Most sufferers try and get by with spinal problems for years – making their situation worse; this is especially prominent among people who are overweight.

I know that treating existing back pain will always be a part of my vocation, but I would like to be able to educate people also, on how to prevent these problems in the first place.

That’s why I’ve created my DVD’s. If you’re currently suffering from back pain, or spinal problems then these simple exercises will definitely aid your mobility and ultimately ease the discomfort. However if you’re concerned about developing back pain, or just want to take preventative measures, then these DVD’s are a brilliant way of ensuring you maintain the fullest range of mobility.

If you’re overweight, your body naturally places more pressure on your spine. This can make mobility more and more difficult and it’s important to address this problem sooner rather than later. The exercises I go through are easy and very simply, yet highly effective.

There are two DVD’s; one aimed at able bodied people and the other is for sufferers with a more restricted range of mobility – have a look at them and see which one is best suited to you.

…

DVD 1 – Exercises for Able Bodied People

Only £9.99 – CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

This DVD is for you if you are fairly active and mobile and do not suffer from a chronic/disabling condition. To be able to practice the exercises in this DVD you need to have full mobility in your joints, specially spine, and be able to go on the floor without any restrictions. You could still do the exercises if you have severe back pain, however, if you have had a surgery on your spine, have spinal fusion or suffer from Sciatica you will find DVD2 more suitable for you.

…

DVD 2 – Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

Only £9.99 – CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

This DVD is more suitable for people who have issues with their mobility, have spinal fusion or severe sciatica. The exercises also cover getting off the floor in case of a fall and demonstrates the independent manouver on and off bed for people who have these mobility issues. Exercises for wheelchair users is another chapter in this DVD, which focuses on this group of people.

…

Watch and follow Wendy’s video diary here.

Here’s a brief summary of why Wendy chose to have a gastric bypass surgery…

Between us, my husband Barry and I weighed almost 50 stone. Barry had a gastric bypass a year ago and it has changed his life. I am determined that the same operation is going to change my life next month.

As this is my first blog post, I thought I would tell you just a little bit about what obesity has done to me and my life. It is not as if we haven’t tried to do something about it. “Yeah, ok”, I hear you say. But it is true. I have spent years yo-yo dieting. I thought I was doing the right thing. For every pound I lost I put several back on. The pounds pile on so quickly. The bigger and bigger I got the more and more difficult it was to get rid of it and the more and more desperate I have become. Imagine what it is like to hate the way you look – not just in a particular outfit, every single day of your life.

I was worried about going to a restaurant because you are concerned about whether you will fit in the chairs.

I couldn’t go on overseas holidays because I couldn’t fit in the aeroplane seats.

I was stared at in the street every day.

I couldn’t do the simple things I love in life like going for a walk or a cycle ride.

I got into a friend’s car one day and the seatbelt was too small to strap me in.

I have to take at least three pain killers every day, and have done for years, because I am in agony with my knees and back due to the extra weight I am carrying.

I know what you are saying – “just do something about it!”

I have been. Well, so I thought. But, I was not doing the right things. I now understand why yo-yo dieting doesn’t work. I now understand that it is not necessarily what you eat – everything in moderation – but the amount you eat.

After years of trying to do something about it on my own and failing, I have decided that enough is enough. I can’t live like this anymore. I am scared about what my weight will do to my health in the long term. I am sick of being judged because of the way I look. It has just got to stop. It may seem like an extreme choice to some, but the gastric bypass operation is my route to a new life.

I am almost 20 stone and a size 28. Things are going to change. Follow my thoughts, feelings and experiences during my weight loss journey every week.

Day 29 Post Op Saturday 20th June 2009 – Weight 104.0kg

I tried mushrooms today for the first time, sliced and cooked in a knob of butter and 2 teaspoons of milk. It’s nice to have to chew something! My hubby Barry says that I look thinner. I am starting to throw away clothes, my size 24 trousers fit now. All the above sizes are being black bagged. My polo shirts for work which are now too big have gone the same way. I shall have to go through my underwear cupboard next!

Day 30 Post Op Sunday 21st June 2009 – Weight 104.3kg

My weight is increasing because I haven’t been to the loo for a couple of days. I had half a mango yesterday in an effort to change the trend; however nothing yet has happened. I have to go to Vita Clinics tomorrow for a follow up appointment. I would have liked to have broken the 104kg barrier for that but it just doesn’t look like it’s to be.

I spent the day working on my campervan bodywork. I’ve put a new driver’s side wing on. It’s welded into place but not yet painted or finished off. This will take some hours yet. I was hampered by the rain in the afternoon and had to stop for the day. So I just tatted about the house, and then went to my dad’s to see him for father’s day.

