October 2021

Trudy Flemington

1. What made you decide to have wls surgery?
I had been unwell with the flu, and have a history of avoiding doctors. I went to my teenage daughters GP for a doctors certificate, and he said “you are such a good mum, who always puts your daughters health 1st, why don’t you put yours 1st too”. He told me that a gastric sleeve or bypass might help me lose some of my extra weight, and be an even better mum. Crying my eyes out, I rang my husband on the drive home and he said, “honestly the surgery costs less then a car, and it just drives you places… this is your body, health & life, I support you”. I rang the weight loss clinic that day, and started the ball rolling.
2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and... What’s the goal?
The day I rang the clinic I was 127kg. Surgery date 117 & 4 weeks post op 103kg (current). My aim is to get below 80kg, my team truly believes I can get there (maybe even by Christmas).
3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
Not yet, but I will. I am only 4 weeks post op.
4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
It has been the best decision I’ve made. My only regret is that I didn’t make it years ago.
5. Were there any problems along the way?
Nope. Other than impatience to get back into the gym, and a lack of energy.
6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
Absolutely! And I love talking about my surgery and what I’ve achieved.
7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
The feedback from people saying “I feel like I can see the real you” & “you look so happy”… I didn’t even know I looked so unhappy.
8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
I can get my wedding ring on.
9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?
The pre-op diet is a good way to prepare yourself for post op. See a psychologist who knows about emotional eating well and truly before surgery date. Healthy you starts with knowing your triggers.
10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?
I can now walk up the hill to my mailbox without my calf muscles hurting! Hardest part has been purée food… it tastes like food but looks so unappealing. The phase passes quickly though.