Over the time we’ve been writing this site, we’ve received a lot of questions — through comments, messages, and from people in our lives who know about our journey. Here are the ones that come up most often.
Does It Hurt?
The surgery itself is laparoscopic and you’re under general anaesthetic, so no. The recovery involves soreness around the incision sites, and the trapped gas discomfort (particularly in the shoulder) in the first couple of days is often more uncomfortable than the incisions themselves. It’s manageable. Most people describe it as a 5-7 out of 10 at worst, and it improves quickly.
Will I Ever Eat Normally Again?
Depends what you mean by normally. You’ll eat real food again — yes. In the same quantities as before? No, and that’s the point. Two years on, we eat three small meals a day of mostly normal food. We just eat significantly less of it and much more slowly.
How Much Did You Lose?
We’re deliberately vague about specific numbers because we don’t want our results to become the benchmark people measure themselves against. What we will say is that both of us lost a significant amount of weight — enough to move from the obese category to a healthy BMI — and that the results have been maintained.
Was It Worth It?
Yes. Without hesitation, and with full knowledge of the difficult parts — the recovery, the emotional adjustment, the ongoing management — yes.
Should I Do It?
That’s a question only you, your doctor, and the people closest to you can answer. What we can say is that doing thorough research, understanding what you’re committing to long term, and going in with realistic expectations gives you the best possible foundation for a good outcome.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.