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Testimonials ...
We have hundreds of satisfied clients. Shown below
are just a small sample of the letters we have received and wishes we have made
come true. 99% of our clients are entirely satisfied with their treatment and many
return for further procedures.
Case 1: Mrs AW as featured on ITV's "Tonight"
with Trevor McDonald
Our Gastric Bypass Surgery patient Mrs. A.W. featured on ITV’s
critically acclaimed current affairs program, Tonight with Trevor McDonald. Following
recommendations that stomach surgery be made available for overweight teenagers
on the NHS, comedian Ricky Grover investigates the increasingly popular procedures.
Post-Op for Mrs A.W. - who was seen on the Tonight Show
with Trevor McDonald:
January 2007 - Mrs. A.W.'s Post Op Diary:
It has been six weeks since the operation, and I'm amazed
at how much my life has changed already!. My scars have healed wonderfully,
I'm so glad I opted for the laprascopic method rather than the open, as I've
only been left with 5, inch long little scars. Internally, I feel better and
better as time goes by, although I have experienced nausea and feelings of
discomfort on the odd occasion which I feel is my fault for either eating
too fast or not chewing my food thoroughly.
I found it quite difficult at first to re-educate myself and
change my eating habits. Before the operation I never really ate very regularly
and didn't chew my food properly, resulting in indigestion 9 times out of
10!. Now I'm learning to eat regularly (3 to 4 small meals a day) and chew
my food slowly and properly, it makes such a difference, and I can judge more
accurately when I'm full before becoming uncomfortable. Sometimes I forget
how small my stomach is now!
I'm also following a healthy eating plan, and for the first
time in my life its easy! Because I feel full after so little, I never fancy
anything sweet or get hunger pangs between meals, I'm trying to include as
much fruit and veg as possible, as well as oily fish and protein.
I'm really encouraged by my weight loss, I've lost just over
2 stone to date and allot of my clothes i had before the op are too big now,
of course this is the most rapid period of weight loss and it will slow down
from now on but it's such a confidence boost.
Right from the start when I booked the operation, Direct healthcare
have been so helpful, from planning the type of surgery I wanted, to helping
arrange my stay in Antwerp, I had a clear picture of my schedule from the
day I arrived in Antwerp to the day I came home, which was so reassuring.
The consultation I had the day before the surgery really put
me at ease, Dr De Clercq is a lovely man and really made sure I was choosing
the correct type of surgery for me. He answered any questions I had, and explained
everything so clearly that I knew exactly what was going to happen during
and after my operation.
The staff at St Erasmus were so helpful, I had a really comfortable
stay in the hospital, it really was the cleanest hospital I've ever been in!
I did feel sore after the operation, but it wasn't as bad as I had prepared
myself for, after 3 nights in hospital I was doing well and was allowed back
to my hotel room. A nurse visited me the next day to check my wounds and apply
new dressings, I was feeling so well that I went sightseeing the next day!
I think that this operation has been one of the most
positive things I've ever done for myself, I had been thinking about it for
a long time, I had the number of Direct Healthcare programmed in my mobile
phone for months before I actually rang them, I'm so glad I took the step.
* Check back in April for Mrs. A.W.'s 3 month post-op
diary entry! |
The following testimonials are extracts from case histories that actually took place
- names and addresses have been withheld (in some cases) but referrals and contact
information are available on request.
CASE 2
Name:
Miss.
Natalie Cox. and Mrs Cheryl Cox
Age:
16 and 43 years
Treatment:
Laprascopic
Gastric Bypass Surgery |
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Closer Magazine
22 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2007 "Obese
kids should have smomach surgery like my 16 year old"
When Cheryl Cox's daughter Natalie hit 25st, she took her to Belgium for a gastric
bypass - and had one herself …
WHEN THE STORY EMERGED last week that three obese children had been taken
into care, it provoked uproar. Debate raged over whether the action was too severe
- or whether allowing your child to become obese was tantamount to neglect. But
the reaction of mum-of-two Cheryl Cox is even more controversial. She says that
the NHS should pay for all obese children to have gastric bypass surgery. Two months
ago she allowed her 25st 16-year¬old daughter to have the procedure - and she
also had the operation herself. "Parents are not to blame for their children
being fat," says defiant Cheryl, 43, who is 5ft 8in and until recently weighed
22st. "The Government should be spending money on surgery for those kids -
not taking them into care. My daughter Natalie was addicted to food and it was the
only option left for her". Natalie, who's 5ft 6in, adds: "I did the right
thing having surgery and I'd recommend the operation to other overweight kids my
age”.
