Latest / This Is My Journey | The GLP-1 Podcast / S1 E5: Life After Bariatric Surgery with GLP-1 — With Kirsty Ginger

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S1 E5: Life After Bariatric Surgery with GLP-1 — With Kirsty Ginger · This Is My Journey | The GLP-1 Podcast

• 0:00
  Today on This Is My Journey, we are looking at the part of health transformation that doesn't get spoken about enough, life after bariatric surgery. So here in the UK, the NHS carries out around 4,500 bariatric surgeries every year, and a major study of more than 112,000 people who have had that surgery in the UK found that around 14% went on to use GLP-1 medications to help manage their long-term health.
• 0:28
  So yeah, that shows to me that transformation isn't always one straight line and for many it's a mix of medical treatments, lifestyle changes and just ongoing support. And behind those numbers are real people living with real challenges, diagnoses and victories. So let's roll the intro and then I'll introduce you to somebody who has lived this journey in such an honest and inspiring way.
• 0:56
  Welcome to This Is My Journey, the podcast where real people share real stories of transformation, resilience, and growth. I'm Mark, and after navigating my own path through major lifestyle change, I created this space to open up honest conversations around identity,
• 1:14
  mindset, and what it really takes to evolve. So along the way, we'll also hear from professionals, you know, from pharmacists to psychologists and fitness experts who help us make sense of the science and support behind these journeys. So whether you're just starting out deep in the process or you're finding your footing after big change, you are not alone. This is your place. This is my journey. Let's walk it together.
• 1:42
  Welcome back everyone. Today I'm joined by somebody very close to me, my friend Kirsty. Kirsty has been through so much in her journey. She's undergone bariatric surgery, navigated diagnoses and continued her transformation with incredible resilience. But what inspires me most is her openness,
• 2:01
  You know, she's never shied away from talking honestly about the hard parts, the emotional ups and downs, and just what it really feels like to live such a life-changing experience. So this conversation is about understanding not just the treatments themselves, but really the person behind them. Like I know Kirsty, the real raw everyday story. So Kirsty, thank you so much for appearing here today. How are you?
• 2:29
  I'm good, I'm very excited to be here. I'm so, so happy that you're here and, you know, got to share your story with us. You know, for those of you who don't know you yet, like I do, maybe start by telling us a little bit about yourself. You know, what sort of led you to where you are now?
• 2:47
  Okay, so yeah, it all started when trauma happened when I was in my early 20s. And you know, mental health just catches up with you. At that time, I just kind of needed to concentrate on what I needed to do to get the treatment going. So I took lots of medication, got myself stable, and started university. And basically, after that, I did all my degree and everything. And then I looked at myself in the mirror, there was a time Christmas market, everyone was excited to go down.
• 3:17
  you know what, I can't go, I can't walk into town. And it's so embarrassing, like even now, it gets me upset slightly because I say that every day to patients, we're social human beings, we need to be out and about and here I am lying because I knew that I couldn't walk. And so from that moment, I was like, no, this is, I can't do this, you know, I'm absolutely where I need to be mentally, I've got a really, really good job and now's the time to look at my body.
• 3:42
  You know, let's do one step at a time. And that's where it started for me. So I did have a chat with with a doctor. He recommended that I go to tier three. And that's an NHS weight loss service that they provide. And it's one to one appointments with a nutritionist. I learned how to eat. I didn't change everything.
• 4:03
  It's just changing little things as we go along the journey, which I found really helpful. So I wasn't changing everything. Like I said, I was just doing one little thing every week, and it just taught me how to change little bits. Just little snaps in, is it? Yeah, it was a lot more manageable to do little bits, and that's what I've done throughout my journey. I haven't just said, do you know what? At the end of the year, I want to be weatherstone. It is not a race. This has taken me almost three and a half years to get where I need to get to.
• 4:31
  And this is one thing that I really just want to get into everyone's. We're not racing. What are we racing for? That's amazing. So many people will be able to relate to that, especially, you know, going down the sort of bariatric route. Tell us a little bit more about that process. You know, basically your whole experience relating to having that bariatric surgery.
• 4:53
  So with the NHS you've got to reach certain criteria to get to tier four which is where the bariatric surgery kind of where that ball rolls. So I met all the criteria's and it was decision time. What do we do? We go to bariatric surgery or will Kirsty still do what she's doing now and try to better herself. At that point I was almost 24 stone.
• 5:14
  So there was a lot to go. There was a lot to go. And I knew that I needed all the help that I could get at that time. So I decided to go for the operation. And you know what? It's the best thing that I have ever done. From a bariatric surgery perspective, my surgery was successful with the amount of weight that I did lose. I lost 70% of my body weight, extra body weight. And that basically means that it's successful. So successful to them, but not for me.
