Personal story till surgery
I have been overweight from the age of about 6. I used to
have my school uniforms made for me because I couldn’t
get my size in the shops, this was very embarrassing.
I was teased/bullied at school for years and eventually
became very aggressive as a way to scare people off so
they would leave me alone. I was very unhappy as a child
and of course this led to more overeating as a way to
comfort myself, it was a vicious circle. I gained more
and more weight every year and went up a dress size every
year. I first heard of the gastric lap band op about
8 years ago but could never afford to have it done as
it was very expensive in England so I just carried on
gaining weight. Eventually my Grandmother (God bless
her) gave me the money to have it done. I had enough
money to have it done in England but chose Belgium because
of the quality of the hospitals/surgeons and the difference
in cost…. It’s a huge difference.
Your diet experiences
I have tried every possible diet/slimming option possible.
Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Atkins, GI Diet, Rosemary
Connolly, Hip and Thigh, you name it, I’ve done it. I
have also tried Xenical and been to unscrupulous slimming
clinics that gave me slimming tablets in my early teens!
What is your reason for surgery?
I want to be healthy, be able to dress nicely, I want to
meet someone and have children. I felt turning 30 had
a big effect on me, my clock started ticking and I am
desperately unhappy with myself at the moment. This was
my last resort. I want to live a happy, healthy life
and all diets etc have been unsuccessful and I was, at
last, able to afford to have WLS thanks to my wonderful
Grandmother. I am finally able to get the help I need.
Personal experiences in Belgium
I was amazed at the quality of the hospital in Brugge.
It was like a private hospital in the UK. Very clean,
all the staff spoke English well and were friendly. The
town itself is beautiful and there are lots to see/do
while you are there. The Acacia hotel was lovely, warm
and Mum said the breakfast was fantastic, I couldn’t
try it though.
Results after 1 month – 3 months
I am only one month post op and have lost a stone (6 kilos)
in weight, several inches from my body and feel great.
The pain eased after just 4 days.
What did you find difficult comparing with before surgery?
Not being able to eat a large meal, my mind is still set
to eat big meals but I just can’t now, which is a good
thing but difficult to get used to. Not being able to
drink with meals is hard too.
Would you do it over again?
Yes in a millisecond!!!!!!!!
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