Case study: ‘I knew it would change my life and it has’

By NATALIE WALKER
Published on 05/08/2012 00:00

AFTER nine years of “yo-yo” dieting Jessica Ramsay decided to have surgery to lose weight.

Just five months after having a gastric sleeve fitted she has lost a staggering six stone. The hairdresser has dropped five dress sizes – from a size 22 to a 12 – and says it is the best thing she has ever done.

Jessica, 25, from Edinburgh, said: “I was a figure skater until I was 16. When I stopped I piled on weight.

“I did every diet going to lose weight. I would lose but it always came back on, and more. I was so depressed. I had a boyfriend and lots of pals but more than anything I wanted to wear nice clothes and be healthy.”

Last year she decided to start saving the £10,000 needed for the operation at a private hospital after learning a friend had lost six stone after undergoing the same procedure.

She said: “I got some money from family and when I had enough there was nothing that was going to stop me. I knew it would change my life and it has.

“The surgery was very quick. I had to stay in hospital for two days just to make sure everything was OK and then I was home and I have never looked back. In a matter of days I felt lighter and had more energy.”

Jessica says the hardest part has been reducing her food intake but says she rarely feels hungry.

She said: “I look at foods now and rather than wanting them, they turn my stomach. I eat very small portions, like a starter size, and try and eat varied things. It is not all healthy either, I do have treats.

“The very word ‘diet’ before had me running for a box of Pringles. Now I literally eat what I want. The difference is three mouthfuls and I am pretty much full.

“People I have not seen in ages walk past me now, just five months on. It is incredible.”