Michelle Jakeman

One year on from my gastric band

It’s now a year on and I couldn’t be happier I never thought I would be at this place in my life again but with the help and support from gateway (Louise and Andy) and loved ones i have. The 09/09/08 was the first day of the rest of my life, my start weight was 18st 5lb and now 20/09/09 i weigh 12st 3lb. That’s a hefty 6st 2lb. I can now say I am proud of myself. Throughout the year i haven’t hesitated in phoning either Louise or Andy if I ever needed anything and the help was always there , I was never made to feel like I was burdening anybody. Most of all in my own head I still kinda thought for a long time I took the easy way out but was never made to feel like this. At every appointment I came away always feeling like I was floating, even on those bad months (because i think we all have 1 or 2) but every bodies words always made me feel like i was only human and to carry on the good work because look how much weight I had lost already.

Finally my children (8 and 5yrs) love their new mum. We do so much more together and not just mum on the side watching. We have just done a family fun run of 2 1/2 miles. Not only was i praising the children for finishing, inside i was ecstatic with joy at sharing the experience with them because a year ago I wouldn’t have even thought about entering.

THANK YOU Gateway.

Read the diary of Michelle – one year after gastric band surgery

Follow the story of Michelle a Nottingham mum of two as she undergoes gastric band surgery and begins her aftercare programme with Gateway Health.