Day 31 Post op Monday 22nd June 2009 – Weight 104.3kg

I’ve been to Vita Clinics, Edgbaston today for my first post op MOT. All is well. They are pleased with my progress so far. My new agenda is to start an exercise programme. I’ve still got to try and drink more and eat slower, both of which I was aware of. Also, Jane, the Dietician wants me to eat more fruit, trying to get my “five a day” in. The new diet stage 4 to 6 weeks which is mushy plus sharps, which I started a few days ago sporadically.  This means minced things rather than pureed things and dried breads like bread sticks or toast. No soft bread. I’m not allowed rice, pasta or bread which is not toasted yet. All are too stodgy.

Day 32 Post Tuesday 23rd June 2009 – Weight 104.3kg

Still no bowel movements! The mango has failed me. I’m going to have to resort to prune juice. I’ve walked for quite a while today and within minutes my right knee was seriously hurting me. Although I am getting less pain on a day to day basis, it obviously isn’t anything like as strong as it should be. I would like to start using my bike soon but I’m dreading the way my knee will cope with it.

My excess weight loss is 28% (that’s using 10 stone 10lbs as my base line) It has certainly helped my knee let’s hope as the weight drops, the knee improves.

Day 33 Post op Thursday 25th June 2009 – Weight 102.2kg

Dropped 0.6 of a kilo by going to the loo!

It’s a lovely day and there are lots to do outside. The exercise will do me good. Still having to clock watch for meal times as I’m not hungry. There is a danger in getting carried away outside that I will miss a meal. I can’t afford to do that yet.

I’m a little de-hydrated today so I will take my sports bottle with me outside. At teatime I got something stuck in the pouch exit it seems. I threw up continuously for several hours unable to even keep water down. I think what happened was the exit got inflamed.

Day 34 Post op Thursday 25th June 2009 – Weight 102.2kg

I’m better today but I have decided to stick to liquids only to let the swelling of the exit to the pouch go down. I don’t want a repeat performance of yesterday. I’m going to Vita Clinics tonight to the patient meeting and taking my friend Agnes, who is 14 months post op on the same operation. She may gain some insight and others could benefit also.

Day 36 Post op Saturday 27th June 2009 – Weight 102.1kg

A very busy day at work today and I’m quite tired as being back at is still new to me. My stomach has settled well but I’m a bit wary of eating a mushy and sharp food diet as I should be. I’m still sticking to “sloppyish” foods as the pain I went through when I got the food stuck a few days ago is still in the front of my mind and I really don’t want a repeat of it ever!! It was similar to gallbladder pain, which I used to suffer with before I had it removed. That’s a pain second only to childbirth folks say, not nice!

Day 37 Post op Monday 29th June 2009 – Weight 101.9kg

Very warm today. We went to Barmouth in Wales for a day out. The heat was sapping and I was very tired after walking around the town for an hour. We sat in the sun, the dog kept cool with dips and ice creams. I walked up the front and back for a little exercise but it was very warm there.

Day 38 Post op Monday 29th June 2009 – Weight 101.9kg

Back to work again. It’s still warm. I’m trying my best to drink 2 litres a day but I’m not really succeeding. I had some chocolate today for the first time since the op with some trepidation. However I didn’t have a problem at all which is even more worrying to me than adverse affect.

I’m struggling with constipation presently. I will get some prune juice when I can get away from work.

Day 39 Post op Tuesday 30th June 2009 – Weight 101.9kg

Got my prune juice, I’ve frozen portions to help preserve it; Jane from Vita Clinics idea. I had a portion last night and this morning I’ve been to the loo thank goodness.

I have decided to cut out my snacks as my weight hasn’t moved all week. It’s time to go back to three meals a day.

I am trying to get more exercise. I’m working fourteen plus hours a day, then there is housework, gardening, general cleaning duties etc….. It leaves little time for sleep.

Day 41 Post op Thursday 2nd July 2009 – Weight 101.9kg

Even having gone to the loo repeatedly and cutting out snacks I haven’t lost any weight. I’m getting a little worried. I’ve decided to play with the diet and remove as many “carbs” as I can as this in the past has been my problem.

Today’s intake:

150ml prune juice
2 sausages & beans (1/2 can)
½ slice bread and thin spread jam
2.0 litres cordial
8 pieces of pineapple
200ml Orange juice
20g cornedbeef
petit filious x 165g pot
mini milk
baby bell
3 crackers

Day 42 Post op Friday 3rd July 2009 – Weight 101.6kg

Total lost since start of pre op diet 16.7kg 36.8lbs = 2 stone 8.8lbs

0.3 of a kg lost overnight, better than the previous day’s results. I will keep going, removing any of the “carbs” to suit. Also the prune juice seems to be working better. I have only 100ml every morning. To keep it fresh I freeze it in 100ml portions.

