Considering that obesity and overweight is an epidemic in UK and also around the world. I find it strange that this is such a frowned upon procedure. Let’s be frank about this. On the market there are hundreds or maybe millions miracle ‘cures’ for people who are struggling with weight problems. There would not be such a massive market for these products if there was no demand. Like every other overweight person who tries their best to get rid of the fat, I have tried a lot of these products and diets. I have probably spent a small fortune on trying to loose weight. Every time I tried something I had some results, even really good ones. But then I’d gain it all again plus a few more. I eat healthy in general, have the occasional treat and go to gym 3 to 4 times a week. I swim around 70 laps in 40 minutes. Not to bad for a fat girl I’d say. But the weight is stubborn and clings onto my body like there is not tomorrow. I read in one of the many ‘How to loose weight and keep it off books” that your brain and body gets used to you being a certain weight and will try and keep it there. Now I have tried it all, pills, shakes, low calorie, high protein, this slimming club, that slimming club, hypnosis, starvation, les than 1000 calories, positive mind set and all the rest. And now I have had it. I will not spend a cent, penny, lira or nickel (whatever currency you can think of) on another diet fad.  I am taking some hard money. This is the last straw and paying for a longer, happier life. I am in a relation ship where I can see a future with a couple of kids and a white picket fence. I am doing this for myself. Many people ask so how this procedure works. Well it is malabsorptive. This means that your bodies ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food is limited. The way food is travelling through your digestive system is altered by your surgeon. It is done by bypassing the large part of your stomach and a portion of your small intestine. This means that calories and nutrients will pass through your system without being absorbed. Because of this you will loose weight but also needs to take a very good multi-vitamin for the rest of your life. So what are the risks involved in this procedure, well I’d say exactly the same as any other operation, haemorrhage, blood clots in your legs / lungs, reactions to anaesthetic or medication, infection and of course death. Fortunately this is not common. The Healthier Weight Group has had not fatalities, and only had to go back to theatre once. Pretty impressive, I’d say. And the health benefits? 80-85% of diabetes is cured or improved. 75%  of hypertension patients can stop taking medication. Better self esteem.  And other things (that I do not have) like sleep apnoea, reflux, stress incontinence, infertility, asthma and liver disease are either improved or reduced or cured!