I would recommend bariatric surgery under the care of Professor Senapati

Val Matthews

I had a gastric bypass RNY on 9th November 2019 at BMI Alexandra under the care of Professor Senapati.

I had, up to being in my mid 40s always been of fairly average build of a size 14.

Following periods of health problems, surgeries and a myriad of medications my weight increased uncontrollably over the years. Despite numerous attempts, with the guidance of my GP, and years of yo-yo dieting I could not seem to keep the weight off. An emergency hysterectomy at 30 followed by a variety of HRT medications affected my weight which steadily rose.

I had a stroke at 48 when I was 15 stone. After this, my GP recommended I lose weight quickly to avoid another stroke which, potentially, could prove to be fatal. I managed to lose a couple of stones.

However, in the years following, with a cholecystectomy and further medications my weight started to rise again.

I developed a hiatus hernia and chronic acid reflux.

On reaching 60 my weight had ballooned to 17 and a half stone. I had started to have frequent TIAs (mini strokes) and the acid reflux had resulted in Barratt’s Oesophagus (cell changes that, potentially, could lead to cancer.)

My GP recommended a gastric bypass on the NHS. Unfortunately, even though my GP had referred me for this as urgent, I was advised the timescale for this was 18 months to 3 years. I did not feel that I could afford to wait that long.

I researched private consultants specialising in Bariatric surgery, which led me to seeing Professor Senapati, after viewing his reputation and reviews.

I had a private consultation with the Professor in January 2019. He fully explained the procedure and he advised me I could have the surgery, privately, three weeks later. I had no hesitation in agreeing straight away to this – I had, literally, been given a lifeline!

I had the gastric bypass and hernia repair.

I was in the BMI Alexandra at Cheadle for 3 nights. The care was excellent. Professor Senapati and the Consultant Anaesthetist came to see me prior to the operation and the Professor came to see me afterwards.

Recovery was good but you have to work at it. It is a whole new ballgame – eating less – being selective to what your new pouch can tolerate – learning not to drink when eating – taking daily supplements – suffering when you eat the wrong things your new pouch isn’t used to – it is a huge learning curve BUT … IT IS WORTH IT! !!

I lost six stone! I was down from a size 20/22 back to a size 14 at 11 and a half stone. I could even wear a red leather jacket I had been bought for my 40th birthday and think had only worn it twice before it was too tight – I’d saved it on the off chance… not thinking I’d ever wear it again… see photo!

Miraculously, the mini strokes stopped .. the acid reflux disappeared…and I felt great! The surgeries had saved my life!

Yes, realistically, there is the downside of losing so much weight and being left with loose skin – but the alternative isn’t worth contemplating is it?!

Three years on I have just seen Professor Senapati (Covid delayed the follow-ups) and even though my weight fluctuates between 11 and a half and 12 stone – Professor Senapati was delighted with my progress.

So, in summary, I would recommend bariatric surgery under the care of Professor Senapati.