Jane Edmonds at Vita Clinics the Dietician said to try and get the “5” fruit and veg a day into me, however the portion size will have to be modified somewhat.

Day 43 Post op Saturday 4th July 2009 – Weight 101.2kg

I tried to cook dinner for the first time today roast chicken and veg, just a bite of each. I was stuffed afterwards and couldn’t eat for hours. It was good though to have a proper meal instead of eating bits of this and bits of that. The low carb diet is working however; I’ve lost 1.3kg in 3 days, that’s 18kgdown from the pre op start. I now weigh 15 stones 11lbs. I’ve lost 2 stone and 12lbs (39.7lbs)

Day 45 Post op Monday 6th July 2009 – Weight 100.3kg

I’m trying to keep my exercise plan up, but working is knocking holes in it. I was up at 2 am and drove till 8:30am then went back to bed again to catch up on some sleep.  After eating I went back to work again! It doesn’t leave much time to exercise much.

I am struggling to keep certain food down. Today it seems I can’t eat toast yet I have eaten it for weeks. Also melon made me sick, it’s strange some days just seems I can’t eat! Others, I can eat almost anything. I’m trying to get my head around it.

Day 46 Post op Tuesday 7th July 2009 – Weight 100.3kg

A good day to day I could eat almost anything… very different to yesterday, the only thing I struggled with today was a fish stick. I even managed to get some exercise in. I’m feeling a little depressed, every little thing is annoying me and getting blown up into enormous problems. I think its post operative depression. I have had this before, it will pass I just need a bit of time to get through it.

Day 47 Post op Wednesday 8th July 2009 – Weight 100.3kg

I’ve had the day of mostly just my school runs to do. I’ve worked on my campervan between the rain showers.

I was doing fine today until teatime when I had a drink of cordial. I hadn’t eaten since 12.15pm and it was 3.20pm more than enough time for my lunch to go down but, the cordial got stuck and I spent 1 ½ hours throwing up the watery remains of the stomach weird!!

At 5pm I had another cordial and was fine! I just can’t understand what sets me off throwing up. This is the umpteenth time this has happened. I was then able to have a coffee and my tea, no problems at all, its mind blowing!

Day 48 Post op Thursday 9th July 2009 – Weight 100.1kg

Now lost 18.2kg currently weighing 15 stone 10 ½ lbs

Today was a good day I managed to get a lot of small jobs done off the “to do” list. I ate half a “school bar” fruit bar at tea time but wasn’t able to keep it down for long. It was just too rubbery a consistency to eat yet, but you live and learn. I won’t try these again for a few weeks.

I managed to walk for 45 minutes today in an effort to get more exercise. However, the next two days are very booked with work to get any time for a repeat of this, but I will try.

Day 49 Post op Sat 11th July 2009 – Weight 100.1kg

I’m up to ¾ of a round of Danish bread toasted for breakfast with jam spread on it. The dog gets the rest. I still can’t eat a full small egg or meat that hasn’t been minced up. They seem to be indigestible to me presently.

I’m still sticking to yoghurts, jellies, soft cheese, crisp breads and baby bells, with weetabix, toast or porridge for breakfasts. I’m just about ok with one fish stick or ½ small can of beans. I can eat one snack sized pepperami or a packet of skips as a snack. I’m drinking mostly cordial with no added sugar or orange juice with 50% water added.

Day 50 Post op Saturday 11th July 2009 – Weight 99.71kg

I’ve reached day 50 post op all is reasonably well. I seem to be losing approximately a stone a month so far. I know this will slow up as time goes on but, I must not try to stretch the pouch. I’m limiting myself to foods that will pass easily through my stomach allowing it to fully heel.

I will keep this diary up until I reach day 90, 3 months post op. My progress on the blog, taking over as the main form of historic log.

Day 51 Post op Sunday 12th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

I’ve managed to walk for an hour today I have not had time to myself for a few days to be able to exercise, working hard this time of year. Hardly time to sleep! Such is the nature of our business. I’ve also caught up a bit in the garden, spending time in the veg plot and cleaning the hen’s coup out. I even managed to do some work on a bonsai tree or two. It won’t last long I’ll be back at work tomorrow.

Things should ease up when the kids are off school in a couple of weeks.

