Success Story Janet (lost over 15 stone)

In Sept 2003 my life was totally changed by having gastric band surgery. I have gone from 26 stone and wearing size 32 clothes to 11 stone and size 12. What a relief it was, after years of feeling a complete failure at dieting, to meet the team from Southwest Bariatric Surgery group who told me, "We have a treatment to offer you." Naturally, I had some doubts about putting myself through an anaesthetic and operation when I was not actually sick, but it was very straightforward, just a one night stay in hospital and the operation itself was not painful.

Over the subsequent months my band was adjusted regularly, creating my small stomach pouch. With the dietitian's help I have learned good eating habits and as I ate less, my weight dropped steadily. I am happier and more confident than I have ever felt and have heaps of energy. As a result of my weight loss I am a lot healthier too - I no longer suffer swollen ankles or snore and have said goodbye to the chronic back pain that dogged me for years. I have been at my ideal weight for 12 months now and recently enjoyed my 50th birthday. Fit and fab at 50 - goodbye and good riddance to the former fat and frumpy Janet!