Heather Rawlings
Woodland Hospital
My Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Woodland Hospital was a Life Changing Experience
My name is Heather Rawlings. I’m a 41-year-old mother of three, and I underwent weight loss surgery at Woodland Hospital under the care of Mr Chris Sutton, a Consultant Upper GI and General Surgeon specializing in Weight Loss and Anti-Reflux treatments. My gastric sleeve surgery took place on April 23, 2024, and it has been a life-changing experience for me. I decided to fund my treatment through a personal loan after discovering Woodland Hospital online. This decision was driven by a lifelong struggle with weight management and significant health challenges that I could no longer ignore
My Life Before Surgery
For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with my weight. I started dieting at the age of 12 and stayed active by participating in sports, but nothing seemed to work. My weight continued to be a problem, and I endured bullying during my school years, which only made things harder. Over time, my health began to suffer. I developed high blood pressure and had to be hospitalized twice within a few months. It became clear that I needed a sustainable solution. After spending a year researching weight loss surgery, I finally decided to move forward with the gastric sleeve procedure.
Heather - Pre-surgery
Choosing My Surgeon
Choosing Mr Chris Sutton as my consultant was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From our first phone call to the surgery itself and all the follow-up care, he was brilliant. He took the time to explain everything and listened carefully to my concerns. His expertise and caring approach gave me the confidence I needed to go through with the procedure.
My Surgical Experience
From the very beginning, my experience with Woodland Hospital was incredibly positive. I felt fully supported throughout the entire process. The staff provided me with all the information I needed, and everything was laid out clearly and transparently. I never felt overwhelmed or uncertain. The process was seamless, and I appreciated the openness and honesty from everyone involved.
Post-Surgery Transformation
Since my surgery, my life has completely transformed. I’ve lost six stone, and the improvement in my health has been remarkable. My high blood pressure is now a thing of the past, and I no longer need medications or inhalers. I have more energy than ever, I sleep better, and my chronic knee pain is gone. I’ve embraced a more active lifestyle and can now enjoy effective workouts at the gym, something I never thought possible before.
Heather - One week post-surgery
Aftercare at Woodland Hospital
The aftercare provided by Woodland Hospital has been exceptional. Emma, the dietitian, has been a fantastic source of support. Her nutritional guidance, including helpful recipes and tips for managing my calorie intake, has made maintaining my progress much easier. Knowing that I have ongoing support has been invaluable.
Advice for Others
IIf you’re considering weight loss surgery, my advice is to do your research and go for it if you feel it’s the right step for you. For me, choosing Woodland Hospital was the perfect decision. The convenient location, transparent pricing, and positive reviews made it an easy choice. This journey has shown me that with comprehensive care and commitment, life-changing outcomes are possible. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received and the opportunity to reclaim my health and happiness.
Heather - January 2025
