In January 2024, I decided that I needed to change my life. I was approaching an extremely life-threatening BMI, had sleep apnoea and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
I cut out fizzy drinks, cut down portions, and lost two stone. I felt better, but I was still morbidly obese. I needed to do more. I didn’t like the gym, and I wasn’t into personal trainers. I needed help, permanent help, a tool.
I explored different options (other than wiring my mouth closed). I found a private surgeon in London who offered a gastric bypass or a vertical gastric sleeve. I made the life-changing decision to have surgery. I realised I’d never be able to eat the same again, but the benefits outweighed this.
(I had always said, if you saw me running, you’d better follow me—as there was a problem.)
I arranged pre-health checks, blood tests, psychiatric meetings, and booked a date. I had one final meal in London with beers… then started a liver-reducing diet. Soups and yoghurts for two weeks. I managed it—just!
Surgery day: I checked in at 7 a.m., nil by mouth. Surgery took about an hour—they cut away ¾ of my stomach. It’s now the size of a banana.
I spent two days in hospital, then one week at home recovering, then back to work. I started on clear liquids and broths, then puréed food (this bit wasn’t nice!), then slowly back to normal.
My exercise and fitness increased day by day, week by week. I got a dog, so I have to walk him! I can now easily walk miles, go up and down stairs, and go on bike rides with the family without getting out of breath.
I was off my blood pressure tablets straight after surgery. My sleep apnoea has nearly gone. Liver disease is on the road to being reversed.
I can buy clothes off the peg on the high street. I can see my toes again, and… my shoe size has reduced by one size. How odd…
I just wanted to share my personal journey with you all.
It is never too late to make a change, no matter what it is.
Sharing my experience in a close community online with many people I don’t even know has helped immensely.
We should never judge and always be mindful that we don’t know what others are having to deal with in their lives.
Thank you for reading my story (if you’ve got this far!). I hope it inspires you to do anything you want to.
Sometimes things take tools like the ones I used, help, support, and a lot of effort—but they are worth it!
Periyathambi Jambulingam is a Consultant General Surgeon specialising in upper GI and bariatric surgery at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital NHS Trust (since July 2007) and has practiced at Spire Bushey for over 10 years.
Each balloon represents a stone lost
Each balloon represents a stone lost
Each balloon represents a stone lost
Each balloon represents a stone lost
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