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Gillian HinsleySeverely obese British woman undergoes gastric bypass surgery
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Jillian's Journey: From 'Big Ji' to a Slimmed-Down New Life
- Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain
- Pregnancy and Weight Escalation
- Realization and Denial
- Sleep Apnea and Colin's Wake-Up Call
- Specialist Visit and Surgery Decision
- Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Weight Loss and Transformation
- Healthcare Controversy
Jillian's Journey: From 'Big Ji' to a Slimmed-Down New Life
Early Struggles and Unhealthy HabitsGillian Hinsley, a 32-year-old mother of three from Manchester, England, faced severe obesity for most of her life. As a child, her excessive consumption of chips, chocolate, and sweets led to the disappearance of her waistline and a shift towards plus-size clothing. Despite warnings from doctors about the potential health consequences, her BMI reached a staggering 54.8, nearly double that of a healthy individual.
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain
At age 11, Gillian was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition. Doctors explained that the condition could contribute to weight gain and a slower metabolism, which Gillian used as an excuse for her expanding weight.
Pregnancy and Weight Escalation
As Gillian's weight increased, so did her health concerns. Each pregnancy added more pounds to her frame. She continued to consume unhealthy foods and large quantities of sweets and snacks throughout her pregnancies.
Realization and Denial
Despite her growing weight, Gillian initially struggled to acknowledge the extent of her condition. The absence of full-length mirrors in her home contributed to her denial. However, she began to notice colleagues referring to her as "Big Ji," a nickname inspired by a character from the film "Big Momma's House."
Sleep Apnea and Colin's Wake-Up Call
It was not until her husband, Colin, noticed Gillian's labored breathing during sleep that she confronted her weight problem. Colin observed that she would sometimes stop breathing in her sleep, prompting him to nudge her awake.
Specialist Visit and Surgery Decision
In March 2014, Gillian visited her doctor, who diagnosed her with restrictive respiratory disorder, a condition caused by excessive weight pressing on her lungs. The doctor suggested weight loss surgery as a life-saving intervention.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
In November 2014, Gillian underwent a £11,000 gastric bypass surgery at Salford Royal Hospital. She was aware of the risks associated with her weight and wrote letters to Colin and her children in case the procedure did not go as planned.
Weight Loss and Transformation
The gastric bypass surgery was successful, and Gillian followed a strict diet of vegetables and soups in the initial weeks. She eliminated chips, chocolate, and sweets from her diet and began attending the gym three times a week. Gillian lost an impressive 83kg (183lbs), shedding her "Big Ji" nickname and gaining a new sense of confidence.
Healthcare Controversy
Bariatric surgeries have become increasingly prevalent in the UK, with a six-fold rise in NHS-funded obesity surgeries in the past decade. Women are more likely to undergo these surgeries than men, despite similar obesity rates in both genders. The allocation of resources for bariatric procedures has sparked debate, with some questioning whether it should be prioritized over other treatments.
