets!”
Nikita, 24.12.2020
Nichola
Gastric sleeve 19.11.2019
Weight lost: 7 stone 12Ibs
Excess BMI lost: 86%
“I didn’t realise how much my weight was holding me back until now. I feel so free!”
“2019 was one of the hardest years of my life, suffering from daily crippling headaches, backache and temporary vision loss. After an emergency visit to the opticians, I was told to head straight to the hospital where I spent a few nights before being diagnosed with a rare condition called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Papilledema. I was advised to lose weight to help relieve the fluid pressure on my brain and eyesight. My weight was now affecting my health and I had to do something as soon as possible to prevent permanent vision loss.
“I have spent my whole life struggling with my weight and knew I needed professional help. That’s when I began researching weight loss surgery. As soon as I spoke to the team at Healthier Weight they put me at ease. They knew about my condition and had helped people before who were suffering like me. I met the amazing Dr Singhal in November and booked my surgery for two weeks later.
On the day of surgery
“On the day of surgery I was scared, worried I had made the wrong decision. I must have asked my fiancé 100 times if we could just go home (I am the world’s biggest baby). But I am so glad we didn’t, one year on and what an amazing journey it has been!
“2020 has been a difficult year for so many. I was so excited for this year. We were meant to get married in June and celebrate my 30th birthday in August. We had a big trip to the west coast of America planned. However, Covid soon put a stop to all that. So many people ask how I have remained so positive during the pandemic and I honestly believe this is due to the weight loss.
“I didn’t realise how much my weight was holding me back until now, I feel so free! To date, I have lost 110lb and I am in remission with my condition. I can’t remember the last time I took a pain killer! I have a new love for life and have zero regrets. It was the best decision I have ever made, for both my physical health but also my mental health.
“2021 is now going to be even bigger than 2020 (apart from the wedding dress that now needs to be much smaller lol). I cannot wait to celebrate confidently and enjoy every moment! For anyone thinking about surgery, do it. It will be the best thing you do! Thank you Healthier Weight for my new healthier life!”
Nichola, 24.12.2020
Kristen
Gastric sleeve 19.08.2020
Starting BMI: 36
Current BMI: 26
“This was such a life changing decision and I have no regrets.”
“I’d been overweight since I was 21 due to a medical condition and have spent the last 19 years on some diet or other. I’d tried everything; weight loss plans, diet groups, intermittent fasting, diet pills… all with no lasting effects. I got to the point where I just didn’t want to go on living like this where I was constantly counting calories or fat content.
“I’d lose a bit of weight for a few months but it was such a huge mental battle. I have a rare medical condition which means I’m on steroids a lot and my joints dislocate so this didn’t help either so I’d been looking at weight loss surgery options for about 6 months.
“When I tried on wedding dresses in July I looked in the mirror and felt awful and it was this moment that made me think, enough is enough. I contacted a lot of companies and spoke to a few surgeons and I felt really comfortable with Mr Singhal and the Healthier Weight team. It was a huge decision and I spent a lot of time talking it over with my partner and family but ultimately, they just wanted me to feel happy and comfortable with myself.
Taking matters into my own hands
“I don’t think there’s a woman out there that feels happy with the way they look and I was given an option of fixing it… so I went for it! I didn’t want to spend the next 40 years of my life going from one diet to the next, whilst still feeling starving and miserable all day every day. Looking at a photo of me taken 12 years ago I remember hating myself because of my weight, and 12 years later, still feeling that same way. So I took matters into my own hands, made a decision that was right for me and had the surgery.
“A month later I had a gastric sleeve and I’ve never looked back. It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I feel so much better about myself. I’ve started practising yoga and do 3 to 4 sessions a week. I’m fitter, leaner, more flexible and my self-worth has hugely improved.
“I would never have done group exercise before as I always felt too self-conscious and hid at the back of the class. Now, I’m so proud of my body and what I’ve achieved.”
Kristen, 24.12.2020
After a testing year for everyone, these inspiring stories are what keeps us going. We’re all ready to draw the curtains on 2020, and we’ll be waving goodbye to over 1000 stone in weight while we’re there!
If you’re ready to begin your own success story in 2021, why not call the Healthier Weight team on 0800 313 4618? Get some information on the surgical and non-surgical treatment options available, or Get a Quote below.
Last review: 30/12/2020. All content on this page is reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team lead by Mr Rishi Singhal.