• 5:43
  so I was stuck at 15 stone which is absolutely fine okay I was quite happy with that but actually I just wanted a little bit more to come off which is where I'm at at the moment um I had to I knew that Monjaro was coming out and I knew I had to be two years postdoc for me to have this Monjaro so I did monitor it very very closely um I reached out to a couple of pharmacies because I'm not a standard kind of patient I'm a bit more complex
• 6:09
  So I had to reach out, found a pharmacy that really helped me and supported me. And so I started the ball rolling. I literally started beginning of April last year. So I was like the first, not one of the first ones on, but I was basically like there, ready to rock and roll. It had only been up like two weeks and here I am like, yeah, I've got the pen.
• 6:29
  because I do do a lot of research and I did know that it was coming it was just when and what it looked like and all the criteria so yeah so obviously now that you've been taking Manjaro and we'll go into a little bit more detail a bit later on but whereabouts are you now in terms of the weight so you were saying you were 24 stone before where are you now
• 6:48
  So at this current moment, I am on the 11 stone cusp. Okay. So one day I will wake up and it will be 11 stone one. One day I will wake up and I'll be 10 stone 13. So I don't weigh myself as much anymore because, you know,
• 7:04
  If I wake up and I'm on that 11 stone, over the 11 stone, I'm in a bad mood basically. That 10 stone, I'm like, yes, I've done it. But you know what? It's really, really good. And it's taught me quite a lot because we're always trying to chase that milestone. We're trying to get onto that stone. But when you're on the cusp, it is annoying, but it's okay. It's fine. So I'm maintaining very well, which I'm very excited with. How much have we actually lost now altogether?
• 7:29
  So altogether, I have lost 13 stone and eight pound. Wow, that is incredible. And you know what? It's something to be super, super proud of that you were able to get from that size. And I know you have had the bariatric surgery. You know, you've went down the Manjaro route as well. You know, it just shows that this journey is not linear in the sense that one thing doesn't just...
• 7:53
  fix you, do you know what I mean? There could be multiple different approaches that people have to take and all that there. Kind of going back to the bariatric surgery again, how was that process for you? Like physically, you've talked about that a little bit there and emotionally, how was that process? Was it painful? Was it like, how long did it take? All that sort of stuff. And then how did you cope with that emotionally and mentally and all that sort of stuff?
• 8:20
  Yeah. So the bariatric surgery was absolutely fine. Really, really. The recovery was really good after that. You know, I recovered really well. The only thing that I found really, really hard. It sounds really weird, but just grieving food. Food has been my comfort for almost 15, 15 years.
• 8:38
  So now I don't have that comfort. I physically don't know where to go. So I've had to find other enjoyments as well. But that's one thing that I find really hard. We get a bag of Maltesers, we eat them, and then that's it, we feel guilty. I'm not gonna lie, there has been times when I did try and eat a whole bag of Maltesers, but my body physically will say no. So I do suffer sometimes with foamy and dumping, which is just something that will happen when you have bariatric surgery.
• 9:04
  um I still have it to this day because we just forget you know we want to enjoy life so I'm going to enjoy it and then suddenly it will remind myself actually Kirsty you shouldn't be doing that um so that absolutely fine um I've learned how to use my body and know when to stop as well I think that's one of the big things is knowing when to stop eating what you need to eat um but yeah mentally like I said it's been hard but it's been in it's a
• 9:32
  It's tough love, does that make sense? Yeah. You know, and I know I have to be kind to myself at the same time, and I know that I'm aware of my emotions with food. So that's one thing that I was really aware of. When I first started this journey and I got referred to tier three, I actually got referred to the eating clinic as well. Okay. So that's something that the NHS provide.
• 9:54
  And you know what? It was really interesting. There's so much information that a lot of people are unaware of. We just go through the day. If you think about Christmas, we indulge, we eat lots of food. Why? I don't know. If it's someone's birthday, again, we're eating cake, we're eating loads of snacks. Like we're putting emotions with food and that has been there for so, so long. It's more a social thing that too, isn't it?
• 10:16
  Yeah, and I think, you know, of course we have to enjoy ourselves, but you know, there is a limit with everything. And I think now fast foods are more accessible. We just, you know, on the way home, I'm just going to have a McDonald's. I only had a McDonald's when it was my birthday. Yeah. So a lot has changed. A lot has changed. Yeah, no, totally. I suppose, obviously, we'll get on to the GLP-1 element, but in terms of that surgery and where you're at now, it's been good for you in terms of living with it and all that there.
