I went to my GP last May, asking for a band. I had been talking to my older sister about it. GP was very supportive, but we had to follow the rules. I had taken Xanical a while ago. It worked for a bit, but then stopped. Appetite suppressants worked too, but not as well as hoped.

My GP then referred me to the West Essex nhs trust. I had to meet their criteria; BMI over 30, hypertension and either type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. We knew I had impaired glucose tolerance, so I was in with a chance. Gits turned me down. GP was more pissed off than I was, so she appealed and they approved Out of Area Treatment at Homerton University Hospital in Hackney.

My first appointment was in February. Saw the consultant. Apparently, the band is not effective on people with a BMI over 45. Mine was 56 and I weighed 29 stone! He suggested a sleeve first, then if I needed it and after I had lost some weight, convert it to a gastric bypass. He was very helpful and explained both procedures.

I also had to see dieticians, who would tell me about the foods to eat pre- and post-op and what to expect. Also had to speak to the psychologist to see if I was mentally ready for the op. Because I had spoken to my GP first and had tried other weight loss programmes, I was fine.

I also had a sleep apnea test. It was an overnight stay attached to loads of equipment to check my breathing. Turns out, I have mild sleep apnea so I don’t need treatment for it.

I wasn’t given any target weight to get to. I was just told I had to lose some weight to prove I was serious. The easiest way for me was to have slimfast for breakfast and lunch and a healthy dinner and drink plenty of water. Always a good idea.

I saw the registrar at the end of June. He was pleased with my weight loss and told me the surgery would be going ahead. He wanted to do the bypass. One op now instead of one now and another in six months.

Then I had to wait. I spoke to someone at the hospital enquiring about the date. Work needed to know so they could do the timetables for September. I work at Harlow College. I was told they hoped to do it in August. Fine. I should be back for the start of term.

Eventually got 6th October. Verified the date, told work. They are all very supportive.

The dieticians sent me my pre-op diet. Liquids; slimfast, weightwatchers soup and yoghurt. Post-op diet is much the same, only less of it.

I lost nearly a stone in the two weeks before my op.

Had to be at the hospital at 7am. Younger sister took me there.

I was taken to a waiting area with everyone else who was being operated on. Told to go to cubical 17, get undressed and put on the gown. You know the ones? Very fetching with your bum hanging out the back!

The came the questions. So many questions! Name, DOB, address, GP, medications, weight – on and on and on!

Then blood pressure, temperature, pulse, Blood Oxygen levels. Look up, look down, in out shake it all about!

Then the anaesthetist came. He asked questions. He was happy, so off he went. Then the surgeon came to visit. A quick visit. No time for tea and cakes!

Apparently, the sleeve tends to stretch over time, which leads to more eating which leads to weight gain so it negates the surgery. If everything was ok inside, they would do the bypass. If not, they’d do the sleeve and in six or so months, they’d operate again and do the bypass. Looking at my records, there should be no problems and the bypass would be done.

They were looking at me going to theatre at 11. Only 2 and a half hours away. As it happens, I went down at 12.30.

All the staff in theatre were great. They introduced themselves and told me what part they play. Everything was stuck to me. I was given gas. I remember being asked if I felt drowsy twice. The first time, I said my fingers and toes were feeling tingly. Next thing I know, I’m being asked my name. I told whoever it was and asked what they did. A bypass I was told. Fine. I was in and out for a while, then taken to the ward.

I felt really special, I had my own room. Kept dozing off until about 5. Came to and was given water to sip. Mum and sister came to visit at 7.30 and left at 8. Then boredom set in.

Nothing to do and no one to talk to. I did have my laptop with me connected to the internet, but I was not in a fit state to do much.

Wednesday, I got up and walked around a bit. Dietician came and gave me my post-op diet. First two weeks liquids. Ugh! Fed up with that already. Next two weeks pureed foods, the two weeks of soft food (mince, mash, soft cooked beans etc.) then back to a normal diet.

I was moved to the main ward mid afternoon. My room was needed for someone else.

Registrar came to see me and told me I could go home on Thursday. Two days after my op. Wow.

Didn’t do much for a few days. Slept mostly over the weekend.

Got my dressing changed at the GP nurse on Monday and walked the mile home. That knackered me out proper!

Bus to the town and back on Tuesday. Met mum for a coffee.

Doc gave me three more weeks off work yesterday, then drove to my dancing class last night. Didn’t do much dancing. Felt a bit sick, but I’m getting better.

I’m starting on phase 2 of post-op diet tomorrow. Porridge or weetabix of breakfast. Scrambled egg for lunch. Woo Hoo!

I feel great.

What helped was a positive attitude and arnica. It’s a natural remedy for healing after trauma. And let’s face it, it is a major trauma! I started taking them a week before surgery, two on the way to hospital then as directed on the pack. £5 from Boots or Holland and Barrett.

It’s been two weeks since the op and I can get into trousers I haven’t been able to wear for years. And I don’t need my seatbelt extension in my car.

Hope you find something out of my rambling to help you.