"Gastic Sleeve - June 17"

I took the huge decision to have a gastric sleeve on 21.06.17 so I'm nearly a year away from my 'Op-erversary'.

Without the help and support of the wonderful nurses and Bariatric team at The Churchill Hospital, Oxford I would never have taken the huge leap to move forward.

I did so knowing that I had been given the best advice and support from day one.

The surgery itself was without incident.

The Surgeon and his team were supportive and I was thoroughly briefed both pre and also post surgery.

I was home the following day with a full after care programme and was out walking my dog (albeit leisurely pace!) two days later.

The support I received from The Oxford Bariatric team was second to none, they always returned my calls, answered my questions clearly and I felt supported 100%.

My weight before I had surgery had ballooned to 19stone 11lbs - I managed to lose weight with the help of the excellent 'More Life' Programme and pre op I was 18stone 5lbs.

As of todays day (31.05.18) I weight 11stone - just under a year after surgery.

To say that my life has changed would be understatement - my GP has taken me off blood pressure tablets (which I had been taken since I was 39) and my health overall is excellent.

The surgeon asked me what my goal was pre-op - and I was clear - it was to get back on horseback (something I'd not done since 2000).

This past Sunday, I achieved that goal and went riding - I was in tears, this wouldn't have been possible without surgery.

My work life has improved remarkably - my confidence has grown, I'm less angry with the world, I received the best appraisal I'd ever had at the start of the year - so much so that I've been place on a 6 month 'Best Yourself' course which will push me out of my comfort zone.

I'm more outgoing socially and just generally happier in every way.

We use the words 'life-changing' so very often - however, in my personal experience there is no better phrase.

I walk - everywhere!

On Tuesday next week I'm taking part in a 13 mile sponsored walk with the team I work with as part of a 'Give and Gain' day - again, this is something that would have been unachievable at my old weight.

Life is good - there are no words that I can express to thank the Bariatric team at The Churchill Hospital, Oxford - super professional, always had the answers I needed to hear and still continue to give me the support I require when I have queries.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart !