October 2017
It was when I started a new job with the prison service that I realised how big I had gotten. When it came to ordering a uniform, I had to have men’s trousers! I started using the work gym and going out running with a colleague. I was getting fitter but the weight still wasn’t coming off and I was slowly giving up, so I started to look into gastric surgery. One morning I sat my mum down and told her I wanted to go for a consultation in London. Once speaking to the Team at Healthier Weight, I knew it was the best thing for me and would change my life for the better.
Before my op I had to lose 9lbs. I found that very hard and had to change my date twice because I couldn’t shift the 9lbs. Once I had, my date was booked. I went ahead with my gastric band surgery in 2016 and since that day I’ve never looked back. I never had a goal weight, just when I feel happy with myself. So far I have lost 7st 3lbs and couldn’t be happier! I still want to lose another 2 stone and then I will start looking into a tummy tuck to finish off my new body, and then I will finally feel great about myself. I have been very lucky that I have never put on any weight on my journey. Every time I have been to see the nurses for a fill, it has always been a loss.
The day of my surgery was the scariest time for me, and the biggest decision I have ever made. At 22 years old, in the back of my mind I was worried if I was too young, but my mum was by my side the whole day. The nurses and surgeons at the hospital were amazing! I’m scared of needles and my mum wasn’t able to hold my hand when they put the anaesthetic in. I did feel relaxed though, because the nurses were so nice, holding my hand. Knowing there is 24-hour support if you need it really helps too!
Having this surgery has been the best decision I have ever made. My 7 stone loss has made me a better person. I look forward to losing more weight and getting fitter and progressing in my job role. Thankfully my family and friends have really supported me, but most of all I couldn’t of done it without the team at Healthier Weight.
Anyone contemplating having any weight loss surgery I would highly recommend Healthier Weight as they have changed my life for good and I will never look back!
Update (June 2018)
Since last speaking to Healthier Weight and sharing my story in October, I have lost just over another 3 stone and I’m now weighing in at 9st 13lb. In total, I have lost 10st – 4lbs more than half my body weight. I did stall for a week or so as I was eating rubbish food and drinking frizzy pop. What got me back on track was on the day of my op I took a photo of myself in my underwear, and I have printed it out and put it on the fridge to remind me how far I have come and where I don’t want to go back too.
Family and friends have kept me motivated too, and also being able to buy nicer clothing and sharing going out clothes with my friends and sister which is something I have never been able to do when I was wearing a size 24. The best help and motivation I’ve had is from the Healthier Weight Facebook page. Going on there and reading how well other people are doing gives me the will power to keep going. I started my journey at 20 st 5lb and I’m now 9stone 13lb and wearing a size 10/12. I couldn’t thank the team at Healthier Weight enough for keeping me going and for the advice they give us. Their 24-hour helpline is great too!
Top tips: Eating or a side plate and with smaller cutlery. Also, try to drink plenty of water.