Case Study – Patient 4 S.S.

Operation – Gastric banding (lapband)

In January 2006 I decided that enough was enough and went for a consultation with Mr Van den Bossche – I must say that it has changed my life.

I was 23 stone and in size 28 clothes, felt tired all the time and didn’t like to go out as I thought everyone would stare at me (for the wrong reasons) I was fed up with “should you be eating that” comments all the time, going to buy clothes was a nightmare not being able to find something nice that would fit. I was 39 and didn’t want to be fat and 40.

It was the best decision I have EVER made, I had tried every diet  under the sun and usually managed to lose 2 stone or more then put back on 3  – the weight was having an adverse effect on my health and I knew that if I carried on the way I was going it would seriously damage me. I always read about other slimmers saying “if I can do it anyone can” – that is the most aggravating comment.

After a great consultation with Mr Van den Bossche he decided a gastric band was the way forward for me, so in January 2006 I went into the Spire Southampton Hospital and after a one night stay started my new life. That is what Mr Van den Bossche has given me – my life back.

I loved the fact that each month my weight went down – it’s a gradual process and at first no-one really noticed, but after about 4 months people would comment on how well I was looking and asked if I’d been on holiday. The compliments increased and as the weight loss became more noticeable I started to get more confidence. It has been 4 years since the procedure now and I work in a different job, so mix with people who don’t know I had ever had a weight problem. When I tell people I was 11 stone heavier then now they look at me with disbelief. I show people my photos and they really cant believe it. When I bump into people I haven’t seen for a few years they walk straight past me!

I wanted to thank Mr Van den Bossche – he is my saviour – and without him I would never be in this position.  I love my new life – and my husband loves his new wife (he sayst he doesn’t like all the second glances I get, but I do, as it’s for the right reasons now).

Mr Van den Bossche asked me to write all the pro’s and con’s to having a gastric band for people who are contemplating weight loss surgery. There are millions of pros: being able to walk up the stairs without that second thought; slipping into size 12 trousers and feeling good in them; having more energy than when I was 20; the list goes on and on – and I’ve sat here for ages thinking about the cons, and the only two I could think of were: new clothes every month; and you can’t eat a big meal – but as you never feel hungry that’s not so bad is it!

I won’t say “if I can do it anyone can” – just go and see Mr Van den Bossche he will show you that it is possible.