The potentially fatal gastric bypass procedure is
clearly a drastic measure. And it's worrying that Cheryl allowed her daughter to
give up on trying to slim through diet and exercise. She even admits that she buys
junk food for her family and, until recently, set a bad example by eating it herself.
"I was very partial to crisps and biscuits," she says. "I couldn't
stop buying unhealthy snacks because I felt bad that I was depriving my husband
Ken, 61, and my son Peter, 14, who are both very slim:"
Natalie grew up on a diet of pasties, crisps, biscuits and chips.
"At school I'd have lunch from the canteen - plus a packed lunch," she
says. "When I got home I'd steal stuff out of the fridge. Having snacks around
the house made it even harder to lose weight:" However, by the end of 2004
Natalie's weight had reached 20st - and she finally decided to diet after appearing
in Closer and being shocked by the way she looked. She lost an amazing 6st over
12 months by going to the gym and following her own low-carb diet.
But around Christmas 2005, Natalie grew "bored" with dieting. Her downfall
was chocolate - bought by Cheryl.
Cheryl says: "Like any family we all had treats and I couldn't leave out Natalie.
"It broke my heart when she put all the weight back on, but I couldn't stop
her:" Over the next year Natalie's weight soared further - she put on more
than 10 stone in total. Then this year, after seeing Natalie's story in a newspaper,
a Belgian surgeon offered to give both her and Cheryl a gastric bypass operation.
The operation involves reducing the stomach and removing part of the intestine,
which helps the patient to feel full more easily as well as absorb less food into
their system.
Cheryl saw this as the ideal solution. "We were both worried about the risks
of the operation, but the risk that Natalie would die from her obesity was higher.
It wasn't an easy way out," says Cheryl.
Cheryl and Natalie travelled to Belgium in July to have their operations.
After the 45-minute procedure, they had to remain in hospital for five days. At
first they weren't allowed to eat or drink, while their bodies healed.
"Afterwards I didn't ache at all," says Natalie. "Within five days
I'd lost 1 stone and hadn't felt hungry. I was so happy."
Once home, the pair spent a fortnight eating pureed food. They can now eat fist-sized
portions of meat and veg. Cheryl says: "We can't drink fizzy or eat fatty foods
because our bodies can't handle them now. If we did indulge, we'd throw up and have
stomach aches:" Eight weeks on, Natalie has lost 5 stones and Cheryl 3 stones.
They say the operation is "the best thing that's ever happened to us"
and are convinced they couldn't have lost weight any other way.
"If you've got a stone to lose, then its easy to diet and exercise. But over
lO stone - you have to have surgery" says Cheryl.
"I think gastric bypasses should be available on the NHS. If someone's a drug
addic alcoholic, they get help straight away. Kids who are addicted to food need
help too".
But not everyone supports their "The people who criticise me for having the
operation tend to be thin and don't know what it's like to have a weight problem,"
says Natalie. "I hope one day I'll be a size 14"
By Rebecca Wright
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CASE 3
Name:
Mrs. N. McG. of Lincolnshire, England
Age:
36 years
Treatment:
Laprascopic Gastric Bypass Surgery |
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Background:
Mrs. N. McG. weight soared to 20 stone after having four children,
so she had surgery to help her slim.
"Having the children so soon after one another was hard work and my husband
and I didn't go out. When we'd got everyone to bed we'd treat ourselves to a big
meal and bottle of wine in the evening. I'd have a family-size bar of chocolate
every night. I am a greedy person and after a while it got out of control."
By the time Mrs. N. McG. started taking dress size 32 she had become so demoralized
she had given up doing her hair or make-up or wearing nice clothes.
