I'm 62, was identified as overweight at the age of 8 and have been dieting and getting bigger ever since. Must have lost and regained 60+ stone over the years. Every year since my 20s I've dropped 15-30lbs but never been able to get close to an acceptable BMI. Managed to stay fit for years but for the last three have had serious ligament/ joint injuries and have had long periods when walking more than a few hundred yards was impossible.
I was warned earlier in the year that I'm pre-diabetic and have been on the Michael Moseley low blood sugar diet now for three months. I've lost 2.5 stone and still my blood sugar is too high. The GP and specialist nurse insist on framing my inability to keep my weight down as a mental health issue and talk down to me on the assumption I live on chips and cake (the assumption seems to be that being fat = stupid) but can offer no support except an introduction to Slimming World or a cheap pass to a local gym which, because of my ligament/ joint problems I can't use. My BMI is 34 which apparently isn't high enough to merit being put on the bariatric surgery pathway.
I don't want to drugs for the rest of my life. I know too many people who struggle with their diabetes. So I've decided to fund my own surgery and (hopefully) sort out the diabetes and the weight once and for all. I've read an awful lot about the surgery on here and other forums. After many years of dieting, I understand the nutritional aspect of it well.
I'm all ready to go — but how do I find someone who's good in my area? Is there anyone who's had surgery in the Vale of Glamorgan or Swansea area who had a really good surgeon?