Day 52 Post op Monday 13th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

Some stats for you:-

At my heaviest I weighed: – 19 stone 4lbs, BMI 47 (122.3kg)
At the start of the pre op diet: – 18 stone 9lbs, BMI 44.7 (118.3kg)
At present I weigh: – 15 stone 8 ½lbs, BMI 37.6 (99.3kg)
So total lost: – heaviest:  3stone 9lbs 23kg
Since pre op: 3 stone (just) 19kg

I’ve done my measurements for the Vita Clinics bible today, 3rd one since I started.

Day 53 Post op Tuesday 14th July 09 – Weight 99.3kg

My knee is bad today. I walked for an hour yesterday and the day before. It’s not up to the punishment. The pain is intermittent and devastating. I can’t stand on it when it starts. It happens when I lock it out, because of my bandy leg problem, this means the lock out is more than 180◦ and pressure is put on the front of the cartilage. I managed a walk around Sutton Coldfield shops for 2 hours just shopping, but it ached all the way. Tomorrow it will be very stiff and painful payback time.

Day 54 Post op Wednesday 15th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

Knee is still poorly the rest of me is okay. I’m trying not to eat too many “carbs” as it interferes with my weight loss quite a lot. I don’t seem to be able to get away from 99.3kg!
I will restrict the “carbs” and we will see the consequences I am sure.

Day 55 Post op Thursday 16th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

I’m doing as much exercise as my knee will allow me to. I walked for over one hour today. I’m still cutting out the “carbs” as much as I can and avoiding sugar like the plague!
Weight still 99.3kg. I’m beginning to think I’m doing something wrong!!

Day 56 Post op Friday 17th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

Went mad and walked for a few hours in an effort to move my plateau weight. I’m now in agony and taking painkillers like sweets not good!
I better not be 99.3kg tomorrow or I’m going to lose the plot! I’m eating protein rich stuff and drinking fluids like I’m in a desert.

Day 57 Post op Saturday 18th July 2009 – Weight 99.3kg

STILL 99.3kg this is day seven of this! Is this the way a new trend is going! Am I going to stop at this for an age? I am going to be very upset if this is! Think positively; don’t go there. It’s just a hiccup, I keep telling myself.

Day 58 Post op Sunday 19th July 2009 – Weight 99.0kg

Hurray!! I’ve lost 0.3kg, the first move since Sunday 12th July!  The difference in my diet; none! I can only think that my body was retaining water, or some such thing. I certainly wasn’t eating enough to keep at the same weight for long.

Day 59 Post op Monday 20th July 2009 98.7Kg

Lost another 0.3Kg. I’m somewhat relieved to say.
I’m working many hours in a day at the moment, our business is mostly summer based. But I did manage to walk for nearly half an hour between jobs today. Tried mini Rivita’s for the first time time. They aren’t bad.

Day 60 Post op Tuesday 21st July 2009 98.3Kg

Lost 0.4Kg overnight. I took time out of day to visit Vita Clinics for my two month MOT. Everyone thinks I’m doing fine. My inability to eat meat which is not ground up or salad and fruit skins is quite normal at this stage.

I explained about my busy schedule and not having enough exercise time.

Day 61 Post op Wednesday 22nd July 2009 97.6Kg

I have discovered I can eat Bourbons! Jane at Vita Clinics said to try and eat Pasta and Rice in very small amounts from now on. I’ve been looking into Ravioli and decided to give it a go. No ill effects to report so far. I managed 5 pieces in sauce which is half of a small can from Heinz.

Day 62 Post op Thursday 23rd July 2009 97.4Kg

Jane from Vita Clinics Said I should be on a ‘ramekin’ sized meal by now, but I think I am not quite up to eating that much in one meal. Even if the meal is forty five minutes; as she said I would just throw up as I have before. So for my evening meal I’ve tried it. I got three quarters of the way through the portion and could not eat anymore. (This took me forty minutes)

Day 64 Post op Saturday 24th July 2009 96.4kg

I threw up twice today. Once with half a boiled egg and later again with a petit filouis, both of which I had eaten in the past regularly with no ill effects. I’ve pulled a muscle in my arm somehow and I can’t lift my shoulder, it’s annoying.
I managed to keep down mashed potato with cheese in it for a late tea, then a packet of skips.

Day 67 Post op Tuesday 28th July 2009 96.3Kg

I walked for two hours today. It hurt my knee quite a bit.
I had a drinking chocolate from Costa Coffee and was sick repeatedly afterwards. I think it was the amount of sugar it had in it that set me off. It was very unusual to be sick without food causing it.

