Lucy says, “I’ve always been bigger - I was always the biggest in the group, even as a child. It became more of an issue for me as I grew older."
"I started attending university, and during my time there my weight significantly increased. I decided to join a well-known slimming club. Initially, I did well, but after a few missed targets, I started to really struggle with the feelings that came with not reaching my goal, which led to me forming some self-destructive habits around food and my body. I managed to get some help to work through these issues, but as I went through therapy, the weight continued to pile on. I became really wary of intentional dieting and how I could navigate that safely.”
“I’d always loved the gym, so the exercise aspect was never an issue for me,” Lucy continues. “But I could never quite get the food side of things right. I reached out to my GP for help and was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which they said could be why my weight loss efforts weren’t achieving what I wanted.
“Although my diagnosis was correct, I never received guidance or advice on how best to lose weight. Instead, I remember being frustrated, because I was told to "try and eat less”, and they suggested re-joining a slimming club. I knew I needed to find a way to make a sustainable lifestyle change that wasn’t just a quick fix, and decided to do my own research."
The start of your journey
“I spoke to a friend of my parents who had had gastric bypass surgery, and it was a real eye-opener for me,” Lucy recalls. “Speaking with her was great, because she didn’t try to pressure me to have surgery. Instead, she spoke about her own experience and explained how it worked for her. It was so refreshing to discuss weight loss surgery with her - I'd never considered it before, as I’d viewed it a bit negatively. And from that conversation, my brain started turning. The more I researched gastric sleeve surgery, the more I realised that it's a tool you can use to help you on your journey. And the more I learned, the more I knew it was the right choice for me.”
When you’re ready, we’re here
“I got in touch with Transform Hospital Group to explore gastric sleeve surgery further and spoke with Roseanne, who was immediately reassuring and lovely. It felt so freeing to know I was finally getting the support I needed and had found a solution that was right for me! I had a video consultation with my surgeon, Mr Richardson, and it went really well. Being in the comfort of my own home put me at ease, and I had the opportunity to chat through all the queries I had."
Surgeons who care
“Mr. Richardson is a fantastic surgeon. I originally decided to go with him as Roseanne had shared her own experience with me and she had had his support for her procedure, plus his surgeon profile stood out to me. I felt confident in his abilities and knew that I’d be in safe hands. He helped set realistic expectations for me ahead of the surgery, which was great. In the age of social media, it’s so easy to get caught up in comparing your own weight loss journey to others. He helped me understand the importance of going at my own pace to achieve results I could sustain."
Support when you need it most
“I was really looking forward to my surgery date, and on the day, everything went smoothly,” Lucy recalls. “I remember coming round after my surgery and quizzing the nurses - I couldn't believe it was over! During my time in the hospital, the team was so helpful and lovely. They were great at providing support and made it easy to ask for help. I never felt like I was being a burden. The aftercare team was fantastic, too. I had a slight issue with one of my incisions, and they handled it well, as they talked me through what to do and made sure everything was okay."
Lucy's transformation
You, enhanced
16 weeks after her gastric sleeve surgery, Lucy is delighted. “I feel amazing. I can’t believe how much more energy I have! My everyday tasks are much easier compared to before the procedure - I would tire so easily. Now I’m full of energy. I can get through a full day of work and still be able to go for a walk. I’m no longer restricted to spending time at the gym in the morning, as I have the energy to go late in the evenings.” She continues, “It’s an exciting time for me, as I’ve been able to start buying my clothes from a wider range of shops. Before, I would exclusively have to order online to find my size. I feel fantastic.”
Health and happiness
“I’m double-jointed, and it can cause quite a lot of issues,” says Lucy “Since my surgery, I’ve noticed a real change in this, as there's less pressure on my joints. I love weightlifting in the gym, and before my surgery, there were times when my weight held me back as I couldn't perform the movements properly. It’s so rewarding to be able to do something that I love and is great for my fitness without anything holding me back! Even getting in my car is easier, as I can comfortably get into and fit in my seat. I couldn't be happier with my results.”
Lucy decided to make a change, and so can you.
“For anyone considering weight loss surgery, I’d say go for it! Don’t listen to the scaremongering online - do your research, and make the choice that's right for you. I feel fantastic, and my daily life has improved so much!"