She had tried diets and slimming plans but nothing worked. So, desperate to change
and unable to get NHS treatment, she took out a loan to pay for a gastric bypass
operation in June 2005. It was a success and Mrs. N. McG. lost eight-and- a-half
stone in six months, ending up at 11 stone.
Result:
Mrs. N. McG. lost a whopping eight stone in eight months. Losing
the weight has given her a new lease of life.
Comments:
"It had got to the stage where I felt like a freak and was
losing my confidence. I knew I had to do something to change my body before it was
too late."
"It has changed my life," says a delighted Mrs. N. McG. "I'm going
to get a bikini and I won't hesitate to wear it. And I'll have no qualms about going
topless either, which is something I never thought I'd say.
"And I will wear make-up now. Before I got involved with the show I owned just
one lipstick and a five-year-old mascara - and I can't remember the last time I
used that. I didn't see the point, I thought it was like trying make a silk purse
out of a sow's ear so I didn't bother.
"It will be lovely to go on holiday and not be worrying about how I look.
"Before all this I wouldn't have dreamed of showing any part of my body, now
I'll have no problem with it all. I feel like a different person - the person I
always knew I could be."
"It's about so much more than looks," she says. "I feel good and
that is giving me confidence. I'm 5ft 10ins, which is fairly tall, but I used to
try and hide away. Now I stand up straight and walk tall because I feel brave enough
to do that. If I'm in a group these days I will come forward and join in. And I
no longer get mistaken for a pensioner!"
Looking down at her brand new body again, she adds with a smile: "It really
is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
“I feel pretty and feminine,” she grins. “It still takes a bit
of getting used to!”
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CASE 4
Name:
Mrs. R. Mc M. of Newcastle, England
Age:
37 years
Treatment:
Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band Surgery |
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Background:
Mrs. R. Mc M. weighed at least twice her ideal weight and was afraid of the long
term complications this might have to her health and well-being.
Result:
Just six weeks after her operation in Belgium, she was able to join her children
on summer weekend away.
Comments:
Mrs R. Mc M. had Lap-Band surgery mid 2005. She has lost in assess of 45 kilos and
continues striding towards her target weight.
"I weighed 143 kilos the day I went to surgery. I also suffer with diabetes
and high cholesterol. Several members of my family are also overweight and have
had severe health problems as a result. I knew that I had to do something right
away to shed this access weight or I would find myself in a similar situation down
the line."
"After doing a lot of research on the Internet and talking to a surgeon, I
felt that the Lap-Band was the best selection. I had my surgery in 2005, and within
a year I have lost over 45 kilos. The physician is incredibly impressed with my
progressing weight loss and my new found health."
"As far as my physical and mental well being, I’m a totally new individual.
I feel I can achieve anything with this new vigor and energy inside.”
"The Lap-Band procedure has changed my life - I feel like I have gotten my
life back!"
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CASE 5
Name:
Mrs. R.K. of Leeds, England
Age:
48 years
Treatment:
Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band Surgery |
|
Background:
Mrs. R.K. went through gastric banding 3 years ago. Since the treatment she has
been able to carry out all her dreams and aspirations– something she thought
impossible before.
Mrs. R.K. said, "Being overweight and obese was dreadful, living in a society
where people did not understand that however much you tried to shed weight it was
next to hopeless. People laugh and make fun when they see a fat person. I tried
different gyms, diets and everything that anyone suggested at the time…"
She lost weight but only to put it on again. Whatever she did was of no help. Her
metabolism was such that she had the tendency to put on weight no matter what.
"How long can one person diet! I can not go without food for long - it is difficult…
and I used to cry a lot”
Comments:
One day she met a group who had under gone surgery and had transformed their lives.
“Following the meeting, I felt like a new person, I felt a bounce in my step.
I became confident even before the surgery. I have so much to look forward to now.
Dr. Stefaan De Clercq has given me a new lease of life”
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CASE
6
Name:
Ms. K.B. of London, England
Age:
42 years
Treatment:
Laprascopic
Gastric Bypass Surgery |
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Background:
K.B. had always been overweight, even at an early age. It continued through her
teens and into her forties, finally reaching 185 kilos (405 pounds) at the age of
42. Her GP had already warned her that she was a borderline diabetic, and with her
current high blood pressure and weight condition - was heading towards severe health
problems and in the worse case scenario die an early death.
