A New Lease Of Life

Winifred Kotalawela had gastric bypass surgery performed at Spire Washington Hospital and now has a new lease of life.

“I decided to go for weight loss surgery because I was tired of being unhealthy. Being overweight made me feel so lethargic and I felt I had no energy to do anything, so with having no energy I didn’t go out, I didn’t socialise, which then lead to me having no confidence. After speaking to one of the Customer Service Advisers at Spire Washington Hospital, I attended one of their Weight Loss Support Groups. I spoke to a few patients who previously had weight loss surgery and from speaking to them and listening to their own personal stories, I booked in there and then.

“I was extremely nervous ahead of surgery, this was a big operation! But from start to finish the staff were incredibly friendly and very efficient. I felt at all times I was a person and not just a number. The day after surgery I was up and walking around and it was a lovely day, so I sat in their courtyard, watched the wildlife and enjoyed a bit of sun.

“Having the gastric bypass surgery has given me a new outlook on life, I am no longer just sitting around anymore, I go out and socialise, I enjoy long walks (which I couldn’t do before) and I have noticed my confidence has grown tremendously. I am now travelling and enjoying every minute of it!

“The surgery even gave me the confidence to travel to Australia to visit my grandchildren, I was not only able to get on the floor to play with them but I had the energy and confidence to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Before the surgery I wouldn’t have even dreamed of doing this! This surgery was life changing and I wish I got it done years ago.”