The decision to have surgery for weight loss was the best decision I ever made.

I had been overweight most of my life and it seemed as though I had been trying to lose weight most of my life also. In 2005 at the age of 25 I returned home from a life-changing trip around Europe and I was so depressed to realise just how overweight I was couldn’t wait to get my photos developed and show my friends and family. When I picked up my photos I realised I hadn’t posed for a photo for years and that I hadn’t even really looked at myself in the mirror for a long time. I was so depressed to realise just how overweight I was.

This was the moment I realised I needed help. I wanted to lose weight, I wanted to like what I saw in the mirror and feel good about myself. I had tried drugs, diets, weight loss programs and just about every weight loss fad you could imagine. I calculated I had spent over $20000.00 trying to lose weight for around 7 years.

 A cousin of mine had recently had Gastric Band surgery and had lost 30 kilos in 6 months. I attended an information night with Geoff where all of my questions and doubts were answered. Two days later I there are thousands of reasons to lose weight was booked in for a Gastric Band. Since my surgery my life has changed in so many ways. I had a few reasons I thought I wanted to lose weight for however after losing 59 kilos I discovered and continue to discover there are thousands of reasons to lose weight.18 months after Surgery I was engaged to my partner, had left a 10 year career with Qantas to become a Personal Trainer and was participating in 55km UltraMarathons.

Six years down the track and I struggle to remember what life was like when I was so overweight. That I struggle to remember what life was like when I was over weight part of my life is a distant memory. I now enjoy a healthy, happy and active life. The decision to have surgery for weight loss is a very personal decision. I can tell you that it is in no way taking the easy way out or cheating weight loss. It still takes hard work and you need to follow the advice given to you by your surgeon and support team. If you follow their advice you too can look forward to the decision to have weight loss surgery being the best decision you ever make.

Andy

PS. I now run my own personal training and health coaching business on the Mornington Peninsula where I work with weight loss surgery patients everyday.... www.activeboxing.com.au