When patients share the ways in which weight-loss surgery has changed their lives, their words often say far more than statistics ever could. Clare, who underwent a One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) with Phoenix Health in April 2024, is one of those patients. Her journey is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of what is possible when the right support, the right treatment, and the right determination come together.
In this blog, Clare shares her experience in her own words, and we explore the steps that helped her regain her health, her confidence and a renewed sense of self.
Finding Strength Through Support
For many patients, deciding to pursue bariatric surgery comes after years of frustration, hidden emotions and missed opportunities. Clare came to us with the same worries that countless people face every day.
From the moment she met our team, she felt supported, respected, and understood. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every patient is guided before, during, and long after surgery. For Clare, this support was vital.
As she puts it:
“I had my OAGB in April 2024. The whole team were amazing and so supportive. The follow-up calls with the dietitian team were always informative, encouraging and positive.”
Surgery is not a quick fix, nor is it a journey undertaken alone. Clare’s commitment, paired with Phoenix Health’s structured aftercare, set the foundation for what became a remarkable transformation.
Building Momentum: Progress Through Support and Guidance
At Phoenix Health, we believe that aftercare plays as important a role in success as the surgery itself. Clare’s experience reflects just that. Regular reviews enabled her to build healthy habits, understand her body’s changing signals and continue progressing safely.
By November 2025, Clare had reached a milestone that surpassed even her own expectations:
“By my penultimate call in November 2025, I’d achieved 94.4% excess weight loss — beyond my wildest dreams.”
For her, reaching this weight was not about numbers on a scale. It was about what those numbers represented: comfort, confidence, freedom and control.
Clare – Before and After Photo
Seeing the Change: A New Relationship with Herself
Clare’s transformation was not just physical. The deeper changes happened quietly — in how she saw herself, in small moments of confidence returning, and in the way she began to reconnect with everyday life.
Her reflection captures this beautifully:
“At 54, I finally feel happy in my own skin. I can look at myself in the mirror, wear clothes I love, and enjoy shopping again. I’m gaining my confidence back.”
The emotional impact of these changes is powerful. For many patients, the journey is not only about weight; it is about identity, belonging and dignity. Clare describes this shift with honesty:
“I no longer pretend with a happy face to hide how I truly feel; I genuinely smile now, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
A Life Reclaimed
Perhaps the most meaningful part of Clare’s journey is the sense of control she has regained, something many people living with obesity struggle to imagine.
“I’m at last in control of my life and have never felt happier.”
For us at Phoenix Health, stories like Clare’s are a reminder of why we do this work, not to change people, but to help them rediscover the best parts of themselves.
If Clare’s Story Feels Familiar to You
If any part of Clare’s journey resonates with your own – the frustration, the hope, or the desire for a life that feels more comfortable and freer – you do not have to navigate that alone. Many of our patients began right where you are now: unsure, curious, and ready to explore what change could look like.
If you are considering weight-loss surgery and want to understand what it could mean for your health, your confidence and your future, our team is here to talk, to listen and to help you explore your treatment options at your own pace. When you feel ready, you can reach out in the way that feels most comfortable to you.
Phone: 01244 738 159
Email: enquiries@phoenix-health.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 1244 738 159
Medically Reviewed by Lujain Alhassan, BSc, ANutr
Registered Associate Nutritionist and Bariatric Nutrition