• 10:44
  Yeah, no, I live with it really well, actually. I've actually really enjoyed it. So when we go out for meals, I'm now on a kid's meal, which is absolutely brilliant. I know, well, that's what I wanted to say to everybody about your kiddies' nandos. Yeah, kiddies' nandos, because I won't rant, but basically all they do is put extra chips on a plate. I have been to the Harvester and I said, oh, can I have a kid's mother? It's just the same chicken, it's just extra chips. I'm like, I don't need extra chips, do I? I just still want them on the plate.
• 11:11
  Or even just going with a starter as well. Yeah. That's always, you know, I'll sometimes just go to and just have two chicken, not chicken wings, but you know, just that portion of chicken wings. I suppose it's portion control, essentially, isn't it? And just learning to realise that you don't actually need that massive plate of whatever it is that you've just ordered.
• 11:30
  That's it, yeah. Now, I'm a big advocate of plate sizes. If anyone's seen any of my previous lives that I do, I will show you the plates that everyone uses and a plate that I use. I could show you that if you want. No, no, no. Well, I've already seen it, but yes, just for anybody, just for anybody listening, it's basically a dessert plate. Is that what you call them?
• 11:55
  It's seven inches. Yeah, like a side clip. It's something I have had to learn, obviously being on this journey, you know, just with the GLP-1 that, you know, portion control is such a, you know, you can't over...
• 12:08
  feed yourself essentially, but obviously even more important for you because you've had that surgery and stuff as well. But no, that's fascinating to learn all that because, you know, for me, and I'll be honest, I probably didn't even know anything about bariatric surgery until I'd actually met you and, you know, we'd spoken about it. But yeah, like...
• 12:26
  amazing and there'll be so many people out there you know listening that either are about to go through this surgery or have just been through it that will be able to or maybe scared about starting and you know hearing what you've just said will be really encouraging for them so thank you so much for for sharing that in terms of that sort of transition then into glp1s and using manjaro
• 12:45
  Obviously I know you as a person, you're such a research fiend is probably the only way I can really describe you. But like, you know, you just love doing your reading around topics and stuff. But like, how did you come to use GLP-1s, in particular Majoro, because obviously that's what you've used after your surgery? And, you know, what role has that played in your life up to now?
• 13:12
  Yeah, so I did reach out back to the surgeon that did my bariatric surgery. And under the NHS, they can prescribe Wegovi for maintenance. But because I had been through all of that and I got discharged basically, and I couldn't go back. So the only option would be for me to pay privately for Wegovi.
• 13:32
  knowing that Monjaro was going to be coming out, then I was like, no, I'm going to hold on to this. And did lots of research. Like I said, it was really, really hard to try and find the right provider for me because I am a bit more of a high risk with the bariatric surgery. So...
• 13:47
  I had to really ask questions and say, look, are you happy to kind of go through this with me and support me? I had to chat to my doctor as well. Again, he agreed that, yeah, no, this is perfect custody because he knew what my goal was. And my goal was not be skinny, just be a lot more healthier. You know, when I started Monjara, my BMI was 35. So again, I was still on that cusp of, you know, kind of being overweight, but a lot healthier than the overweight I was before.
• 14:15
  So I really, really enjoyed that. So I've absolutely loved Monjaro. It's been a life changing experience. Yeah. For anybody listening, did anything surprise you about that kind of journey? Did you think you were going to lose a lot more weight being on this when you initially started it? Or as in the GLP-1, did you...
• 14:35
  you know how did you feel going into to start in Manjaro did you were you apprehensive were you like how because I know for me and my own personal experience you know there was that initial you know few days beforehand where you know I did my research and all that there before and I really decided that I was going to go down this route and and then thinking
• 14:56
  oh, I actually have this now and I need to start this. And there was that initial fear and things like that. Did you have any of that or were you excited? Kind of emotions wise, like how do you feel?
• 15:07
  Yeah, the only thing, I was really apprehensive because I've already lost weight. I didn't know whether I could lose any more weight. That was the question. And, you know, again, what else could I have done? You know, my portion sizes are small anyway, but I knew that I was bringing in the snacking and I was always hungry. I think hunger is the biggest thing. When you have bariatric surgery, they actually cut the food hormone out.
• 15:28
  And I think once they removed it and you bring it back, it is 110%. So I think that's the part that I struggled with the most, is just feeling hungry. But then the Monjaro really helped. It was a very, very slow weight loss. And I will say that as I've gone through the journey and met other people, the weight loss is a lot slower than Slimming World or Weight Watchers, where it just drops off. But it's not maintainable.
