Patient Success Stories

My life before surgery was difficult, painful and miserable, and I also had problems with insomnia. I’d visited several doctors but it wasn’t until I met Professor Purkayastha that I knew he was the surgeon I wanted to work with. I felt safe and reassured that I’ve made the right decision. I would recommend the Surgical WeightMatters team for their honesty and patience. All the Doctors and staff were very supportive and made me feel safe.

My health has improved significantly. I’m not at risk of getting diabetes or cholesterol, I rarely experience any body pain (i.e. knee pain), and I feel much more energetic after losing weight.

Before my surgery I was a 5ft 85kg teen. At 19 years old I felt so unhappy with my weight. I felt hopeless and stuck and started to experience health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high heart rate, constant vomiting from acid reflux from overeating and was unable to complete any type of simple exercise such as short walks without becoming so out of breath. I felt hopeless. I became a shud-in due to my body shame and the fatigue and laziness caused by my unhealthy lifestyle

After visiting different bariatric doctors I decided to continue with Professor Purkayastha because he was the clear perfect choice to help me with my weight loser journey. He was caring and sympathetic and thoroughly explained my options and comforted me with reassurance that weight gain is something which some people cannot control and bariatric surgery is an effective solution to allow those who cannot lose the weight alone to be allowed to create a healthier and therefore happier life which is deserved.

Him and his team were the warmest and friendliest staff which made me and my family feel calmer, safer and in caring hands. Highly respected by me and my family for not just his amazing work but him and his team’s caring personalities.

Although it took around a year for the process of being ready to have the surgery complete, this was due to the professionality and safety measures Professor Purkayastha took to eliminate and sort any medical issues I was experiencing due to my heavy weight. This further gained my trust in him as a surgeon who truly cares for not just helping his patients with the start of their weight loss journey but also ensures that they are completed safely. Professor Purkayastha was always there for me and is a truly caring doctor.

My life dramatically changed post surgery. My heart rate, blood pressure and high cholesterol immediately dropped to a normal rate eliminating all my health issues. And although Professor Purkayastha had me begin regular sports activities before being able to complete the surgery, continuing sports after became something which I looked forward to, especially as the bariatric surgery made the next stage of continuing to lose weight easier and more motivational.

Everyone says I’ve become a happier, more confident and self loving person who enjoys living her life again. I cannot recommend not just the surgery but also Professor Purkayastha who will take this terrifying journey with you and create your perspective into understanding obesity is an illness which can sometimes only be cured through bariatric surgery and there’s no shame in that. The feeling of embarrassment fades when you talk to him.

I have recommended Professor Purkayastha for bariatric surgery to 2 family members with one who has recently completed surgery with him too. I recommend surgery to anyone who is struggling with weight loss as I will always see it as one of the best decisions I made for my quality of living. I want to show people who have weight issues that there are ways to feel better through weight loss and a healthier happier lifestyle is achievable and it is not shameful to receive surgery to obtain this.

I had low self esteem, never used to look into the mirror for years and I was very depressed. I used to black out not knowing why and my periods were irregular and I had many hormonal issues before the surgery.

The whole team was very helpful and tentative. The team was understanding and I felt safe in talking about my fears. I was given all the information I needed and more. The team helped me through the process which made me comfortable in taking this big step forward. I have already recommended a couple of people. I want them to be healthier and happier just like I am.

After surgery I was able to do things that I have stopped doing because of weight gain. I gained confidence and felt happier and healthier in my own body. My health issues were mostly gone and I started to live a better day to day life.

Life before my VSG was limited – frustrating, and often depressing. The constant battle of what I ate, ignoring the scales and hoping something would change or I would find the motivation to stick to a diet was relentless. I knew I was being held back by my weight physically, but the weight also held me back mentally.

When I finally got to the point that I knew I needed help with my weight, I wanted the best. But I didn’t really know where to look or appreciate that finding the right person for the surgery – was also about finding the right team to support me throughout the pre and post-surgery and support my personal journey and lifestyle.

When I found Mr P, he made it clear that the best chance for success was built on a team-effort. I even brought my husband to the first meeting to make sure he was also part of the journey. From the first meeting Sanjay as a consultant and surgeon, and his team have been impeccable. Mr P is a great communicator, and took the time to get to know me, understand my personal challenges, what my experiences are and be realistic about what a WLS journey can look like. He is fair and balanced in all his conversations around surgical options and makes it clear that the choice of WLS is only step one of the overall lifestyle changes – and that he and his team are there for all elements of support.

And his extended team have been a huge part of my journey too – Marcela as a safe and helpful voice to make sure you always know what is happening and help manage expectations around the operational elements of the WLS process; and my nutritionist, Jess – who has been one of the most critical pieces of my journey. Her understanding, sincere approach and support helped re-educate me on food, nutrition, helping me to make better choices, and ultimately enable me to adjust and find a longer term lifestyle change.

When people ask me how I feel now – I often describe it as ‘normal’ – and that is not to say I have not had an amazing transformation or to undermine what this journey has been, however what I have gained through WLS is an ability to just be ‘normal’ (and from being morbidly obese – that is be the BEST outcome you can hope for!) Any fear and embarrassment about my weight has been removed. I can fit in clothes, fit in all chairs, and not worry that my weight is a limiting factor in living a normal life. I am not constantly tired or feel out of breath in doing simple things. I can do everything I want now, and I do it with more confidence and energy than ever before. My life is normal – and I love it!

I could not recommend Mr P and his team more – for surgical skills and ability but equally importantly, the journey and process that the team supports you on! The surgery has changed my life – firstly in the physical way and helping to me to reach my weight goals but, just as importantly, the team has also been part of my mental journey to help me understand and appreciate my behaviours with food, helping to re-educate me on the role of food in my life and addressing clear triggers for why I would eat.

Mr P and his team have helped me on every step of the journey, and I am forever grateful.