Day 68 Post op Wednesday 29th July 2009 96.3Kg

A good day today, no sickness. My intake for the day was one toast for breakfast with orange juice and half water (330ml).
Lunch was two very small potatoes boiled with cheese spread on them. Orange juice and half water (330ml).

Teatime I tried a bit of salad for a change. Tomato, cucumber pieces cheese spread and five squares of Ravioli. Later I was feeling peckish and had a packet of skips, cordial x 2 glasses of 300ml.

I walked for approximately two hours in the morning. I still feel pain in my knee on walking.

Day 69 Post op Thursday 30th July 2009 96.2Kg

I worked hard today I cleaned the caravan by myself. I also walked for 1 hour and trimmed my sisters dog.
I have discovered I can eat fruit bread which I find amazing as it is very stodgy and I was fully expecting it to make me ill. I cooked myself a quorn mince hotpot with 8 veg. It was quite nice. I’ve been eating melon today before this has made me feel sick but not today.

Day 70 Post op Friday 31st July 2009 96.1Kg

Cleaned house today even after working. Also did half an hour in the garden. I certainly have more energy than I used to have. I think it’s time to clean out my closet and throw out my old clothes that are now too big. I have already got several black bags of stuff to go.

Day 74 Post op Tuesday 4th August 2009 95.2Kg

I was working hard today and haven’t eaten a great deal, so for tea I tried a corn beef hash cake and four oven chips. I managed half the corn beef cake and kept it down without any problems. It’s very odd that some things that you might think will affect you doesn’t and things you have had many times happily can make you ill the next time you have them.
I’m beginning to think it’s not what I’m eating but if my pouch exit is inflamed or not! If something sets it off then everything you will eat or drink will be a problem after that for a while.

Day 77 Post op Friday 7th August 2009 99.2Kg

Worked early again and finished at eleven o’clock so I took time out to clean out my wardrobe and throw away all my oversized clothes. Barry has been hoarding his so I took those as well, down to the recycling clothes centre to dispose of them, very satisfying.

Day 78 Post op Saturday 8th August 2009 95.2Kg

Its WLS (weight loss surgery) meeting day at Asda Walsall and it was my turn to go. Barry worked to allow me time off as I did for him the last time. It was good to see friends and see how they were progressing. One lady from the group who is six months out from a RNY Bypass has lost eight stone. She looked great. I can only hope to lose that much. My cold is getting better and tonight we are camping at a pub eating and playing skittles with fourteen other friends from the VW camper club.

Day 79 Post op Sunday 9th August 2009 95.1Kg

Last night’s camping went quite well. Barry won the skittles competition. I ate the Mediterranean pasta dish, which I picked at and then my friends gladly polished off! I was careful only to drink water and lime juice. It was a good night. Nice to be able to get away from work for a few hours and relax. Today I’ve mostly worked at home and not much driving.

Day 82 Wednesday 12th August 2009 95.4Kg

Still tired today even after an early night. However my food intake has been quite low today. I had marmite for the first time on my toast this morning. It caused me a lot of pain in my stomach for about half an hour. I will give it a wide berth for a few more months before I try it again.

Day 83 Thursday 13th August 2009 95.0Kg

I’m working hard at the present, little time for sleep or eating. I ate for tea one piece of tandori chicken and half a popadom with mint dip. I kept this down with any problem. I am hoping my meat problems are subsidising. I will have to try non puréed meats soon to see what I can keep down.

Day 86 Sunday 15th August 2009 94.9Kg

Eating more protein low fat cheese, eggs, milk. Meat is a problem for my system so I have to pick the meat products carefully. I slept quite well and my mood is moderate. I went shopping and got lots of protein based stuff for me. I have to go to Vita Clinics for my 3 month MOT soon. No doubt they will do bloods again and I will be getting a go on the body composition machine to see how well I am doing.

Day 88 Tuesday 18th August 2009 94.4Kg

Had my Vita Clinics MOT today at 10:00am the nurse Carol and dietician Jane were happy with my efforts so far except for the news that my protein levels are down. Jane said I am burning muscle not fat and should definitely eat as much protein as I can having more snacks such as yoghurts and low fat soft cheese. My body composition analysis showed the same answer low protein.  Carol took blood to check for many deficiencies. They will let me know if anything is wrong.

Day 90 Thursday 20th August 2009 94.3Kg

I was working an early shift today. Thinking along the protein lines again I’ve had extra milk and a boiled egg. Yoghurts and chicken bites for tea – no batter. I’ve made two corn beef pies with mash ramekin size for me and froze one, the other is for my tea tomorrow. I’ve spent the day running to the loo to pee. Tomorrow I will weigh less at least that’s the norm when this happens. I had to take my sister Sarah to Solihull for some medical tests late afternoon and there are more due on Wednesday next week.

