Before the operation my life revolved around my weight. I had tried all manner of diets. I would succeed for a while but then slip up and be right back where I started … plus some.

Although not a recluse, I avoided as many social functions and day to day activities as I could because I was so embarrassed about my size. This attitude began affecting my marriage, my children and - above all - me!

My weight really became a major issue of me when my eldest child became mobile and I was unable to keep up or participate in many activities. I realised then that something needed to be done so that I didn't miss too much of my children's lives. I also wanted to be around to watch them grow up. I also wanted to live life again.

I had two main fears about the operation. First, I was afraid of dying on the operating table because of my size, but this fear was laid to rest by all concerned. Second, I was worried it might not work, but that fear was soon laid to rest once the weight started coming off.

Pain was not a major issue but there was discomfort - especially moving around for the first two days. By the third day I was moving quite freely although slowly. The pace picked up each subsequent day.

I continued to breastfeed my 11 month old daughter, having two days break while in hospital and resuming on the third day when I came home. My husband went back to work one week after the operation and I resumed full-time Mum duties to my 4 year old and 11 month old at that time.

I was amazed how soon after the operation I was feeling hungry - it was only five days later! So, I went onto mushy food in consultation with my surgeon and was on 'normal' food within 10-12 days. I watched what I was eating and the quantities but was amazed how much could be eaten, depending on what it was.

I had my first inflation at five weeks with another two inflations very quickly following to reach my optimum level for weight loss. It was another six months before I needed my next inflation and that took me to 4mls.

For the first 8 months I lost 1 kilo per week then I plateaued and realised that I could no longer rely just on the band. I joined a local gym and made sure I worked out 2-4 times a week. I found the exercise not only got the weight loss moving again but toned everything up - which my body desperately needed.

I recommend taking measurements before the operation and each month after the operation. In the months when my weight loss was not great the changes in my measurements was huge boost. I also recommend weighing yourself at regularly spaced intervals. I weighed myself every two weeks.

I have no trouble eating any kind of food, although I do have to be aware of cooking methods, what else is being served and what I have already eaten that day. I usually only have red meat and bread at home as I have been unable to tolerate these sometimes and needed to vomit to get comfortable. When I eat out, I tend to stick to chicken, fish or pasta.

I would absolutely recommend this operation to anyone thinking of having it done. I feel reborn. There's a whole new world out there waiting for me to explore it once again.

A Postscript (July 2000)

It has been a little over 2 years since my lap-band operation, my weight loss was 45kg but over the last few months I have put on 4 kg mainly through my own complacency, the bad habits coming back into my life and lack of exercise! I know I ended up relying on the band too much for maintaining the weight loss but having lost the initial 45kg and gaining a whole new life I became comfortable where I was weight wise and lost the enthusiasm to keep going even though I still wanted to lose another 25kg and now I'm struggling with the old inner demons and bad habits again to get my motivation kick-started.

My band is at 4ml and has been since August 1999 and I am finding that my meals can be of quite a generous portion depending on the type of food served and I can tolerate meats and heavy meals better now too but I am still subject occassionally to having to vomit to get comfortable.

If there is one thing I have learnt over the past 2 years it is never to lose sight of your goals and to keep your motivation going even when you have reached a milestone or hit a hard time and have plenty of ready support.