I had a gastric bypass (nearly 5 years ago) and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my husband. It’s not an easy decision and shouldn’t be made if you aren’t willing to stick to the rules 100% for the rest of your life (they are there for a reason and you would only cheat yourself if you didn’t stick to them). Family need to change around you too as you can’t do things like you did before I.e all you can eat Chinese evenings out (I don’t go to these as it’s a complete waste of money). I don’t miss these nights out, others find it harder that I won’t go but that’s their issues, not mine.I don’t enjoy what I used too, I like bike riding now but I can’t go bike riding now as I’m pregnant. One of the reasons I had the bypass was to become a mum and Mr Awad helped me achieve my goals by doing my surgery, I can’t thank him and his team enough.

Having a gastric bypass is not an easy way out and it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but it’s so worth it. I have my life back and I can do everything I want now without having mobility issues and I’m more outgoing nowadays as I have confidence to try different things. I don’t eat chocolate, ice cream (anything  with too high sugar as the dumping syndrome is so not worth it and my taste buds have changed as I don’t like the taste of these now. I still make my family birthday cakes but I make chocolate cakes so I know I won’t eat it (win win). I don’t drink fizzy drinks or drink out of a straw (I was told straws put extra air in my pouch and I don’t want to risk undoing mr Awad’s surgery). I’m able to play and jog after my nieces and nephews and they all have a great time. When they see me their faces light up as they know I will play and give their parents a well earned rest. Being able to play with them is far better than any chocolate could taste. I reward myself with clothes and new bikes, I also like swimming and going to the gym in the summer. I’m always doing something and sitting down for a long time (when I’m poorly) drives me up the wall as I like to keep busy. Before my surgery I didn’t like going out as people would stare at me and call me awful names, I couldn’t do much as my mobility was restricted and I got out of breath quickly. I went to work and that’s about it, trying to get me out the house was a nightmare for my husband, friends and family. I didn’t like myself or my life and I knew having a gastric bypass was my last chance to get my life back. I have worked hard to lose 10st and I still work at it everyday because I don’t ever want to go back to my old life. I wish I had it done many years ago but I wasn’t mentally ready and I would of failed with not being mentally ready. I wish you all the best in your journeys and if I can change my life for the best so can you, never give up. Kind regards LS