Day 91 Friday 21st August 2009 93.7Kg

Dropped .4kg overnight as predicted, the extra protein may have helped. I will have to do some experimenting to see if this is so. Up at 6am for morning work, half a day today as it’s a quiet day. Barry had his blood’s come back from the GP yesterday his protein is slightly low as well and he eats a shed load of protein every day cheese – yoghurt etc. I will have to get him onto fish and eggs and off the cheese as it has way too many calories and fat!

Day 92 Saturday 22nd August 2009 93.4Kg

I did quite a lot of exercise today gardening, walking, digging and planting winter crops all with sciatica in my right hip. I didn’t sleep well with it. I went for some new trousers for my up and coming holidays. I found that I could get into a ‘size 20’ at a push now, which means in three weeks they will fit me, right. I am not buying any expensive clothes as they don’t fit for long. My new jeans size is 22 bought three weeks ago are hanging off me and I can pull them up without undoing them! Very satisfying.

Day 95 Tuesday 25th August 2009 92.7Kg

Still suffering with a sore throat and a temperature. I did a weight loss check today. Total losses  since the start of pre op = 56.4lbs = 25.6kg or 4 stones 1/4lbs
Current weight = 14 stones 8lbs or 92.7kg BMI = 35.1
Estimated weight loss stands at 51% EWL of weight to be lost.

Barry losses out of interest today are:-
Weight 17 stones 5lbs = 243lbs = 110.25kg
Losses: – 9 stones = 126.1lbs = 57.2kg BMI= 33.84 67.9%EWL
He is 14 ½ months from his RNY.

Day 97 Thursday 27th August 2009 92.7kg

Went to work early and had finished the shift at 8am so Barry and I went out for the day to Stafford town centre. We took many pictures of the architecture of the town buildings and we browsed the shops for four hours. I walked too far on my knee. Also my hip was killing me. I shall have to have it investigated. I know it’s arthritic but not how much. I ate the filling from a steak bake with no ill effects. The first red meat I have kept down. So for tea I cooked ½ a burger with baked beans, 2 teaspoonfuls. I managed most of it and again was not sick. Good news! Meat minced is back on the menu!

Day 99 Saturday 29th August 2009 92.2Kg

Finally been to the loo! Spent the day trying to keep down my food, I am conscious of my lack of protein intake. I am drinking as much milk as I can, in the form of milkshakes – low sugar. I am trying to get some protein into every meal.

Day 100 Sunday 30th August 2009 92.2Kg

Caught up with the loo going three times today! Today is a different day I’ve kept down everything I have I’ve eaten. Keeping up the protein intake throughout the day.
I got lots of jobs done. Cleaned the chicken coop out and tried to keep busy as my flu symptoms have returned again with vengeance. The infection has reached my chest making my asthma quite bad. I haven’t eaten a lot as I feel so bad. Barry has come down with it too now. He’s got a bad temperature.

Day 102 Tuesday 1st September 2009 92.2Kg

Tried half a kipper today which went down ok! Feeling cocky I tried fruit and fibre cereal again was unable to take it and bought it back most immediately. I tried again with the protein at every meal deal, but after thinking about it I went to boots and bought a box of protein powder which you add water to coffee or similar and drink gives you 7g of protein. Three a day plus my extra efforts with my meals should do the trick. It doesn’t taste of anything but is white like milk. I tried it with coffee and it is acceptable. I’m feeling a little better today. Barry is still bad, his temperature is still high.

Day 103 Wednesday 2nd September 91.4Kg

I tried half of a kipper again with half a piece of toast, which promptly came back again. I think I ate it too quickly. My flu is definitely going. Barry is getting better too. I still feel weak after flu so I didn’t do much today. After working on the early shift I came back for a knap then spent the day just on the phone answering quotes and enquiries. I got Barry to take some photos of me for the record and some of me in my ‘kept’ black trousers from pre op days. You can see how much I have lost. Barry was gobsmacked.

Day 104 Post op Thursday 3rd September 2009 91.4kg

I managed chicken curry and rice for tea using real chicken – un minced. However I’ve got a lot done today serviced the campervan to go on holiday and also did a lot of washing and ironing.

Day 105 Post op Friday 4th September 2009 91.4Kg

I ate well again today managing protein at every meal. In a drink for breakfast, had an egg for lunch and a lamb cutlet for tea. All stayed down, that’s a first for lamb, However I am very tired today, it’s all about these early shifts I am on at present. Tomorrow I will do a ‘vitals’ check on my progress.

