Wendy

"...my rescue from obesity..."

Gastric banding was my rescue from obesity. Living with obesity was pure hell. It involved sitting down at picnics and not being able to get up. The indignity of getting on a plane and asking for a seatbelt extension. Making excuses while the rest of the family headed off to the beach. I wasn't living… I was just existing from day to day.

You get sick of false promises. I tried every 'miracle cure' on offer… diets, supplements, gym, pills. Yet whatever weight I lost came quickly marching back.

After years of dieting, I hit my ultimate low point in 1995 with severe depression. My weight was at its highest ever. Low self esteem, depression and many tablets…life was a living hell. I gained 30 kgs during this time and finally had enough.

I had the banding done in April 2001. This is the best thing I have ever done. I may not have been a star patient, but as I began to lose weight, it gave me the confidence to persevere with the band.

I have lost 55kg in total. My self-esteem and depression have improved, and the band has taught me to slowly change my eating habits. I still go to restaurants and enjoy the occasional drop of red wine. I now have a personal trainer who I see twice a week and walk at least one other day. I have never done this before and I actually love going.

Through my obese years, my husband never made a negative comment about my weight, bless him. Now he won't stop telling everyone how proud he is.

I feel in control of my life. Every day, I wake up feeling confident and in control. For the first time, I can really enjoy what I eat without guilt. I can go where I like, buy the clothes I want, and not feel other people's eyes on me anymore.

Thanks to gastric banding, I have got my life back.

Wendy