• 15:50
  And I always say to people, it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. You're just changing things. We're doing better decisions. And I think that's a big thing. But yeah, I didn't expect to lose as much weight as I have and be where I am today. Because I thought I was never going to be here. You see lots of other people losing half their body weight and doing this and doing that. And here I am, I'm happy, but I'm not really happy. I know where I wanted to be. And that's where I'm at at the moment.
• 16:18
  Oh, that's good. And you know what, you just touched on something there, and I think it's really important for anybody that is listening. I think being on this journey, so many people are like, why have I not lost, you know, this much weight by this date and all that there? And everybody is so different on this journey. And, you know,
• 16:35
  obviously for you, it didn't sound like for you, you were like on a countdown to get to a certain goal, wait by a certain date and all that there. And I think that's the right approach to have. Not saying that having that ambition isn't good, but I definitely think some people maybe just, you know, I think you just need to sort of take a step back and just let be what's going to be. And, you know, just be kind to yourself on this journey and just, I suppose...
• 17:05
  take it for what it is and nobody is the same person. Like we're all very different genetically and you know, our daily routines are,
• 17:12
  you know, the food that we eat, everything like that. So I think it's so important to be kind to yourself and not have that expectation. And I think another thing is that when people stall as well, you know, it's just our body just reacting to it. It's absolutely fine. I think I've done everyone stalls and everybody that's gonna watch this podcast, but it is heart-wrenching. And you know, when we stand on the scales, like I said, one day if I'm 11 stone, I'm like, oh God,
• 17:35
  the next day I'm 10 stone, but I don't weigh every day now, which is really good. I'm not obsessed. I think that's the thing we're obsessed. We're obsessed with weighing, we're obsessed with seeing what we're eating. And once that's been drilled into us, it's hard to get rid of it. And I think that's, you know, over the whole period, I don't say it's a diet anymore. And I never ever say that I'm skinny. I say I'm healthy. And that is the main thing. And do you know what? You did mention that there before, and I did sort of clock you when you said it, but like you said about, you know, I didn't want to be skinny. I just wanted to be healthy. And I think that is,
• 18:05
  such an important message for people because honestly I think just there's so many people just have that ambition that they want to be that size zero that just want to be you know the supermodel that's walking down the runway or whatever you know and that's not realistic for the majority of us and I think it is just about being healthy and yeah
• 18:27
  you know, definitely the BMI scale in general, and that's where I don't really particularly, my view, I don't really like it because it's not, you know, it doesn't take into consideration, you know, muscle mass and all that sort of stuff. It literally just takes into consideration your weight. So I, yeah, I'm not really a massive fan of it, but obviously you're shaking your head there that you're not either. No, no.
• 18:50
  my brother-in-law was like, I want to be BMI 25. I'm like, no, just be what you're happy at. You know, there's no race. And even for me now, I'm still overweight and I'm happy. You know, if I was, if I, if my BMI was a lot lower, I just don't think I would look myself. But there's also some other considerations that I'm thinking about is having plastic surgery. So I'm heavier than I should be. So when I have plastic surgery, I'm going to be still not, you know, that normal 25 cusp. Yes, yes.
• 19:19
  And that's something that I've had to be mindful of not to be that 25 and then lose the extra skin on top of that. Yeah. In terms of like your identity now, from that point where you first had, you know, a 24 stone, had your bariatric surgery to where you are now, having lost, you know, almost 14 stone is like, how do you cope with that situation?
• 19:44
  in your head like that sense of you know identity through this journey like I know for me it's been such a struggle like trying to to get my head thinking that I am this person now to to what I was so how have you managed to cope with that like have you struggled with it or has it been I have struggled yeah I struggled with this so so hard I look in the mirror I don't look like me anymore
• 20:07
  I change my profile picture like every two days. The only thing, the only way that I can distinguish my old self and my new self is by side by side pictures. And even that, my friends and family will send them to me because I just refuse to take any pictures. And there's just some days when I'm just like, this isn't me. I don't see me anymore. Confidence wise, I'm just a whole 110% Kirsty now, which is brilliant. Wow.