Day 106 Post op Saturday 5th September 2009 90.4Kg

Today is a meeting day for the WL at ASDA in Walsall.

So vitals are:-14 stone 3lbs now = 90.4kg (199.2lbs) total loss since start of pre op diet = 4 stone 6lbs (which is 61.5lbs) or 27.9kg.
BMI = 34.2 %EWL= 55.5

I am reasonably happy so far with my losses.

Day 108 Post op Monday 7th September 2009 90.1Kg

Up early went to Manchester and back napped then shopped for our company trip to Wales with the camper club. I’m not eating a lot at the moment I don’t seem to be able to. I keep one eye on my protein intake all the time.  I’ve brought some soya beans which are roasted and salted as the protein levels are excellent. They taste a little like cashews, but milder. If these work I will make them a regular item on the shopping list.

Day 110 Post op Wednesday 9th September 2009 89.9Kg

Finally got less than 90kg it seemed to be a long time coming.

BMI = 34 %EWL 56.5 weight 1452lbs (198.1lbs) lost 62.6lbs = 4 stone 7lbs 28.4kg

From my heaviest in 2007/8 which was 19 stone 4lbs I have lost 5 stone 2lbs!  I am quite pleased to be at 56.5% of EWL.

The soya beans went down ok. So I’ve brought some more to keep me going on holiday. We go away tomorrow for a week’s camping with our friends in the VW club. We are all taking our camper vans and beetles to shell island in Wales to get rained on for a week! Any sunshine will be a bonus!

Day 113 Post op Saturday 12th September 2009 89.4Kg

A very active day today I’ve started off by going for a 2 and a half hour walk up the beach and over the dunes returning via the fields. A lovely day clear and sunny later before lunch we went for a dip in the sea. It was extremely cold at first but I soon got used to it. In the evening we walked to the beach with all our friends and took everything for a BBQ. We watched the sun set and had a great time. All together it was a great day; tomorrow we will probably go fishing for a while if the weather is still good.

Day 116 Post op Tuesday 15th September 2009 89.9Kg

Travelled home via the technology centre in Wales. We have been there before and went as we were nearly passing on our return. It was much as I remembered it but they are building new additions. I feel quite well, stronger than before the holiday started. I think the extra exercise helped. The dog was very pleased to be home, I was very pleased to have a comfortable bed.

Day 119 Post op Friday 18th September 2009 89.8Kg

I’ve had my extra bloods done one shot no problems. I’m eating junk foods also, which isn’t good. It’s because I’m worried I know. I’m trying hard to stop myself, but with Barry on one of his major downers it just isn’t happening. I’ve stopped talking to him. It just isn’t worth it. He will be fine in a few days I should be used to him by now!

Day 120 Post op Saturday 19th September 2009 89.8Kg

Gained Weight!  Told Barry to get his act together, he is a little better today. We went shopping for a new watch for me and parts for the camper van for a re-tune.
He brought me an early birthday present, a new saddle for my bike. His better mood helps with my worries and he even enquired about my hospital trip. I think his black mood is greying. He wants to go out tomorrow to go metal detecting, so we made a deal I’ll work Sunday if he does the night runs Monday am. It’s ok by me.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Vita Clinics are one of the UK’s best weight loss surgery clinics. The expert team are friendly and knowledgeable. Why not give them a call today for a no obligation chat?

Call Vita Clinics today on 0800 849 40 50

. . . . . . . . . . . .

The government has set itself the goal of being the first major nation to reverse the rising tide of obesity and overweight in the population. For this ambition to be met it is essential that all sectors from the early years, to schools and food, from sport and physical activity to planning, transport and the health service are joint up. This conference will examine how this ambition can become a reality at local and national levels, as well as looking at the management of obesity through evidence based programmes aimed at the maintenance of weight loss.

Vita Clinics is also exhibiting at this event. In addition, Dr Carel Le Roux, Vita Clinic’s UK Bariatric Physician Advisor, is also delivering a presentation entitled “Reducing the impact of obesity – the role and cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery”. He will focus on the growing economic impact of morbid obesity on society and the NHS, why bariatric surgery is the treatment of choice for appropriately selected patients, and the long term cost-effectiveness, health and quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing surgery in expert hands and with specialist long-term follow-up.

For more information, click here http://insidegovernment.co.uk/health/obesity_activity/

People often talk about the benefits of weight loss surgery in terms of feeling healthier and fitter, and of course losing weight, but they rarely discuss the problem of excess, sagging of skin once the ideal weight has been reached.

