Tracey Garner

After the cancer scare in 2010 I went on to have a gastric band within 5 months of the surgery. The operation was invasive and recovery was again difficult. Within 3 months I had lost 2 stone but had complications that resulted in 2 additional corrective surgeries within 3 months. This left me with scaring and completely knocked my confidence. And soon after the second corrective surgery it was discovered that my band had ‘slipped’ deeming it useless without additional surgery. After having 5 surgeries within 10 months I felt depressed and sore. I had felt that I was doing a good thing in having the gastric band, but all I had done was leave myself thousands of pounds poorer, and all I had to show for it was the scars on my stomach. My gastric band was now useless and that was exactly how I felt. Even having weight loss surgery I couldn’t lose weight. In my sorry state I piled on the weight again. Hating food but loving it at the same time. My family were supportive but frustrated for me. My main issue with food was me! I worked long hours at the time. I would get home after working around 15 hours and would eat EVERYTHING! I wouldn’t eat during the days, wouldn’t think about food at all. Then I’d get home and eat a huge meal and anything else I could get my hands on. I thought that it was OK because I didn’t eat during the day.As I was eating I’d be thinking about what I could have next!

Fitness wasn’t my thing at all. I believed that I was fit as a fiddle! How on earth would I be able to work 15+ hour shifts if I wasn’t fit and healthy? I was totally in denial about my health and fitness. At the age of 34 I decided it was ‘do or die’. If I didn’t change my lifestyle then I’d end up eating myself to death. After having issues with my stomach and being diagnosed with another bowel issue I had had enough. Only I could change my lifestyle, no one was going to do it for me, I just needed a bit of guidance. After speaking to a friend of mine about her weight loss with The Slimming Clinic I decided to give it a try. I felt with support, advice and a positive attitude I was ready to do it! When I decided I was ready to start my weight loss journey I was ready and focused and knew that nothing was going to stop me (this time!!). My positive thoughts and attitude were mirrored by the staff at the clinic. They were always encouraging and offering advice. I felt that any question I had (and I always had lots every week) were always answered and the staff always checked that I understood and was ready to continue with my journey. I love that my doctor sets me weekly targets and treats me as an individual. I feel fantastic! I’m wearing clothes that I had only dreamed about wearing before! I still struggle sometimes, because in my head I’m still a size 20-22, that has been strange to deal with at times. I have joined a gym and started roller skating!! I have also signed up to a Roller Derby team! I made a promise to myself that if I was going to start this then I was going to stick to it. I know that I am happier and more confident now that I ever remember being before. There is no way I’m going to change that!! The best thing for me is being healthy and showing my children how you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.