Comments:
"I had tried every diet going. Things finally came to a head when I realized
drastic action needed to be taken. I scoured the web for information on gastric
bypass surgery, and finally found Direct Healthcare International. I received the
appropriate information from their team and immediately returned the pre-surgery
form. They then offered me a date for the operation and I was ready to go".
"On arrival at the hospital, I was brought to the private rooms of Dr De Clercq
for the initial tests. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Tests completed,
Dr Stefaan De Clercq explained in great detail the operation I was about to undergo.
Next day, I had the operation, and apart from a little discomfort felt in good health".
"After spending the night in ICU (a standard safeguard) I returned to my room
to rest and recover. The following day I was up and about and doing some light walking.
The Dietician explained what foods to eat and what to avoid, and was discharged
from the hospital 5 days later. My operation took place in 2005, and to date I have
lost a total of 57 kilos (125 pounds). My life is now on a new path! Thank you Direct
Healthcare International."
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CASE 7
Name:
Mrs. B.C.
of Swansea, England
Age:
39 years
Treatment:
Laprascopic Gastric Bypass Surgery |
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Background:
"By the time I hit my thirties, I had tried every diet but was still grossly
overweight. Now, after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, I have rocketed from 130
kilos (290 pounds) to a trimmer 70 kilos (155 pounds). I now have a new, healthy
and determined life.”
“Before the surgery friends would say, 'you have such a pretty face.' I knew
in my heart they were just being sympathetic to my weight problem.
Comments:
B.C. can now participate in activities with her 3 children – whereas before
she watched life go by from the sidelines. “It’s such a change, I am
now participating in my life instead of watching it go by”.
B.C.’s health, well-being and general happiness has come much stronger because
of the lifestyle changes that the surgery brought about. “I didn't have this
surgery for vanity sake. I did it to become fit and healthy."
B.C. is today a diligent campaigner of this life-saving procedure. With first-hand
experience of the unparalleled difference it can make in a person's life she cannot
recommend it enough.
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CASE
8
Name:
Mr. J.F. of New York, U.S.A.
Age:
55 years
Occupation:
Engineer
Treatment:
Laprascopic Gastric Bypass Surgery |
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Background:
Mr. J.F. was 135 kilos (295 pounds)– following a Laprascopic Gastric Bypass
plummeted to 105 kilos (230 pounds).
"My entire life I was obese and unhappy. I had wanted to do all the things
other people were doing such as swimming, soccer and cycling without getting winded
after a few minutes. I was embarrassed in public; feeling like all eyes were on
me. Like most people with weight troubles I tried every diet with very little success.
I knew I had to do something about my condition”.
Comments:
In 2005 Mr. J.F. made the life altering decision and decided to have a Laprascopic
Gastric Bypass.
"A gastric bypass is by no means an "easy way out", there is effort
and work involved. I gave up almost all fatty foods and now make healthier diet
choices and exercise daily. I have no regrets!”
“It has been a year since my surgery and I am now a happy and healthy. Both
my wife and kids both love the lighter spirit I seem to have these days”.
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Patient Letters
Mr. A.P. – of Sandhurst, England
Treatment: Laprascopic Gastric Bypass Surgery
| Dear Amanda,
I feel very strongly that now I am home I need to write and thank everybody
involved with my Gastric Bypass operation last week.
Firstly, I wish to thank you for the professional way all the bookings, confirmations,
and paperwork was handled. This was very reassuring in the run-up to the operation.
But more importantly proved a comfort while actually in Belgium, as my girlfriend
and I never once found ourselves unsure of our schedules or without the bit
of paper we needed!
The main focus for my appreciation must be the wonderful care I received while
staying at UZA Erasmus hospital Antwerp. The nurses were all very polite and
professional and are used to dealing with patients from abroad. I must heap
thanks and praise onto the super Dr De Clercq. It doesn't take long speaking
to the Doctor to realize that he is extremely proud of the work he is doing,
and rightfully so, after all if my BMI drops by as much as is predicted my
life could be extended by over 10 years.
