Profiles

Despite having worked on her weight for several years, Alli Hewitt has made the decision to have surgery in the form of a gastric bypass operation, one step further than the gastric band operation, a procedure made infamous by television presenter, Fern Britton.

Alli on stage : Photo by Stevie Collin

Surgery such as this is becoming more and more in demand in the UK with The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association (Bospa) receiving around 4000 queries a month from people desperate to have weight-loss surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery works by making the patient's stomach smaller and removing part of the bowel to make the digestive system shorter. This means that the patient can only eat small meals and the body will take up less calories from the food they eat.

As with any surgery there are significant risks involved with the procedure including possible infection, damage to organs and impact on the heart.

"I'm aware of all the risks, I've watched loads of programmes about it and done lots of research and to be honest I come at the smaller end of the size scale," explained Alli.

"I've seen people 2,3 or 4 times my size who've come through the operation and been ok but the bigger you are the greater the risk.

"As I haven't got any other health issues it's worth it. Staying the way I've been is more risky than not having the procedure."

Prior to her operation Alli was a size 28. Like many of us she has concerns about her body image and weight and after a number of diets she made the decision to have a gastric band fitted. The procedure was carried out in February 2004, though sadly was not successful.

"It was hugely disappointing. They discovered when I had an endoscopy just before Christmas that it hadn't been fitted correctly.

"It wasn't far enough down so my stomach was still able to hold as much food as it always was so the band has to come out."

Gastric band procedure: Source Bospa

Alli doesn't allow her size to be something that holds her back in any way and regularly takes part in theatrical productions with the Stage Door Theatre Company, based in Felixstowe.

"Don't get me wrong I've had some great parts and I'm really grateful for every opportunity that I've been given but there have been times with certain parts where they've said "you cant do that because of your size" and I know that."

Although her attitude exudes confidence she admits that many aspects of her character are affected by her weight and her feelings about it.

"The majority of people that know me would say "Alli is happy, she's outgoing", but a lot of that is front to be honest, to cover how I really feel.

"I've been out with people who are all slim and I'm the only big person and I can see people looking at me and thinking 'oh look at state of her'."

The operation

Having the operation will mean that Alli will spend a minimum of three days in hospital, followed by a period of 6-8 weeks away from her position as a learning support assistant.

Obesity surgery is becoming increasingly well known in the UK and the procedures are a huge commitment, with surgery such as Alli's meaning a permanent change which will impact on her relationship with food for the rest of her life.

Some people become obese due to a psychological dependency on food and the surgery does not in itself affect a person's reliance on food. So there is a risk that patients can sabotage their progress by continuing to eat the wrong foods after they return to normal life.

"It's not cut and dry at all and you have to go through quite a process.

"You have to have counselling so that you're really aware of the decision that you're making because it's a life long commitment."

Photos of the patient are taken ahead of the surgery to assess the way that the procedure will be carried out.

Alli Hewitt

"That really wasn't very nice," explained Alli.

"The trouble was the photographer was really gorgeous and he said "ok if you could just take your clothes off" and I said, "er no".

"I managed to keep my trousers on but it was all still a bit degrading.

"I knew it was for the greater good and in a few months' time when I have some more taken I will be able to see the difference."

Alli hopes that the surgery will have a positive impact on all aspects of her life and enable her to become more confident and do more with her young son.

"He knows all about my operation and for a nine year old he's very grown up and very supportive.

"He always tries to put his arms around me and he's said "soon I'll be able to put my arms all the way around you mummy".

"I'd really like to dance again and maybe have a leading lady role, and I want to be there for my son and to take him on a funfair ride.

"I went to do it a few years ago and the guy on the ride said "sorry you're too fat" so the chance to do that would be great."

Towards the future

On 27 October 2008 Alli had her gastric bypass surgery and a month later was recovering at home with the support of her family.

"I'm getting stronger everyday but it is painful.

"I've had 2 metres of my small intestine removed and, although I haven't measured it, the scar has 58 staples in it, plus God knows how many inside me.

"My son has been really grown up about it, he's been bringing me soup and things and counted the staples for me."

Alli is slowly recovering from her operation and has already lost 19 pounds in weight, though her diet is somewhat limited at the moment.

"For the first seven days I just had liquids like water, juice, tea, coffee and protein shakes.

"I've just started having mushed solids, things like Weetabix and mashed potato.

"I need to stick with puree food for another week then more textured food can be introduced, but everyone is different so I'll just have to see how it goes."

Alli on stage: photo by Stevie Collin

Despite all the pain she is experiencing at the moment Alli is determined to get back on her feet as soon as possible and is even planning to attend auditions for the next Stage Door Theatre Company production.

"I've told the director I won't be able to do any dancing just yet, but should be fully up and well by the time the show opens next year.

"I really haven't got any regrets at all, except not having this done sooner."