Paul Hurton
Based in North East Lincs Paul took part in our gastric balloon programme.
Paul contacted Gateway back in March 2007. He weighed 17st 1lb with a BMI of 35 and was suffering from a range of serious health problems including:
Type II Diabetes, Angina (chest pain on exertion), Hypertension (high blood pressure), High cholesterol, 2 previous heart attack
These health problems were affecting Paul’s quality of life and he was determined to get medical help to tackle his excess weight because he felt as though it was literally killing him. Paul’s wife, Mandy, was very worried about his health and has been very supportive during the programme.
Paul was taking 3 different medications to control his diabetes, including insulin injections every day. He was taking medications to control his blood pressure and to manage his respiratory and cardiac problems. Walking long distances was impossible for Paul and if on an incline, he tended to become breathless and experience chest pain. Once, whilst on holiday, he walked 25metres out of the hotel and had to stop because of the chest pain and difficulty breathing. Each day after work, Paul would sit in a chair, often falling asleep during the evening. He had no energy and was becoming more and more worried about his health and quality of life.
Paul saw an article about Gateway Health in his local newspaper and decided to get in touch with and ask for help.
After assessment and a look at the available options, Paul chose the intragastric balloon programme and Dr Asif Naqvi (consultant physician and gastroenterologist) started his treatment on 10th May. After the initial adjustment period while he settled on to the programme, Paul started to make permanent lifestyle changes with regard to food. He followed the key principles of the Gateway programme and was supported by Michelle, (his programme co-ordinator and nurse).
Weight loss with the gastric balloon can be quite rapid to start with – then it usually eases off to a more healthy rate of weight loss. Paul noticed changes in his health problems almost immediately and Paul’s GP, Dr Koonar, tracked his progress carefully, adjusting his medications as the health problems improved – Dr Koonar made sure that Paul’s doses of insulin and heart drugs reduced as the diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol levels improved – otherwise he would have been taking too much and this might have caused other problems.
Paul lost 5 stone and has stopped taking most of his medications. He no longer needs insulin injections and is now easily able to control his diabetes with a tablet. Paul’s weight is very stable since the balloon was removed and he is determined not to go back to the old habits that caused him to be overweight. Paul hasn’t got time to sleep in the chair any more because he goes out to the gym 4 times a week, he goes out cycling and walking and he feels that he has got another chance at life because his health problems have improved so drastically. He also looks younger.
