'My Weight was killing me'
 Mother-of-two Hayley Simpson, 39 from Dartford in Kent, lost over 7st 7lb after having a gastric band. I'd
started having weight problems as a teenager. But it was only when I stood on the scales at a slimming club
to years ago that the truth finally hit me - at 5ft 1in tall and weighing 18st 7lb, I was killing myself. I
was morbidly obese, with insulin-dependent diabetes and a family history of heart disease. I needed help - not
just for my own sake, but for my two children, Jake and Hannah, who were then just 11 and seven. My GP managed
to get funding so I could have surgery on the NHS. I was terrified, but my consultant, Guy Slater, put me at
ease.
 When I came round after the operation in November 2008, I cried tears of relief. I had my first meal
later that day - an egg cup of milky porridge - and immediately felt full. I'm now 10st 13lb and a size 12.
It hasn't been easy but its been worth it. Thanks to those who helped me,my life is no longer at risk. I now
look and feel like the person I am - and always have been - inside.
Consultant bariatric surgeon GUY SLATER says: 'I' delighted my team and I were able to help Hayley, but she's
the one who first took control by realising the danger her life was in. That was the biggest and most
important step of all.'
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