Tried to resist it, but it was the only way forward here in Hampshire. Just missed the boat.... If I had been referred a month before I would not have had to do it. Story of my life. Hey, but that was my GP for you, 'Oh, you don't want to do that, it's a bit extreme'. Well!!!!!

So there I was surrounded by fat people, all looking as miserable as me, not wanting to make eye contact, in a surgery waiting room, with the smallest of chairs - with arms- it turned out that none of us had been to before. It was a hot day, parking was at least a mile away, getting the picture? So, by the time we were ushered into a small room that had no open windows I was ready to go. The assessments began, the dietician handed out leaflets and made individual appointments, the psychologist sat rubbing his beard, OMG, what was he thinking? Then he made a group appointment, ahhh, the lovely group work, of course I was happy, wanted to chuck myself under a bus rather than face this. However, it had to be done, as my husband kept reminding me, grrrr. And I did do it, the many trips, the dieting, to prove I was committed and was able to work with professionals, the group work, to prove I was able to overcome problems.

I lost the weight, had to be 10% of your excess weight, so, I got my referral to the surgeon, 3RD January 2014. Waiting to see the dietician again, and the anaesthetist, appointments in April. So, in all that's almost a year, my first 'The Weigh Ahead' appointment was in May 2013.

It will all be worth it Luckyknickers.... I started my journey oct 2012..it took 6 months to get all done that was needed... my surgery was late march 2013... I am 11 month out and down 69-70 pounds ... I am a slow loser but a happy loser... No complications out of the usual ....Life is good just I gotta get back to eating properly I have been grazing lately and am kinda upset with myself ... but I gonna get bac on the wagon. we have a st paddys day challenge starting on feb 17....so that should do it!!!! Good luck in your journey !!!!!!!!!!!!

You are an inspiration, good luck to you.