Patients' stories: Nichola's story
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when she was just 21 and suffering from chronic back pain, depression and infertility, Nichola’s life was very bleak. That was until she decided to take her future into her own hands and undergo a gastric bypass procedure.
At 22.5 stone, Nichola’s weight has risen gradually since she was a teenager. She tried every diet going, but after each one failed, her confidence took another knock and she would turn to food for comfort. Her GP prescribed her with slimming pills that had a small degree of success, but she would constantly battle with stomach pain. After quitting work due to her poor health, Nichola quickly spiralled into depression. The diagnosis of a close friend with cancer and the avid support of her husband helped her to see that there was hope and that she could take back control of her life.
Nichola had heard of weight loss surgery through the press and conducted her own research before contacting her local BMI hospital. Together with the surgeon and a dietician, Nichola decided that the gastric bypass was the right procedure for her. She attended support groups before and after the surgery and met lots of similarly minded people who she could share her experiences with. Her surgery took place in August 2006 and she spent just three days in hospital.
Almost immediately, Nichola’s insulin levels returned to normal and she no longer needed to take a cocktail of pills to help reduce her cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. She lost over 5 stone in the first three months and has built up the confidence to go swimming three times a week. Fresh opportunities have opened up to her and she is now trying for her first baby.
To find out more visit BMI weight loss surgery.