When you’re embarking on your journey of weight loss following obesity surgery it is difficult to focus on negatives rather than positives, but it is important to recognise that for some people, they may need to go on to require further surgery to remove this excess skin – sometimes called body contouring (a form of cosmetic surgery). We can offer help in this way irrespective of where you had your weight loss surgery.

Why does this happen?
The exact mechanisms are not clearly understood but it is accepted that whilst you can build muscle tone through exercise, this will not change skin tone. Skin elasticity is something that is not influenced by activity or exercise. Losing weight results in fat loss (beneath the skin) but not the skin loss itself.

Why is this worse in some and not others?
Again this is unclear. There may be several factors such as diet, genetic factors, race, age, gender and lifestyle (eg: alcohol, smoking and drugs are known to affect skin tone). We do know that speed of weight loss appears to be a factor. Plastic surgeons report that skin can become very loose and has little tone after losing 50 pounds or more in a very short time. After bariatric surgery such as gastric band or gastric bypass, some people can be left with large amounts of loose skin on their abdomen, arms, waist, thighs and breasts if they have lost a lot of weight quickly.

Vita Clinics recognises the distress that some our patients can feel when they achieve their ideal weight maybe for the first time in many years and yet this is bittersweet. The mirror once again proves an enemy. They to emotionally complete the process of becoming thin and this excess skin is a huge barrier. This is when people may choose to have body contouring or skin reduction surgery to rid themselves of excess skin.

Who should have this done?
Timing the surgery right is essential to both reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best long term results. We would consider people for this type of plastic surgery based on the following criteria (this list is not exhaustive):

• You have both achieved and maintained your target weight for a minimum of one year
• Your BMI at the point of referral for skin reduction surgery is less then 30
• You have had no previous history of poor skin healing and are not on long term steroid therapy
• You have no active psychiatric illness/disorder for which cosmetic surgery (plastic surgery) might be contra-indicated
• You have no known allergy or hypersensitivity to Arnica or Vitamin E (not an absolute contra-indication). Where this is not the case advice should be sought from a plastic surgeon prior to referral.
• For breast surgery, you have no future intention of breast feeding.

Patients should have a realistic expectation of what can and cannot be achieved with a full understanding of potential complications before they agree to skin reduction surgery. The importance of a support group in the medium and longer term is paramount.

We work with some of the UK’s leading Cosmetic Surgeons to offer the full range of cosmetic operations required to enable you to complete your journey of transformation, with the surgery carried out in many of our partner hospitals. The procedures involved are safe, without serious complication and with good aesthetic results when undertaken by expert surgeons in appropriate hospital facilities.

We offer the following procedures:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Mastopexy (breast uplift) with breast implants (breast augmentation)
• Thigh Lift
• Brachioplasty (arm lift)
• Upper body lift
• Lower body lift
• Facelift

Call Vita Clinics on 0800 849 4050 for a discussion with a nurse or to book a consultation with an expert surgeon. We do not employ sales staff, just clinically qualified professionals.

Vita Clinics in Edgbaston has opened its doors to offer six-month weight management courses, for £500, or surgery, such as gastric banding and gastric bypasses, from between £6,750 and £10,000.

The clinic is staffed by dieticians, physicians, nurses, surgeons and psychologists. Many patients will be referred by their GPs.

Northern Ireland has already sent 20 patients to the Birmingham clinic because the NHS there is struggling to keep up with the demand for treatment. Its arrival in the city comes as more people than ever are classed as overweight or clinically obese.

David Allison, Birmingham clinic manager, said surgery was not a quick fix and patients were there as a last resort after failing to shed the pounds with diet and exercise.

“Being obese can be so restrictive to people’s lifestyles, stopping them from doing all sorts of normal day-to-day activities, not to mention the extreme associated health risks,” he said.

“Many people don’t know how to start losing their excess weight and, more importantly how to keep it off in the long term.”

Latest figures show that obesity is costing Birmingham health services more than £300 million a year.

More people are resorting to surgery as the number of gastric band-type operations has soared by 1,000 per cent in the past 10 years in the West Midlands.

Mr Allison said: “We have a current generation of adults who, without specialist medical or surgical treatment, will die early from their obesity – as much as nine years early.”

He said that obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma, can be “cured” by losing weight.

One in four adults in the UK is classified as obese, that is they have a BMI (body mass index) of more than 30. If this continues, nearly 60 per cent of the UK population could be obese by 2050.

About 8,000 surgical procedures, such as gastric bands and bypasses, are carried out every year.

Click here to view the programme on the BBC iPlayer