Tina - starting weight 16 stone 8 pounds

I have had weight problems for most of my life. Four years ago I managed to lose four stone relatively quickly through diet and exercise. However, an unexpected event occurred in my life and before I knew it I had put two stone back on extremely quickly. I felt that my eating had become totally out of out of control. I was binging and eating unhealthily. I was concerned that I could easily return to my original weight of 16 stone 8 pounds. I did try to diet, but my will power and all logic both seemed to have deserted me.

During this desperate period I had discussed the possibility of gastric banding with several companies, but decided that this would not be the right procedure for me. Whilst researching gastric banding I came across the gastric balloon centre website. I hadn’t heard about the procedure prior to this.

I phoned the centre and spoke to Chris who listened to my whole weight problem history. Yes, it was a long phone call!!! Chris thought that I would be an ideal candidate for the procedure. I decided that I wanted to go ahead. Mr Thomas contacted me and once again we discussed my history, we also discussed my medical history and the whole procedure. I was impressed that Mr Thomas had produced the programme and had had a balloon himself. Less than I week later I was in Manchester having my balloon inserted.

I opted not to have any anaesthetic when having the procedure. I opted for a banana flavoured spray to numb my throat instead.  I found the procedure painless and quick. It made me wretch slightly, but that was short lived. I left the hospital with my manual and other things that would help me through the next 3 months and beyond. Mr Thomas phoned that evening to make sure that I was OK. He also phoned the next day. I felt unwell the day following the insertion and then after that everything was fine.

I only chose to tell a few people at the time that I had undergone the procedure. I returned to work two days after the insertion and no one there ever knew.

Each week I sent my food charts to the centre. Once a week the centre phoned to check my weight loss, to give me support and to guide me with the programme. I found, and still do find, this support invaluable. Sometimes if I was struggling with my motivation or unsure about something I would phone them during the week as well.
I became less obsessed with eating and dieting. I learned to really enjoy what I ate and learnt not to feel guilty about food. It was wonderful to know that I would lose weight most weeks if I did as instructed.

In all I lost about 3 stone. The taking out of the balloon was quicker than the putting in!! It was over and done with in no time. It was mildly unpleasant but not painful.

Since losing the weight I have started a new job. I have bought a new wardrobe of clothes. Some are quite fitted. To be able to choose clothes that I like and not just what fits, well, I can’t explain the joy this has bought me. I have always been concerned how people have perceived me in the past. To think that maybe their first thought is not ‘goodness she’s fat’ is so liberating. To stand up and talk in front of people without worrying about whether the seams, buttons or Zips are going to give way just gives me additional confidence.

I haven’t put on any additional weight since the balloon has come out. I continue with the programme and intend to lose a little more weight.

Would I recommend it to anyone else? Definitely yes. Would I do it again? I won’t have to!!!

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