In May 2017 I started the Intensive Weight Management plan weighing 202.4kg (445lb). The plan was divided in to three over 6 months. First part was a liquid only diet which consisted of milk. Throughout the second and third parts of the plan the milk was phased out and replaced with low calorie foods.

I finished the plan in November 2017 with weight loss of a bit over 30kg (66lb) which they were happy with as I had hit the 15% weight loss target required to refer me further up the chain towards the surgery if I so wished.

It has been a long year of waiting and appointments and struggling to keep the weight at the same level it was at end of 2017 or I wouldn't quality for the surgery and I would have to start all over again.

In September 2018 I was finally approved for a gastric bypass operation and added on to the waiting list with advised 4 - 6 months of wait. It had taken me approximately 3 and half years to get to this point and I honestly could not wait now.

This weekend just gone (05.01.2019) the letter finally came!!!

My surgery is scheduled for 8th of February 2019, I had waited for this to happen for so long but now I had another problem. I can't afford to get there.

Sounds stupid doesn't it, waiting for 4 years to get a life changing and a lifesaving surgery and then getting it and realising you have no money to get there or to pay for your husband to stay at a hotel nearby.

All I need to get is enough to cover getting to the hospital paying for a hotel for three nights.