Emma

My life before WLS

At my heaviest weight, I was 19st 2lb, but when I came to Tonic for my consultation I was 17st 5lb. I had previously lost 5 stone and gotten down to 14st 4lb for my wedding in 2013. Having followed every diet possible – WW, SW, the Cambridge diet, the cabbage diet, the 5:2 diet, the no-carbs diet, and so on – I couldn’t keep the weight off. I ran 3–4 times a week and went to the gym 4 times per week, but the weight kept on creeping up. I was quite depressed, very quiet and lacked confidence. Luckily, I wasn’t on medication as I had no health issues but I suspect that wouldn’t have lasted for much longer if my weight had carried on climbing.

I had no social life and hated going out as nothing fitted me in my wardrobe. I was very self-conscious about eating out. My husband, Stuart, has always been slimmer and weighed less than me and until I had my consultation with Tonic, he never knew my weight as I was always too embarrassed about it. So, for 11 years, I kept my weight a secret from him. My size and weight never bothered him, but it had always bothered me.

I was always the fat friend. My friends never made me feel like that, ever, but I always felt it, so I avoided going out. So, for most of my adult life (from age 22 up until now at age 43), I’d been overweight, avoided social events and never been out on a girls’ night out in that entire time. Overseas holidays were always looked forward to (I’m a sun worshipper) but always dreaded at the same time as I would get so hot walking and my thighs would chafe. I would always keep covered up unless I was laid on my sun lounger. I would avoid the pool unless I went down very early before people could see me. I avoided getting undressed in front of Stuart as I was embarrassed about my body. I always felt so ugly.

We’d also been trying for a baby since we got married in 2013. My consultant indicated that my weight was probably hindering my chances of having a baby and that due to my age, IVF was probably our best option of conceiving, though, at my current weight, I wouldn’t get IVF on the NHS.

My Tonic experience 

From the first contact with Tonic over the telephone, I felt comfortable and like an actual person rather than a patient. Meeting Kay and Mr Awad put me at ease straight away and I knew I’d made the right decision in not only deciding on weight loss surgery but also in having done my homework on choosing Tonic as my weight loss provider. Every step of the way, someone at Tonic has been available to answer any questions or just to check in for a chat. The aftercare package is invaluable. The service from Tonic is tailored to the individual and is very personal. I feel like I’ve been treated like a friend or even a family member as the contact has been more than I expected. The aftercare is the key to success, I believe. 

Life after surgery 

It has enabled me to have IVF treatment, which will start in January 2019. It has given me back my confidence and I’ve fallen back in love with clothes and fashion. I’ve always loved shoes, but could never wear heels due to my weight – I’m now in heels! I’m happy to go out and can walk the dogs without huffing and puffing. I no longer have foot or knee pain, or backache. I just wish I could’ve afforded to have surgery earlier.

I’m now 10 stone and have maintained this for about 4 months. However, I am now a size 8–10 on top and a 10–12 on bottom, so I’m not worried if the scales don’t drop any more. I’m more than happy with my clothes size.