I have always been a big person. Since 1994 I have been on medication for an obesity related condition. At age 24 this was a bit of a shock but not a real surprise. I have been to a dietician, weight loss clinic, used diet shakes, I even joined the gym and had a personal trainer. There was always a common theme. I would lose about 20kg each time then plateau out, not lose any more weight and then go back to my old ways of eating the wrong foods and then put all the weight back on. This cycle went on for years.

In June 2007, just before my 37th birthday, I went to my doctor to get a new script for my medication. He said to me that he has neglected me a bit and we need to do something about my weight. He advised that once I reached 40, losing weight would get harder and harder.

He recommended that I should think about Gastric Banding, with a healthy diet and exercise. My doctor gave me a referral to a specialist and I attended their information evening, which gave me a lot of information. It all looked very easy and simple to lose weight. I still had my concerns. I happened to be watching the ABC Australian Story with Mikey Robins, who also had Gastric banding. After discussing this option with my family I decided it was for me. So after meeting with the specialist nurse, dietician and then the doctor, a date was set. My surgery was set for 22nd September 2007.

The surgery went ahead with no problems. It was just an overnight stay in hospital so I was home the next day. For the first few weeks it was just mushy food and drinks then I moved on to solids. It took me about 4 weeks to get back to normal after the surgery.

As I come to my 2nd year anniversary I have lost 40kg, gone from a 5XL shirt, 132cm pants to a 2XL shirt and 112cm pants. What I like most is that I can now go into most stores and find something in my size. I no longer think about food all the time, and sometimes I have to remind myself that I need to eat something. This has also made me realise that it is ok to leave food on your plate and not have to finish it all.  Food is no longer my focus in life. I am still not at my goal, but this time when I plateau the weight does not go back on.

It has changed my life forever. The only regret is that I did not do this earlier. I am very happy with my Gastric Band.

Share your story If you have had weight loss surgery and would like to share your story with us please email your story of approximately 500 word length and a before and after photo to bariatricedge@its.jnj.com

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