During the Covid pandemic, Danni Phillips admitted “the weight just kept piling on” and, at the time, she felt trapped.
“Being in a long-term relationship, you tend to get comfortable and before you know it, the pounds have added up,” Danni, 36, reflected.
After putting her son to bed at night, Danni relished in the opportunity to open a big, family-sized chocolate bar while relaxing in the evening.
“I wouldn’t think twice about eating a whole one to myself,” Danni said, who admitted her portion sizes for everyday foods became “humongous”.
Scrolling on TikTok one evening, while weighing her heaviest at 22.5 stone, she came across an inspiring post that got Danni feeling motivated to shift the pounds.
“It might sound a bit silly, but I stumbled upon the idea of getting weight loss surgery on TikTok,” Danni said.
“The algorithm kept showing me people talking about their amazing weight loss results from having gastric sleeves and bypasses, with lasting results.”
Danni said: “Suddenly, I thought, ‘Wow, this could actually work for me’ and then I dived into extensive research to understand the process and the costs involved.”
Her research led to Weight Loss Riga in Latvia, so she got in touch with them to enquire about the life-changing procedure.
“I just thought there was no other way out for me other than surgery because I’ve been a big girl, for like, forever,” Danni said referencing her 5ft 9in stature that allowed her to carry weight well when she was younger.
“I just wanted to be a healthy, active mum for my eight-year-old son,” said Danni, who went ahead with the surgery.
“I can’t believe I’m now that person,” Danni beamed. “I wasn’t expecting to lose 10 stone, I thought maybe six or seven would be great.”
Dr Igors Troickis, a leading bariatric surgeon at Weight Loss Riga, explained what the process involves.
Dr Troickis said: “Gastric bypass surgery reduces stomach size… promoting significant weight loss while helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions, reducing hunger for long-term success.”
Two years on, Danni is still happy with her weight loss achievement and has adjusted her diet accordingly. Breakfast is typically yoghurt with fruits and dinner is stir-fries packed with plenty of vegetables.
“I’m now conscious of portion control, especially with fun foods like chocolate,” Danni said, who no longer gorges on big chocolate bars.
The NHS cautioned that a gastric bypass is “a major operation and in most cases should only be considered after trying to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise”.
The health body strongly advised: “Speak to a GP if you think weight loss surgery may be an option for you.”