I spent several months researching what would be the best for me. I looked
at different Gastric procedures, Hospital rankings, Secondary infection levels,
etc. and In my experience I found the research would always lead to 1) Gastric
Bypass 2) Belgium 3) Dr De Clercq.
I really do believe that I have had the best procedure, performed in the safest
country, by the best Doctor. During the operation I was especially pleased
that I was in the save hands of Dr De Clercq and under the protection of the
insurance included in the inclusive package when it was discovered that I
also had a hernia. This was dealt with at the same time as the Gastric Bypass
with no extra charge.
So now I am back in the UK on my own? Well not quite. I have medication to
continue my stomach protection, Thrombosis protection, and Painkillers if
needed. I have a sealed letter for my own GP detailing exactly what has been
done along with instructions regarding future blood tests etc. For me the
final touch is a wallet card identifying me as a Gastric Bypass Patient and
Providing direct contact info to Dr De Clercq in case of any problem, accident,
or emergency.
In Summary, I am very impressed how slick everything has been and my thanks
go out to everyone involved.
There is however just one last thing. Based on my experience I would be more
than happy to by used as a UK reference/contact for other people considering
surgery.
Yours Sincerely
A.P. |
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CF - England
Treatment: Laprascopic Gastric Bypass Surgery
Dear Dr De Clercq,
I am only sitting down to write you this e-mail
now life has been so busy. Well I had surgery by you on the 23rd March 2007 and
life has never been better. I came over with my husband Gavin and baby son Alex
and 3 more sons at home you do surgery on so many people I guess you don't remember.
Well when I got over to you I was 23 stone + and I had guessed my weight to be about
21 stone which was way out. Today Wed the 9th Jan 2008 I am very proud to say that
I have lost 9 stone I'm sorry I don't know what that is in kilos but you will know.
I have found myself after 13 yrs of being very overweight and very unhappy. My husband
loves the new me more now as we can do a lot more and I don't get tired. I love
when I meet people and they don't know who I am until I speak. You gave me a new
life to enjoy and love and I can never thank you enough as I know you could easily
have refused to do surgery on me last year. While I was waiting to go into surgery
you came out and showed me someones letter to you that had surgery and you didn't
have to but you made me feel so safe in your hands. I'm still in touch with the
4 other english speaking patients Tony, Naomi, Debbie (Naomi's mum) and Kirsty we
are hoping to meet up this yr sometime. Well thank you so much again and I will
never forget what you've done for my family and I you gave them back a new mum,
wife, daughter and sister.!!
Yours very sincerely
CF
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Patient
Quotes
S.K. – Galway, Ireland
”I was very informed about everything. Other
than feeling uncomfortable for approximately 3 days after surgery, it was at a whole
okay. I feel fantastic and look forward to future – which is new for me.”
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D.H. – Cambridge, England
”It is by far the best thing I have ever done. I feel better
than I ever have. Dr. De Clercq is lovely. Thank you Direct Healthcare International!
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J.C. - Liverpool, England
”I can personally vouch for the consideration
that you will receive from the Direct Healthcare International team and their surgeons,
should you opt for treatment with them.”
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T.S. – Brighton, England
”I met Dr. De Clercq upon arrival at the Hospital.
He answered all my questions and did not seem to be rushed or in a hurry to get
away being the busy physician he is. His staff I also found very friendly and helpful.
Direct Healthcare International and their people made this experience a very positive
one for me, and I highly recommend them for Gastric Bypass Surgery.”
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K.G. – Dublin, Ireland
”Dr. De Clercq is without doubt the greatest
of the great! He and his team managed to put me at ease from the very first consultation.
I was even astonished at how knowledgeable the staff were. His entire program is
structured so that his patients are aware of the risks as well as the benefits of
the surgery. I have been nothing but impressed with all visits thus far.”
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C.C. – Kent, England
“Direct Healthcare International justly strive to make your
treatment a positive life changing experience.”
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J.D. - London, England
”Excellent physician and hospital. I would recommend Direct
Healthcare International to anyone. Their program and service was amazing. 10 out
of 10!!!”
