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Testimonials: Sue's Story

Well I had many years at school always being the tallest and the fattest then slimed down joined the army towards the end of my army time I started putting on the weight making the excuses its my genes I carry fluid any excuse I could find. Due to lack of periods I found it difficult to get pregnant all because of the excess weight. Every time went to doctors whatever was wrong with me they its because your FAT. This did not help my self-esteem and the spiral continue fed up happy always turned to food especially chocolate and still have issues with it now though controlled. Eventually I got a beautiful daughter though was very poorly while pregnant I could not blame my over weight on her she was only 5lb. As life went on I became a driving instructor, which made the vicious circle of over eating not eating at the right times get worse. In the garage to fill up buy chocolate, crisps etc.

Then I was getting towards my 40th Birthday a big turn around in my life I had tried all the diets mayo clinic, Cambridge, Shaklee, weight watchers, slimming world, and the last one was ‘Lighterlife.  I did well manage to lose 8 stone at one point yes fantastic you may think but how quick I put it back on and much more. Then I realized if I needed more help that would physically stop me eating apart from death, which is where I was heading, couldn’t walk far without being tired sex well that was awkward. Don’t feel sorry for me I have a loving hubby who loves me unconditionally.

I started looking on the web for different types of surgery but felt the best one for me was Gastric Band I then heard about a group run by Sharon bates went to several meetings in Bristol to listen to the good bad and the ugly. I felt this was for me Sharon gave me several surgeons that did the Gastric Band. I did not do this lightly as I was approved to have it done on the national health but would have to wait up to 3 years I could have been dead by then so found the £7000 to have it done it’s the best £7000 I have spent. I weighed well over 30 stone +++++. The after effects of surgery not to bad though had to eat sloppy food to start with.

If anybody tells you your cheating ignore them I had that said to me many times. From this point I went to University to do Psychology with honours degree to change my career. There were 3 Important things to achieve in my forties were get my degree have a tattoo and to have self-esteem by getting rid of the bane of my life my FAT. My Parents who are their 70’s now are still not sure that I should have a Gastric band especially as it is point less for me to go out for a meal as I feel I’m being watched this then can make me stress and there is only way for food to come and that is up. I am quite happy to go out for a meal and chat not eat it’s the others that find it hard. I HAVE NOW DECIEDED THAT’S THERE PROBLEM NOT MINE.

I am now in my 5th year since having my Gastric band and have never regretted it even when over the toilet bowl. One thing it has taught me food is an addiction and should be treated as so instead of the stigma of over weight individuals in society. My dissertation in my degree was about Stigma of the obese a very much from the heart.

Do not let me fool you this has been easy it hasn’t there have been times when I wish I could have a fizzy drink or piece of crusty bread. I have even had something I know I can not eat but still did then of I trot up to the Hughie bowl and get rid the longer you have the band the easier it can be. But be under no illusions the behaviour or bad devil will always be there to pounce.

My band was very tight and I was having trouble getting a drink down also my hubby and I went to Mexico for our 25th anniversary in Feb. this year saw Sharon in Feb decided to have 1ml removed in case I got into trouble in a hot country. Had a great time but managed to eat everything for the first time in 5 years. Made an appointment to see Sharon on the 29th May to have my band tighten as in two months I had put 2.5 stone on. The night before seeing Sharon I sat and eat a whole pizza WHY you may ask because I could.

My brain has not changed, but my control has thanks to the Gastric band if this helps any one make their mind up then its worth it. I have lost a total of 25.5 STONE. Though I know the Gastric band was right for me as the photos will show you been able to buy clothes in any shops not just the one that caters for larger women.