August 2021

Tracy Edge

1. What made you decide to have WLS surgery?
I looked at some photos that were taken while my partner and I were on holidays and was shocked that I was really that big. I joined the gym, I hoped on the scales and they read 148kg. Wow is all I could say. Anyway 12 months at 5 days a week I was down to 108kg, so proud of myself, then after a lovely day at the aqua fun park with some grand kiddies and nieces and nephews, I blew my knee out, major reconstruction surgery and then getting told no strenuous activities on my leg for 2 yrs I was gutted, but thought I would be fine I have changed my habits got on the right track, went straight on Jenny Craig thinking I can keep loosing only to start gaining again, 12 months on I was back to 125kg. Took the plunge and had my sleeve done in February 2019.

2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and... What’s the goal?
148-125kg my ideal weight was 78-80kg

3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
By sept I was 71kg so dieticians got me stable on 75-78kg by November.

4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
I couldn’t be happier, I have so much energy and still can’t believe it’s me when I look in the mirror. I do stress about putting weight back on so try and stay focused on being healthy. My biggest downfall is that I have a very demanding job and sometimes still forget or don’t have time to eat so still have an optifast shake for breakfast then just have 6-9 small snacks during the day

5. Were there any problems along the way?
Lost too much and had to work with dietician to gain a little. Regular constipation and dehydration, only because I don’t drink enough water

6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
100% would but probably 15 years earlier so I wouldn’t have have so much skin

7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
There are so many Facebook pages like this one where you can get support and advice, that’s Inspiring knowing there are so many supportive people out there, once you get past the negative 🤪

8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
Never in a million years did I ever think I could fit size 8 jeans and that’s my size 🥰

9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?
Get prepared first change your habits and get you pr head in the right space, be prepared for excessive amount of skin that just won’t go back well if you are my age, it won’t.

10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery?
The best thing is that I have so much energy to enjoy my grandkids, and to know I have given my body a chance to actually be here when they grow up. The hardest was that I looked like a rolly Polly dog, skin skin skin, not a nice look and definitely not a comfortable one. So far have had two skin removal surgeries and still one to go and have not regrets well except for letting myself get so big and stay so big for so many years.