“I underwent gastric band surgery in January 2007 following a conscious decision to finally lose my excess weight and in doing so, prevent the health problems most commonly associated with morbid obesity. Almost 18 months down the track, I've lost 46kg and am now 2kg from my target weight of 77kg and a healthy BMI (or body mass index) of 25.

It's been an incredible journey - one that hasn’t always been easy in terms of getting used to things - but as the weight steadily began decreasing, my confidence grew, and today I'm so very proud of my achievements. Through a very helpful support group, I've met so many inspiring people who've also experienced their own dreams coming true. These people have not only lost kilos. Some of them have kicked medication for life threatening conditions, started regular exercise programs they never thought possible, they see future possibilities with their loved ones - in short, they've seen the light at the end of the tunnel and they are pursuing it.

My own discoveries since surgery started as small stepping stones. One of my first realisations when I began losing weight was that I actually had bones! Simple gestures such as putting my hands on my hips, crossing my legs when seated, folding my arms, finding that at last I had a waist….my body was giving way to definition. Gradually, my back and knees no longer ached, and lethargy is now history.

I don't enjoy the gym environment, so I walk. I find it's simple, variable, sustainable - and it's free! As a sideline, it also greatly helps to clear
my head. I relish each chance I get to go out and walk, however far and long, and I've just completed my second City2Surf (14km). I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge again, once more conquering "heartbreak hill" and even setting a pace for my friends that were brave enough to join me.

Another blissful advantage for a lot of banding patients is the sensation of feeling the cold. Prior to surgery, I was a "sweating mess" year-round, but now I find that with most of the excess weight gone, I'm better able to regulate my temperature, and life is so much more comfortable.

I now also take an active interest in what I wear and the clothes I shop for. I've gained confidence in choosing styles and colours that suit my shape and I'm not afraid to go into shops I previously perceived as being off limits to me.

In terms of the food I now eat, since banding I’ve learned not only how to eat small, but also to eat well. I try selecting the freshest produce available and experiment with different flavours. It's very individual for each person as to what you can and can't eat, and it can also vary from day to day so variety is never a problem.

My journey has seen me achieve some extraordinary highs that I never imagined possible.”

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