About Us

This is a very personal account of our life-changing journey through gastric sleeve surgery. A couple for more than 15 years, we undertook this journey of transformation together, supporting each other through it all. We know exactly the challenges and triumphs that come with this procedure, so we get to share experiences, insights, and even tips to encourage and help others who are contemplating or living with a gastric sleeve.

Meet James

I’m James, and for the last 14 years, I’ve faced many health battles. It started when I had a severe attack of acute pancreatitis caused by my fatty liver. This put me in the HDU for a month. Ever since, I’ve been moving between 14 and 30 stone because of constant yo-yo dieting. In 2022, I finally had the diagnosis that my fatty liver had escalated to stage 1 liver failure. As of January 2024, it was still at that stage, and nothing more; therefore, I knew it was time to decide on having gastric sleeve surgery. Now, three months since this surgery, there has been so much improvement in my liver, and also a new chapter for my health and well-being has opened itself to me.

Meet Kirsten

I’m Kirsten. I decided to take the plunge too, and have gastric sleeve surgery with him. My motivation was not only supporting him through his journey but also looking after my health. In the past couple of years, I’ve been yo-yoing from between 12 to 18 stone. The weight had started to cause some fairly major issues, especially when walking. I often found myself out of breath after a short distance, with sore joints and muscles. I knew it was time for a change. Besides, I have fertility issues, and weight loss can improve fertility drastically. Now, three months post surgery, I have no problem walking, no longer getting out of breath or sore.

James & Kirsten

James and Kirsten

Our Journey

Our website serves to inform and give a view into what it is really like living with a gastric sleeve. From the initial decision-making process, including everyday lifestyle adjustments, we open up about our journey. We share on every experience from the pre-op phase through the post-operative recovery period, way into the mental and emotional hurdles that we have been facing and have overcome.

Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or are just plain curious about what to expect, you’ll find a ton of great information here. Beginning with detailed accounts of our progress, meal plans, exercise routines, and personal reflections, we wish to create a supportive community in which you can find the encouragement and knowledge necessary to thrive with a gastric sleeve.

By sharing our story, we try to give people valuable insight into this life-changing surgery. Please remember, this is our personal experience and not medical advice. For medical guidance, always consult your GP.