I can’t thank Patrick and Merril enough. I honestly don’t think I would still be around if it wasn’t for this op. My bloods before the operation were extremely bad, due to sleep apnoea, drinking and smoking. I was a walking heart attack!

I have now given up smoking for 14 months and rarely drink (when I used to drink every night). I use food to nourish my body now instead and I feel much more alive.

I can do so much more now, even just the simple day-to-day things that everyone else takes for granted. I can now cut my toenails without nearly passing out, roll over in bed and get in and out of the car with ease. I had lost weight many times in the past but could never keep it off and then would put it all on plus some!

So, now with my little tool to help me, I will never go back to that unhealthiness again.

My hair loss has been small, I usually put treatments in it a couple of times a week and make sure I keep my protein up and take my vitamins. I am now off my CPAP machine and all my bloods are pretty good.

My gorgeous husband has also lost 16kg since July, he has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter.

To Patrick and his team, I truly thank you all.

You have saved my life!

I chose NEWLS initially because I heard so many good things about Patrick and once I met him, I didn’t need to look anywhere else. He was so caring and warm and has this amazing cheeky sense of humour and Merrill was just the cherry on top.

Elaine was also so supportive and helpful, I always say everyone needs a good team behind them and Patrick certainly has that.

The only barrier I had was myself. But once I put my trust in Patrick and decided I truly wanted to change it can really happen. I had sleep apnoea which I wasn’t aware of. No wonder I was bloody tired all the time. But Patrick directed me to the right people. Got all my bloods under control and now they are pretty much perfect and no more CPAP machine.

My biggest tip is don’t believe half the stuff you read on the internet about the operation always ask your surgeon or your team. It’s far from an easy journey you still have to work hard hence why you need a great team behind you to help and give you their support.

I would tell anybody thinking about getting the surgery to just dive in and do it. I have never been so happy, healthy and fit. I even go to the gym and work five days a week now. I wish I had done this years ago.