After 50 years of being overweight, and having tried and failed on all sorts of diets, I heard of the Lap-Band operation. I did a lot of soul searching before deciding to visit a surgeon to find out more about the operation. After more soul searching I decided that it was for me.

Having been told that there was not a lot of pain involved, only discomfort, I decided to go ahead.

Directly after the operation, I only experienced some minor discomfort. I was well and truly ready to leave the Hospital 48 hours later. I was back at work within 10 days.

Fourteen months down the track and 3.8cc of fluid in my band, I cannot believe how well I feel and how much energy I have gained through the procedure. I have tried to keep fit by doing a lot of walking.

Is there a downside to the operation? No! I can't think of anything that would put me off having the same operation done again.