I had struggled with my weight since my teens and I had resigned myself to the fact that diets don’t work and I would be fat for the rest of my days. However as my health started to seriously decline as I neared the 30stone mark; my legs became swollen, I was too out of breath to climb the stairs and I had uncontrollable blood pressure. I began to get quite depressed about my future and worry about my job.  I had heard about Mr Awad and the gastric sleeve surgery from family and friends and the amazing results that this could give. Despite being seriously needle phobic, I decided surgery was the only possible option as I was now more scared about what was going to happen to me if something didn’t change. When I went for a consultation, Mr Awad was so pleasant, non judgmental and reassuring. He filled me with confidence that something could be done and he would help me to do it. 

He was quite clear about the options and gave me a realistic target of weight loss to expect which was between 6-8 stones. He listened to my fears about needle phobia and anxiety and came up with a plan to help me  manage this. Just being listened too, helped me feel I has some control and it felt like a real partnership; that we would do this together, rather than he just performs the surgery and then it is up to me. I had strict instructions for my liver shrinking diet and then returned for the surgery 2 weeks later. I had had some medication for anxiety first thing in the morning before going to hospital and this helped me relax a little. When I arrived on the Derby Private Health Suite, the staff were brilliant, every was smiling and so welcoming that I instantly felt at ease. Mr Awad came to see me and was pleased I had managed to lose 2 stones on the liver diet.

He explained everything again and gave me lots of opportunities to ask any questions. Then the anaesthetist came to put in the needle- this for me was the worst part- but he was amazing. He was so calm and gentle, it was all done before I even realised and then I was on my way to theatre. I have to mention the staff in the anaesthetic room (where they put you to sleep)- they are obviously experts dealing with anxious people and they managed to completely distracted me from the environment and what was going on which I am eternally grateful for. Before I knew it I was waking up back on the ward.

Mr Awad came to see me on the ward straight after and said everything had gone really well, that felt so good to hear at that point. I remember being quite drowsy after the surgery from the anaesthetic and just wanting to sleep. However you have to get up and walk and use the spirometer and this was really hard when I felt so drowsy. The staff were magnificent, helping me to get up and get moving. My pain was well controlled and I didn’t really feel anything unless I moved suddenly, which I soon avoided doing. My throat was very sore for the first day, but this was gone completely after a few days.

The ward staff were so happy and caring and really wanting to help me in any way they could, this boosted me so much to keep positive The following day after surgery, I spent the day walking, taking sips and doing the breathing exercises and by that evening I was on my way home. I felt quite tired from the painkillers, but these really helped to manage the pain perfectly. I needed to get enough fluid in, but because I didn’t feel hungry anymore, the hardest job was remembering to drink. I was also able to contact Mr Awad after the surgery if I had any concerns and I had several follow up appointments during the first year to monitor my progress and ensure I was on track.

It’s now just over a year since my surgery and I have reached my personal target to lose 12 stones. My life is transformed. I haven’t taken a blood pressure tablet since the surgery. I have gone from being out of breath walking 7 yards to being able to walk 7 miles. Nothing can describe the feeling of being able to just walk in any shop and buy clothes off the rail. I am now living again. I can’t thank Mr Awad enough.

He is a superb professional and is surrounded by an amazing team. Everyone helps and supports you as if it was their own surgery- they all want you to succeed. They have saved my life.