Some journeys don’t begin with a spark of inspiration, but they begin with pain. For Kerry, every step she took came with a sharp reminder that her body was struggling. Walking just a few hundred feet left her back aching. Even sitting in the car for a few minutes became almost unbearable. And while the physical pain was constant, so was the frustration of trying and failing to lose weight through diets that never seemed to work.
That’s when Kerry knew something had to change.
“The day I went for my surgery I weighed 22 stone, could barely walk a few hundred feet without my back hurting. I couldn’t sit in the car longer than a couple of minutes before the pain in my back was crippling. I knew I needed help and fast.”
The End of Yo-Yo Dieting
Like so many people struggling with their weight, Kerry had already been through countless diets. Each one brought a flicker of hope but no lasting results.
“I had been on every Yo-Yo diet imaginable and yet nothing seemed to work.”
That’s when she began looking into surgical options and discovered Phoenix Health.
A Connection That Made All the Difference
We believe the relationship between patient and surgeon is at the heart of a successful transformation. Kerry experienced that first-hand when she found Ms. Jennifer Darrien on the Phoenix Health website.
“I chose Jennifer Darrien to have my consultation with. I read about every surgeon on the Phoenix website and her profile just jumped out to me.”
From the start, Kerry felt seen and supported. Her consultation wasn’t rushed or one-sided; it was a two-way conversation where all options were discussed honestly.
“Ms Darrien went through all my options, the negatives and positives of all the procedures.”
Together, they landed on a procedure that would offer Kerry the best path forward: the One Osmosis gastric bypass.
“I was someone that just ate for the sake of eating, not because I enjoyed it. We as a team decided on the One Osmosis gastric bypass.”
Support Beyond the Surgery
Kerry’s surgery took place in October 2022. From the very beginning, she noticed something different about the experience, not just clinical excellence, but genuine care from every staff member she encountered.
“The staff at the hospital were amazing, from the ward clerks, nurses, kitchen staff, to the surgery staff, Ms Darrien, and the dietitian who comes into the hospital the day after your surgery to talk over what you can and can’t eat whilst recovering.”
And her journey didn’t stop when she left the hospital.
Kerry chose the Phoenix Health aftercare package that included counselling, something she now considers essential.
“I chose the package that allowed me to have counselling alongside my weight loss and recovery. I am so glad I did because there are things that crop up during weight loss that you don’t even think about.”
Weight loss doesn’t just change your body; it can change your relationships, your confidence, even your sense of self. With counselling, Kerry had the support to navigate it all.
“Other people’s responses to your weight loss, funnily enough people do say OMG your skinny (they never said OMG you’re fat), buying new clothes when you are at goal (sounds fun) but it is super scary, going out for meals (yes you can still do that).”
A Powerful Transformation
Kerry’s results were nothing short of remarkable. In the 18 months after surgery, she lost 11 stone and, perhaps more importantly, she’s kept it off.
“My operation was in October 2022. I lost 11 stone in the 18 months after my procedure and have maintained since. My back doesn’t hurt anymore, and I have a completely new relationship with food without missing out.”
Today, she’s living a life that once felt out of reach free from pain, no longer ruled by food, and more confident than ever.
“It has changed my life and I can’t thank Ms Darrien and Phoenix enough.”
Why Phoenix Health?
Kerry’s story is one of empowerment, resilience, and transformation. It also reflects what we strive to offer every patient: tailored care, expert guidance, and long-term support. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, just real, sustainable change built on trust and compassion.
Your Fresh Start Could Start Today
If Kerry’s story feels familiar, if you’re battling chronic pain, stuck in a cycle of diets, or just longing to feel like yourself again, we’re here to help.
Reach out to Phoenix Health to explore safe, proven weight loss surgery options and expert aftercare packages that support your body and your mind. Just call us on 01244 738 159 or fill out the enquiry form below, and one of our team will be in touch to help you take the first step.
Medically Reviewed by Lujain Alhassan, BSc, ANutr
Registered Associate Nutritionist and Bariatric Nutrition
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