Never imagined Gastric Sleeve will change my quality of life so much.

Andy

Crying myself to sleep, refusing to go out with friends, sore knees, sweating, constantly using an inhaler, buying larger and larger sized clothes and not wanting to go on holiday for fear of the aeroplane seatbelt were many of the constant thoughts going on in my head. Never was my weight far from my mind and my size was the way I made decisions on what I was going to do. It was having an impact on my job, my relationships and most worryingly my health. At 6ft 4in, the weight had slowly crept on over the last 20 years. I have never been thin and always joked about being big boned. My friends used to say that I got away with my weight because I was tall.

My Mum had mentioned the weight loss surgery after speaking to an ex-classmate of mine who had had a Gastric bypass. I contacted her and discussed the process and booked an appointment with Prof. Senapati’s surgery.

The appointment was almost a relief. I had finally found the solution to my years of endless dieting, binging, yo-yoing and depression. Prof. Senapati made me feel at ease and eerily excited of the prospect of having my first ever surgery and an elective one at that!

The first 6 weeks I really felt it was the right thing to do and found the liver diet easy. I wish I’d had had this will power before. I lost 2 stone before surgery. I took two Diet Shakes and a healthy meal each day and no alcohol (I didn’t think I would ever do this!)

The day of my surgery I stood by the car and took a picture. This was the start of my journey and I couldn’t wait. The staff were exceptional at the Alexandra as was Prof Senapati. He took me through every step. My first anaesthetic was a pleasant experience too. Shortly, it felt, I had woken up and the procedure had been completed. Prof. Senapati came in to see if my recovery was going well and to reassure me that the surgery had been a success.

The aftercare from his team at the Alexandra is second to none. Non-judgemental and full of praise and great advice. In 12 months I have lost 10 stone. I still have about 4 stone to lose and it has slowed down so I have to get to the gym now. Over the last 12 months everything you read in the first sentence has turned around. I have been jogging, I don’t use an inhaler, and I have bought a brand new wardrobe and donated all my clothes to the charity shop. I have been to Australia to see my family and even had room in my seat and the dreaded ‘belt’. I have a brand new lifestyle and enjoy every minute. My relationship is better and we are enjoying more of an active life. My job is easier as I can now get around without sweating and huffing and puffing. The best thing is that I am never hungry. Might sound weird but it has been great in the weight loss.

If you are considering it, please go for the consultation. I have never regretted any minute of my journey, I just wish I could have afforded it sooner.

Thankyou Prof Senapati and your amazing team at the Alexandra. I owe you my life.