Hayley

My life before WLS

My biggest weight was at the start of my LRD, which was 20.02 stone and I was a size 22–24. Life was miserable and so restricted! I suffered for a long time with my back, which resulted in being on a lot of high painkillers that ended up numbing my mood/emotions. I also had a lot of time off work due to my back.

My personal life probably did get affected! Luckily, I have an amazing fiancé, who loves me for me and has stuck by me through everything, but being so unhappy in myself, I definitely held back a lot! I tried Orlistat, Slimming World and even making myself sick, to lose weight, with no success.

My Tonic experience 

I went for the gastric sleeve as I wanted something non-reversible. My surgeon, Mr Awad, was the perfect surgeon, who I will forever be in debt to! Tonic was insane! They got me in within a couple of weeks, and the contact was regular and thorough.

Post op, the nurses are in contact with you straight away. Debbie rang me daily for nearly 2 weeks and then left her phone number open for me whenever I needed it. Harry, the PT, introduced himself pre and post surgery and then properly got in touch at 6 weeks. Every month, at minimum, I have had emails to check I’m okay and if I need any support. It’s made me feel well looked after!

Life after surgery 

I am 6 months post op and have lost 6 and a half of my 9-stone goal.  

I regret not doing it sooner! I actually have a life now that doesn’t involve being in severe pain every day 24 hours a day! I am back at the gym, which I have always loved but because my increase in weight caused my back to get worse, I had to stop going. I’m also able to walk my dogs 5 miles a day with no issues!

I am 29 this year and feel like I’m just starting my best life now.  

I 10000% recommend Tonic. I went with Tonic because their aftercare package was the best I had found. They have not disappointed in the slightest!