Rachael

My life before WLS

I weighed 20st 11lb before surgery and my dress size was 20–22. I felt so down about my health and size. I was not confident at all and would never go out with friends. I actually had inflammation in my feet, where it hurt to walk around. I struggled putting weight on my feet, it was so painful. Mentally, it got to me as well. At work, I would be tired all the time and would be out of breath walking up and down the stairs (which was very embarrassing). I didn’t really have a social life, hardly went out with friends and when I went out with my partner, I’d always feel self-conscious and unhappy. I’ve tried all sorts of weight loss methods – Slimming World, keto, fad diets – but they never stick. You lose weight in the beginning and then you put it back on when you fall off it. Such a bad yo-yo effect.

My Tonic experience   

I decided to have a gastric sleeve; it seemed to be the type of weight loss surgery that suited me perfectly. I actually had one of the most bizarre experiences because it was a few months after COVID had really started, in March 2020, and so protocols were different, but the staff at Tonic and the hospital were brilliant and so accommodating. My surgeon, Mr Al-Taan, was fantastic, from the consultation all the way through to being discharged (and during my check-ups, too). He was friendly, informative and comforting.

Tonic have been brilliant. The dietitian called throughout the food stages to make sure I knew what to expect and what to do. Now if I’m unsure about something, she will get back to me with answers. And the nurse Debbie has been amazing. Any little thing I was unsure about, she was on the end of a message or phone call to help me out. Everyone has been fantastic, from the PT, Harry, to the wonderful ladies in the office.

Life after surgery 

I have to date lost 143lb, or 10st 3lb. I feel amazing, physically and mentally. I have more energy and the inflammation in my feet has gone. My confidence levels have shot right up. I love yoga and feel more comfortable doing it. I love going for long walks with my partner and no longer struggle. I’m in such a better place with my fitness.

Tonic has saved my life in more ways than one. Not only am I now a happy, confident person but when they checked the part of the stomach that was removed – as routine – the biopsies showed inflammation. I was then referred to another hospital for further investigation and as a result of that, it was found that I had gastric malt lymphoma, a cancer of my B cells that had been caused by an infection. As someone who has inflammatory bowel disease, with symptoms that are similar to those of the infection and the lymphoma, I never would have got it checked out. So, thank you, Tonic, so much.

I would recommend Tonic 100%, because from day one to booking a consultation to now, I have been so supported and encouraged. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.