Linsi

Before my procedure, the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy I was extremely unhappy and embarrassed with myself. Stuck in the vicious circle of yoyo dieting and binge eating. I’d say I have been unhappy with my weight since around the age of 13. I’ve always been the “biggest” of my siblings, and always seemed to be the “biggest” among my friends.

Aesthetics aside, the main reason for wanting and needing to lose weight is from the age of 21, my partner and I have been trying to start a family. I was advised that having a higher BMI had negative effects on conceiving and that any treatment options would likely be less effective. So I would usually leave a fertility appointment feeling deflated having not lost enough weight, and head to a venue with my partner for our “last bad meal”. This would usually turn in to a “last bad week”,and lead to a next “Monday start”. I would stick to a new diet plan for a little while and lose some weight, then reward myself with a takeaway! Which then started the cycle again. Bad food to me, was extremely addictive. There I was 9 years later riding the same waves.

Holidays led to extreme dieting, and yet I still never looked how I wanted to! Always buying from the plus size range and then covering up when out and about at theme parks, the beach, pool side and not feeling “pretty” during the holiday night life!

I had been suffering with sore ankles, irregular periods, but fearful of developing diabetes, heart disease and other obesity related health issues.
I had searched online for different weight loss surgeries over the years, but always dismissed it due to financial reasons, thinking it was maybe a bit too drastic, sometimes even wondering if surgery would even work!

I finally decided to get serious about it after my 30th birthday in November 2016, 30 and still not a mum! The one thing I want the most! I actually set my mind on a gastric band. We researched on and off until mid-December. If I’m honest although the decision was made to go for it, it still didn’t sink in that it could actually be happening for real! The next day I emailed a query to NOSC. I wanted to be close to home without having to travel too far…True to form, I wanted convenience, I wanted a company that looked like it was quality, and trustworthy.

NOSC got back to me that same day. I had enquired as above about the gastric band. The advisor was very understanding and empathetic and seemed very knowledgeable. My appointment was set up with the surgeon. Initially it seemed to take a little longer than I hoped as his clinics were full for the immediate few weeks proceeding my enquiry but looking back, I see that as a positive that he was in demand. In hind sight, it wasn’t actually that long. It allowed me time to get my thoughts together.

I met with the surgeon and he was very approachable and didn’t make me feel embarrassed, he said this is the first step to the rest of your life. He advised me of all the varying surgery types and that’s when I changed my mind to the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It just sat better with me for some reason.

I started the 2 week pre-op diet which scared me at first, but the 2 weeks flew by and it wasn’t too bad at all. I was admitted to hospital on Feb 18th 2017 and all involved in my care were brilliant. I didn’t have one bad thing to say about my 3 day admission. Pain was minimal but I did experience some nausea due to the nature of the surgery.

Once I was discharged, I had daily support phone calls from NOSC which was amazing! Any questions were answered, and motivation was given! Absolutely fantastic team!!

I am coming up for 5 months post surgery and have lost 5 stone 1.6 lbs weighing at 13st 9lbs. I started my journey at 18 stone 10.6 lbs. Honestly, I don’t think my brain has caught up with the weight loss yet because I keep heading to the plus size section in the shops when I don’t need to anymore. The compliments from friends and family are flying in! I feel fantastic so far and I’m so excited to get to my own personal target of 11 stone 11 lbs.

I still receive phone calls from my patient advisor Tina, who is one in a million! So down to earth and easy to talk to. My next step is to talk to the NOSC fitness advisor soon as I’m ready to target and tone and my energy levels are crazy good!! I’m often asked if I ever regret going through with weight loss surgery; My only regret is not doing it way sooner!!