I just could not go on at the weight I was, it was hard to walk any distance without feeling out of breath and I simply did not have the energy.

I was lethargic, would often fall asleep during the day and had very little interest in doing much at all. I could not fit in the bath easily and if I did, getting out was not easy.

I was lucky that I had no real weight related illnesses eg. diabetes or high blood pressure. Arthritis in my knees was an intermittent problem though and I have taken tablets for acid reflux for many years. The medication for acid reflux was no longer needed immediately after surgery. This just does not happen any more.

I have always been a reasonable cook and the meals I cooked were calorific to say the least. Steaks and roasts, wine, butter and cream featured in a lot of my dishes, rich sauces, often laden with mature cheddar.

I like food with a bit of taste and this I am afraid puts on the pounds, or stones in my case. My husband and I also love curries and a trip to our local favourite Indian restaurant featured in the weekly routine. I loved the creamy Kormas and naan breads, all the most fattening of course.

What prompted me to research bariatric surgery was Fern Britton’s success. As soon as it hit the headlines I was very keen to see what it was all about so I got to work on my computer.

It seemed that this would suit me down to the ground as although I had taken weight off many times in the past, I could not keep it off. It would go back on plus more.

This is when I found the National Obesity Surgery Centre online. I gave them a ring and found them so friendly and helpful, no pressure selling with these people. They listen and help.

An appointment was made for me to see Mr Ackroyd in Sheffield, which is nearest for me. Immediately I just knew that this was the way forward as I needed the help the gastric band would give me. And more importantly, it was in for life and adjustable with just an injection. Fantastic! I immediately arranged a surgery date, 10th July 2008 which was just a few short weeks away.

Mr Ackroyd gave me a diet to follow which would shrink my liver prior to surgery. This is important as it gets in the way of the keyhole procedure if too large, often the case in overweight people. This was very strict and although it was only for 10 days I found it near impossible. I rang NOSC and they gave me an easier diet to follow and this I did with little trouble.

When I arrived for my operation Sarah was there from NOSC, she actually came into theatre with me and stayed throughout the procedure. This is a short procedure, only around half an hour and I felt as if I was in the best of hands. I came round feeling fine, although drowsy from the anaesthetic. No pain or discomfort. I can honestly say there was nothing to worry about at all. I went to the theatre feeling fine and I woke up feeling fine. I stayed for one night and went home the following day. There is very little discomfort with keyhole surgery and I did not feel ill at all.

When you have the band put in it is not filled with any saline so restriction is fairly small, allowing it to settle down and any internal swelling to go down. Don’t worry though this soon changes!

I had my first fill some six weeks later and this made a big difference and at last the weight started to move. It can take a bit of fine tuning to get the optimum results so I did attend for another fill the following month.

Now things are different. What a change in lifestyle. No longer large plates of food but half a tea plate and I almost seem to have become a vegetarian. Meat and fish can be difficult to eat (I was warned of this prior to surgery). No longer can I bolt down meals but have to savour each mouthful and eat so slowly and chew well. I needed to re-learn how to eat.

Eight months down the line I have lost over eight stones which is just amazing. I know I could not have done this without the band and the regular support from NOSC, they are just such lovely people and always there to give guidance and support. This you really need as your life changes dramatically and this can be hard to adjust to.

I can do anything I want, fit into size 12 clothes without any problems and feel like I have got my life back after so long.

Don’t think this is a totally easy ride as it is not. You need time to adjust and this takes a few months. If you take on board the support and advice the NOSC give you after the procedure then you will have the same results as me. The aftercare is a must, no way should you have the op without it. Advice and support are vital.

People now do not recognise me, even people I have seen on a regular basis. For example my next door neighbour saw me the other week and thought I had a daughter. I don’t. I have two grown up sons and a grandson!

I am very lucky in that my skin is olive toned and has shrunk back extremely well.

My husband and family are so proud of me but more importantly, I feel this has saved my life.