Sam Evans, age 30, Senior IT Officer
Total weight loss: 18st 5lb

"The support throughout was fabulous and the aftercare has been amazing.  In fact, I've become really involved in the support group to help prepare future generations of patients for what lies ahead and to share my own experiences of weight loss surgery."

Julie Hunter, age 49, Nurse
Total weight loss: 8st 1lb

Nurse Julie Hunter age 49 had a laparoscopic band fitted by Justin Morgan and Sally Norton in May 2005.  Then Julie weighted 17st 4lbs.  Today she is happy with her target weight of 9st 3lb.  Julie consciously used the band adjustments as a way of reinforcing her commitment to the band which she believes has to be treated with respect.

"Cheat the band and you are cheating yourself.  The band can only help you achieve your weight loss goals if you work with it. Unlike many weight loss surgery patients, I chose to tell as many people as possible what I was doing and why.  Everyone - from the Weight Loss Surgery Clinic team to family, friends and colleagues - has been hugely supportive."

Anita Flicker, age 57, Beautician
Early weight loss: 2st

Anita Flicker lives in Weston Super Mare and is a beautician and holistic therapist.  Anita had a laparoscopic band inserted by Sally Norton and has seen her weight fall from 14st 7lb to 12st 7lb.  Her target weight is 10st 7lb but Anita is already benefiting from the weight loss to date with a significant improvement in her arthritis.

"Anyone considering weight loss surgery is definitely not taking the easy option - like the Weight Loss Surgery Clinic says, it's not a quick fix.  In my experience, weight loss surgery not only changed my life but also resulted in a different way of life. I'd recommend anyone considering surgery to do as much research as possible - talk to people who have gone through it as well as the medical experts, and explore what aftercare is available.  Having the right support in place for post-surgery queries and concerns is extremely important."

Rowena Ayres, age 42, Care Assistant
Early weight loss: More than 1st

Care assistant Rowena Ayres, from Clevedon had her laparoscopic band fitted in August 2006 by Weight Loss Surgery Clinic's Justin Morgan and Sally Norton.  She has no target weight but is delighted to share that she has lost over a stone in the first few weeks of the bad being fitted.

"I made a throw away comment about stomach stapling and was lucky that my consultant knew enough about weight loss surgery to arrange a referral.  The medical screening process, and the pre-surgical tests were extremely well managed and I'm so pleased to have access to such a supportive support group.  It is extremely important that people considering weight loss surgery do their research - check out all the websites and talk to as many experts as you can".