My Story

I was never overweight as a child or as a teenager (although I thought I was!).  But that all changed once I left home for my studies!  I rapidly picked up weight from my first year in college and it just kept on adding up over the years.

There were times when I managed to lose some weight, and I even lost 20kg at one stage, just to regain it all eventually.  As anyone with a weight problem would probably relate to, I got more and more despondent and disgusted with myself.  I had absolutely no self confidence, was very ashamed of myself and hated going out.

At 30 I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which explained our struggle to fall pregnant as well as some other health issues I had, including my weight gain.  We went for fertility treatment and were blessed with our beautiful boy, who is now 10 years old.  Unfortunately all of the further fertility treatments that we had to try for a second baby were unsuccessful.

So at the beginning of last year, the year in which I would turn 40, I decided that this would be MY year to regain my old (or new) self!!  I knew someone who had the surgery done with Dr Swanepoel, chatted to her and also researched the procedure on the internet.  But I still thought it too drastic and that I just must be able to lose the weight the conventional way.  So I pushed it out of my head for a while, until one day when I was just totally fed up with myself.  So, with hands and heart trembling, I made an appointment with Dr Swanepoel.  I can recall so clearly the weekend before that first appointment.  We were away with friends and I was so teary and nervous because I just knew that this would be the start of a life changing journey.  And it was!!  I had my surgery on 25 June 2009 and I haven’t looked back since.  I’ve lost 45kg in the 12 months since the surgery, and would like to lose another 10 – 15kg.

My life is so much different than before.  The physical transformation and adjustments have been mind blowing, but even more challenging have been my road of emotional growth and the finding of myself.  For the first time in a very long time I feel good about myself and confident about who I am and my appearance.

Every single day I am so grateful for this ongoing journey!!

Debbie Lombard

July 2010