A MUM-OF-FIVE who has lost 12 stones in a year after having a gastric band operation has praised the surgeon who changed her life.

Louise Thomas, 41, spoke out following an inquest into the death of 28-stone Jarrod Lee Fahey, who died after having the same gastric bypass three days before her. The Dalton woman’s procedure was carried out by the same surgeon Philip Lyndon at Dewsbury District Hospital last March.

But for 27-stone Louise it was a complete success and she is urging others not to be deterred.

She said: “What happened to him was tragic but you know the risks when you go in. I had about eight months of seeing hospital psychologists to prepare me for the risks. It is all done very well.”

“It was worrying but I knew if I didn’t have it done, I’d die of a heart attack or stroke anyway.”

“I just want people to hear the plus side and know he is a wonderful surgeon. He has changed my life. That man is my hero.”

To read the full article and see the before and after pictures click here.