Neil's story - 12 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

I had run out of options. I had tried every conventional diet going but I kept putting on more weight after each diet finished. I even tried medication from the GP but nothing worked.

I researched surgical weight loss options on-line and felt confident with Professor Humadi’s experience. First of all I came to discuss the options available to me in an outpatients’ clinic. Professor Humadi recommended that I attend one of his support groups so I could talk to people who had had surgery previously. I never felt rushed into a decision and I also saw the specialist dietician before I had surgery.

I couldn’t fault the nursing staff at the Spire Thames Valley. The physio came to see me when I was in hospital and I was up and about the morning after the operation. I recovered so well I was let out of hospital a day early. I was in a bit of pain for the first 2 weeks intermittently. I would get a twinge that would feel like a knife had been stuck in my side. It would hurt to breathe and then it would go. I went back to work after 2 weeks which was too soon as I had to commute and the travelling was tiring. I would recommend leaving it a bit longer.

I felt supported by the specialist dietician and the specialist nurse after surgery. All the instructions were straightforward and there was always someone I could ask if I had any questions. I didn’t really have any problems. I went backwards once when I ate some pork; I think the texture was an issue and I struggled a bit with eggs at first. I can eat anything now but only in small portions. I kept a detailed log of the first 6 weeks after surgery so I could see the progress week on week. It helped me keep motivated.

On the day of my Roux-en-Y gastric bypass my weight was 164.5kg (25 stone 12lbs)

After 6 weeks I weighed 147kg (23 stone 2lbs)
After 8 months I weighed 120kg (19 stone)
After 12 months I weighed 114.3kg (18 stone)
My aim is 108kg (17 stone) and I have no doubt I will get there.

12 months on I feel absolutely great and have no issues whatever. I have far more energy and feel far more upbeat about life in general. I feel more confident and not so self-conscious about my size. I can do things that people take for granted like sit on a plane seat with the tray table down. I was too body conscious to take my daughter swimming but now I can and I can also play sport that I wouldn’t have done before. One of the best things is being able to buy clothes from the High Street shops rather than only buying from the supersize websites online.

I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again and I would highly recommend Professor Humadi and his team. I can’t think of a negative thing to say about it!