Facing a Harsh Reality
In May 2013, Helga faced an unnerving reality. At 107 kg, her health was deteriorating, and she was struggling with a multitude of issues: sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, diabetes, and the looming necessity of knee surgery.
She started on a journey of hope with a gastric band, achieving some initial success. By October, she had shed 27 kg, reaching 80 kg. But the joy was short-lived. Over time, Helga discovered how to work against the band. “I worked out how to beat it,” she says, reflecting on a decade of battling with the band.
“I avoided every mirror in the house,”
The Weight Returns
Despite her best efforts, the weight crept back up. Helga found herself at 120 kg once more, trapped in a cycle of bad health and weight gain. “All of these issues I had, the answer to them all was weight loss,” Helga explains.
Her knees, further weakened by excess weight, made every step a challenge. Her mobility was limited, and she struggled with simple tasks like tying her shoelaces. “Every time I walked, I was out of breath,” she recalls. Her reflection in the mirror was a constant reminder of her struggles. “I avoided every mirror in the house,” she confides. The fear of facing others and the discomfort of social interactions led her to isolate herself.
Exploring New Options
As these issues became too much to bear, Helga began exploring her options. She reached out to multiple providers both in the UK and her hometown, outside of the UK. “Going abroad was a third of the price, but I realised my standard travel insurance wouldn’t cover any complications,” she says.
After weighing her options, she chose Healthier Weight, finding a sense of confidence and professionalism that resonated with her. “I had full confidence in Healthier Weight. I knew the aftercare would be everything I needed,” she stated when talking to us.
The Day of Surgery
On December 5th, 2023, Helga underwent revisional surgery from a gastric band to a bypass, alongside a gallbladder removal. On the day she was nervous but hopeful, being reassured by her husband, who stayed with her before surgery, and the compassionate care of the staff. “It was just 123 and the next minute I was in recovery,” she recalls. “The staff were so amazing, and I couldn’t say one bad thing about any of it.”
Transformative Results
We are pleased to share the results were transformative. In just four months, Helga was signed off by her sleep clinic, free from sleep apnoea. Her cholesterol levels normalised again, and she eagerly awaited knee surgery, confident that her weight loss would facilitate a smoother recovery. Her newfound energy and enthusiasm were evident.
“My husband complains now that I’m always looking at clothes online. I used to spend ages debating what to wear because nothing fit me,” she laughs. “Now, it’s the opposite!”
It’s safe to say that Helga’s day-to-day life was also affected. “I want to go out, I’m social and bubbly,” she shares. Her neighbour noticed the change too, commenting on her renewed smile and laughter. Helga now embraces the gym daily, excited to see more positive changes. “I’m so glad I can share my story because when I was doing my research, I always looked at success stories, and now I can help others similar to me,” she says proudly.
One of her most significant moments came when she was able to wear a seatbelt comfortably on a plane. “The minute I clicked my seatbelt, I teared up!” Helga reflects.
It's more than just weight loss surgery
Her advice for others embarking on their weight loss journey is simple yet powerful: “You have to want to make it work, and you will succeed.”
Helga’s story shows the power of resilience and the life-changing impact of choosing the right path. Her journey with Healthier Weight has not only transformed her health but also her outlook on life, with a brighter future within reach. If you believe weight loss surgery is something you may need, please don’t hesitate to reach out and get a free quote here.