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W.J. – Suffolk, England
”I have been so blessed to have found Direct Healthcare International”
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W.J. – Surrey, England
“I underwent gastric bypass surgery and have
lost 58 kilos. Dr. De Clercq is among the most sympathetic physicians I have had
the honor of meeting. He has changed my life forever, and I have the utmost respect
and admiration for him. I tell people every day that Direct Healthcare International
is the place to go!”
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Case Study 9
Yes Absolutely
Everything I said in the email is the truth, I will get in touch
if i need advice on anything and will keep you informed of my weight loss. I have
taken so many "before" pictures and I am so looking forward to taking
"after" pictures.
I also forgot to mention that i went through every experience with 2 other direct
health customers and have become good friends with Susan from England who shared
every consultation and waiting room with me, including being on the same ward and
staying in the same hotel. We spent ages discussing how we felt after the operation
and it was a definate comfort knowing she had come through the exact same operation
as myself.
Riche
Case Study 10
Dear Amanda
Just thought I would write a wee note to say thank you for all your
help(and Aine's in your absence) for everything you did for me to make the whole
experience going to Antwerp very smooth. Dr De Clercq was absolutely brilliant and
very profesionnal in all aspects, he was so approachable and nothing was any bother
and no question that was asked was thought to be silly. The staff in the hospital
were brilliant and it was fantastic to witness the brilliant working relationship
nurses and doctors had it was such a friendly place to be in.
It was great also to be released from hospital a day earlier than
i thought i would be so iI was able to see some of Antwerp, as on the Wednesday
when i had my first consultation I forgot I had recieved my schedule for the day
(which I think was a blessing not knowing what was ahead of me) so we had not been
able to see Antwerp on that day.
Now its up to me to recover and get on with losing the weight. Also
it was great to meet Alex and have someone to go through the whole experience with
was great to have someone to talk to and not bore others with it, we intend to keep
in touch and support each other through this journey.
Again, many many thanks,
kind regards
R.L
Case Study 11
Hello Amanda
In june 2006 i saw a programme on TV about Gastric Surgery and i
knew it was for me. I was a dress size 24, my knees were giving up, walking was
difficult and i did not go out socially anymore. I hated myself and had major depression.
I had been dieting for many years, but nothing worked. My GP put
me on medication and i saw a dietician, but still my weight went up. I was 51 &
knew i had hit rock bottom. I researched on the internet for more information into
Gastric Surgery and went to my GP. I was told there was no funding for Obesity Surgery
at that time, so i took out a losn to pay knowing my life would be over if i didn't
do something. My family backed me and i contacted Direct Healthcare. Everything
went smoothly and I had my operation in September 2006 weighing 20stone 04lbs. Within
a year I lost 8st 7lbs and 20 months out my total loss is 133lbs and I am a dress
size 10/12 now. I had an Apronectomy on the NHS in February 208 which was also successful
and has made me feel even better. Life is certainly more fun, I have more energy,
can walk easily and my confidence has grown. I may be 53, but i don't feel it. I
aim to make the most out of life. Going shoping for clothes is fun at last and I
am not embarrased to undress in the changing room now.
Dr De Clercq is remarkable surgeon and the hospital staff are experienced
in aftercare. Amanda at Direct Healthcare was very helpful and made the process
eay. Thanx to all
Regards
R. L
Case
Study 12
Dear Amanda
You must probably can't remember me, but I booked surgery through
you with Dr. De Clercq. I was living in the East Lothian Scotland and while I was
having surgery you were in Edinburgh staying at your parents flat.
Anyway I was wondering if you would send this email to Dr De Clercq
for me. I want to thank him for making me so happy. I love my RNY and have lost
132 lbs about 60kilograms. I am ideal weight now and have had an Aponectomy at my
local hospital in Bedfordshire England where i now live, my hometown of Luton. I
have attached some photos from before my operation to the present day.
I recommend Dr De Clercq to anyone who asks me about the surgery
and I tell anyone who will listen. Life is so much better now even with the loose
skin!!!
Thanking you for making my journey easy.
Regarding
R. D
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