I had reached a moment in my life when I knew I seriously had to do something about my weight (25½ stones). I’d been ‘big’ all my life, always taller than my contemporaries, I ended up 6’ 6” tall and was euphemistically called ‘big boned’ but was in fact overweight, which then became obese. Diets proved transitory – first losing weight but then regaining it, and then a bit more!  

I looked around at options other than dieting. Having read about ‘gastric bands’ and their success rate, I talked with some friends who had undergone gastric surgery. Husband, wife and eldest son had opted for gastric bypasses, and looked really good as a result. They told me of their various experiences, which encouraged me to seek further advice. I asked my GP if I could have the operation on the NHS as I fitted the criteria of NICE with my BMI and diabetes, but whilst NICE said ‘yes’  the local trust said ‘no.’ It was to the private sector that I turned. I delved deeper via the internet. I found several companies and made some enquiries. I had several (annoying) telephone calls from a pushy lady on the Continent which put me off that company, but it was the WLS web site which particularly attracted me. As well as the packages offered, my dealings with their staff were most helpful and informative. As was the literature they sent me Taking advice, I plumped for a Bariatric Sleeve procedure.

Having started the ball rolling, I next had a consultation with the surgeon. This seemed to be me trying to convince him that I really wanted this procedure done, and that I was aware of the possible consequences (which I was thanks to information received from WLS). He accepted me as his patient, telling me that I would be his oldest(68 years of age) to date to request it. I was given a diet to follow to reduce the size of my liver (to assist in the surgery), and I lost a stone in weight before my operation just by following that regime.

The hospital I had selected was the Alexandra in Cheadle, Manchester, to which I was admitted on the 16th August 2011. My admission went smoothly and I was impressed with the level of service provided. My operation was in the evening of that day, and it went well. I was discharged on the third day feeling quite comfortable. I took analgesics only once on my first night at home, but none since.

My liquids-only diet, which was then followed by the pureed food proved to be a bit monotonous, but I was soon onto eating solids. I was amazed to find that I had no cravings for food, and when I did eat I was completely satisfied with very small portions. Six weeks after my operation I went on a cruise for a week with my wife, daughter  and 2 friends from Australia. Despite the sumptuous menus on offer, I was satisfied with small meals, and actually lost 4 pounds in weight whilst at sea.

I had chosen the Bariatric Sleeve procedure as this seemed to require the least post-operative maintenance– which has proven to be correct, as I haven’t had any need to seek further treatment. Some post-operative medical problems did arise, however, these had nothing to do with the actual surgery but because I had resumed my previous amount of medication(a small bucket of ‘smarties’ each day),which proved to be excessive. Since my level of medication has been resolved, things have been fine. I am already off insulin injections (previously twice daily) for my diabetes as well as several other pills, with reductions in others.

Not only do I get regular telephone calls and wise advice from Colleen, the Patients Service Manager, but I also have the pleasure of monthly consultations with Wendy, the Specialist Bariatric Nurse, at her clinics in Liverpool. She has proved most helpful, informative and encouraging. The level of this follow-up service has been most comforting and re-assuring to me and my family. My weight loss has continued - as of 20th November 2011 I now weigh 19 stones 11 pounds stripped – that’s just over 5½ stones lost in the 3 months since my operation!
How do I feel? I feel great, though I am aware of the onset of the colder weather, as I now have less natural ‘insulation’ than previously! I’ve started to go for walks again, but this time without the distress of laboured breathing and physical discomfort. My medication regime is less intrusive – which is fine by me! What I find hard to believe is that I have no hunger pangs at all, apparently this is one of the (welcome) results of this type of surgery, and I still feel full with only small portions at meal times.It is a very new sensation both to me and my family I can assure you!
My wife wants me to start replacing my wardrobe, but I’m holding off for a while as I feel very confident that I will have an even more reduced figure by the Spring (I’m also looking forward to a rebate on the housekeeping and being available for modelling assignments,LOL).

I can certainly recommend this procedure to others.