Vicky

My life before WLS

Before surgery, I weighed 20st 3.5lb, or 128.6kg, and was a dress size 30. I felt lost. I would look in the mirror and not recognise myself. My self-esteem was non-existent and I no longer took pride in myself as I felt it was pointless. I hardly ever went out to socialise, and any attempt at even gentle exercise would leave me in pain. Even bending down to tie my shoelaces was an effort and hurt. I had no energy to play properly with my children, which was heart-breaking. I had tried everything else for over 15 years – slimming clubs, fad diets, doctor-prescribed weight loss programmes, wasted money on gym memberships – and every time I successfully lost weight, I would gain it back, and more. I finally had enough, fearing where my yo-yo weight loss and gain was taking me health-wise.

My Tonic experience 

After speaking with my amazing surgeon, Mr Al-Taan, we decided my best option, with my current health and long-term goals, was gastric bypass surgery. From the moment I emailed Tonic Weight Loss Surgery enquiring about surgery, to my first phone call, to now over a year post surgery, Tonic and their team have been amazing. I chose Tonic specifically because their aftercare was the best I had researched and I am so glad I chose them. They have been 5-star from the get-go. I had my surgery at Luton & Dunstable in a private section of the hospital and my experience was great. Mr Al-Taan and his team made recovery time post operation straightforward and very quick, with hardly any pain due to how amazing they are. Mr Al-Taan has been fantastic pre and post operation. He is always understanding when I have concerns, has a great bedside manner, is full of great advice and is very supportive.

The 5 years’ aftercare is very appealing. There’s support from a nutritionist, psychiatrist, exercise coach, the general Tonic team and the surgeon. I had phone calls from a nurse daily straight after surgery. Any concerns or issues, all I have to do is ask to speak with a member of the team I need help and advice from. They are always there to listen and always there to help. I am so pleased I chose Tonic as they have been everything I had imagined and hoped for.

21 months post operation, I have lost just over 9 stone, or 58.6kg.

Life after surgery 

Life 9 stone lighter still feels surreal! Exercise is no longer as difficult nor leaves me in severe pain. I have recently started doing judo again, after 20 years, which is amazing. My confidence is so much better. I am keeping up with the kids better now, too. Energy levels have improved and self-esteem is back in business. I love how I feel in clothes, now I have my hourglass shape back. Surgery has saved my life without a shadow of a doubt. My mental health has improved loads as well, and things are looking a lot brighter future-wise, as I keep working on myself from the inside out.

I have no hesitation in recommending Tonic. They have been amazing, from the moment I contacted them in a desperate state to now, over a year and a half post operation. It helps that a lot of the team have also been where I have been, so they have a better understanding of how you feel, your fears, your concerns and your excitement. They honestly really care about your journey and are there with you all the way if you want them to be. I have no regrets with my surgery or with choosing Tonic. With their help and support, my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I will be forever thankful for their continued support and I love the community I have become part of – the Tonic Weight Loss Family.