Georgie lost 55kg in 12 months

My name is Georgie and I am 50 years old.

I am so happy I decided to have weight loss surgery with Dr Michael Hatzifotis.

I had been on so many diets throughout my teenage to adult years. I was always Yo-yo dieting. You name the diet, or medication for weight loss, I had tried it. I would lose weight and then after a few months regain the weight plus extra.

My reasons for deciding to have surgery was because Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family and both my parents, who were obese, died in their early 50’s and 60’s. I knew that surgery was the only solution for me to lose and keep the weight off and hopefully not get type 2 diabetes. I was starting to have body aches, I was snoring, I was physically unfit and would get out of breath walking upstairs. I was also beginning to find it hard to buy clothes I liked in my size.

I had been seriously thinking about having weight loss surgery for at least 1-2 years before making an actual appointment with a surgeon. I researched online people who had had weight loss surgery and this information was very helpful in making my decision and I decided to book with Dr Michael Hatzifotis at Surgery Brisbane.  His website was very informative and the medical secretaries when booking my first appointment were helpful, positive and were able to answer any questions I had.

Dr Hatzifotis is not only a great surgeon he is also easy to talk to and has a great bedside manner. He saw me every day while I was at Greenslopes hospital. I followed all his directions both pre-operative and post-operative. The anaesthetist I had for surgery was also great. I was anxious in the lead up to surgery but knew this was my best chance at losing weight and keeping it off.

I believe my weight loss success is because I followed Dr Hatzifotis’ and the dietitians' instructions. I started to exercise by walking in the weeks leading up to my operation and continued to exercise post-op, when I was able to. This aided my recovery. My weight was dropping each week because my stomach size was reduced, and I followed all the post-op stages. I physically could not overeat.

Before surgery my portion sizes were too large. I didn’t have a “full mark” and I would eat a lot of snacks and processed food. After surgery I am now more mindful of what I eat. I make healthier choices and I exercise.

I am at the stage now where I can eat just about anything I’d like to, but in smaller portions. I also have a “full mark” now.

Two years on and my confidence has improved, my physical fitness has improved, and I now enjoy exercising. I no longer snore or have any body aches and I enjoy shopping for clothes that I like and not just clothes that fit. I am still me but a better version of me!

I absolutely have no regrets about surgery. I am so glad I had it.