• 20:35
  well I think there was 100% there before but 110% now but I think it's just the confidence as well like I said I was lying saying I'm not very well I can't go out but actually like I could I just didn't want to be embarrassed yeah um and you know just walking up and downstairs just got get me out of breath and I'm just like oh I don't need that um but I used to be like a proper secret eater as well um I think that's one of the things so on my own I would just kind of
• 21:02
  go and have a bag of Maltesers and minstrels together and no one would see me. Whereas now, I just have a baby size and I'm really happy with that. It's taking time. I think mentally, like I said, that is the hardest part. It's just I don't see me anymore. But
• 21:19
  I'm doing it stage by stage. So the first thing was to notice that I needed help. I got help, reassessed where I was at before Moncharo, GLP one. So I assessed where I was at, where do I wanna be? I wanna be where I am today. I've been on maintenance now for eight months and I'm just doing it step by step because there's no point trying to do it all in one year. Stage by stage, it's so much more healthier and also mentally you have to just adjust to it going forward.
• 21:47
  Do you know what? What's so obvious in how you talk and what you're saying is...
• 21:53
  how much research you've done in the background and how much you know your stuff now. And I think that's key to, you know, if you're going on this journey, it's really about understanding where you're going and the reasons for why you are the way you are, you know, like in terms of why you overeat. And like, obviously for me, I do believe obesity is a chronic condition. You know, I know we all sort of agree with that, but...
• 22:19
  you know, definitely having that understanding and research behind you, just the way you're saying, you know, at this step, at this step, at this step, it's just, you know your points of where, what you need to do, what you need to do to get there and achieve where you need to be. And I think, you know,
• 22:39
  that's amazing for you on your journey. And it's really inspiring to me listening and I'm sure everybody else will be really inspired by that too, because it's a very, it takes a lot I think to be able to view yourself from an outsider's perspective. And I think that's really what you have done. Like, to be able to get yourself to each stage, you need to think like that.
• 23:00
  Yeah, I think it's just, like I said, I can't do everything all at once. And I think when you make decisions of taking a GLP-1 medication, having bariatric surgeries, or even looking and investigate, you know, always do your research. What is right for you? You know, one thing that's right for me might be not right for the next person. And with a lot of changes in the GLP-1, um,
• 23:20
  what's happening with the GLP ones, you know, like even swapping from one GLP one to another, you need to do your research. If you don't think it's right, then don't do it. And don't do it because everyone else is doing it either. It is just trying to be mindful and think, where do you want to be? What is it that you're achieving or what do you want to achieve? Yeah. So, you know, just touching on what you've said and all that there, is there any moments that you've really doubted anything that you've kind of done on this journey so far, you know,
• 23:49
  I know you did mention there that you were happy with the bariatric surgery and it was the best thing you've ever done and all that there. You know, in terms of your journey as a whole, is there anything you've regretted? So like I do a lot of research, I knew what I was going to be expecting when I had a bariatric
• 24:04
  surgery there is something called foamy's and something called dumping um if you google that you will know exactly what i mean i won't go into the the boring details of that i think we can probably gather what the dumping is but well i know i can but um the foamy's i'm not too sure i'm yeah
• 24:20
  The only thing is you just don't know when it's going to happen. That is, you know, one thing can trigger it, and then that's it. The whole evening is ruined. But like I said, I'm getting better at that. And when that first happened, I didn't really understand what it was going to feel like. It's like a slap in the face. I'm like, whoa, okay, I know what this feels like now. I won't eat those two bags of Maltesers again. But Kirsty still does it. So we haven't learned the lesson, but I've definitely learned it now by using, like, smaller portions. And then the only other doubt that I had is...
• 24:48
  you know when I did lose the first weight on before the GLP-1 medication I was at that 15 stone and that was it that's that's it that's the end of your bariatric surgery that's all you can do for me so I'm like well that's all I can do for myself what's next I have to figure that out myself um the NHS have been really really good with all the support they've been giving me but they just couldn't give me that way go v off on the tier four because I wasn't putting weight on um so yes yes yes
• 25:13
  the NHS are very, very strict with their guidelines. They're not just going to give it to you. You have to have a reason to have that. Not just because I want to be a little bit smaller than I am at the moment. No, that's successful. So well done. And that was, I doubted myself at that point. And before I started Monjaro, this is going to sound really, it upsets me slightly is that I thought I'd failed a little bit because I didn't get to this, you know, I didn't lose half my body weight. I just lost like,
• 25:41
  seven six seven stone and i was just like i i failed myself actually because everyone else is there why am i not there yeah um so that's that's why i started monjaro because i had to do it for myself and it just like i said that at that point i was just struggling i didn't know what to do
• 25:58
  You know, it's sad that you have felt like that because really that's not a failure on your part. That's just where your body has got to a point where it's got used to the quantity of food that you're able to eat. And I suppose just routine and stuff like that. And it's like it's like anything once you, you know, you get you're in a certain calorie deficit. It gets to a point where your body actually is able to maintain on whatever deficit you're on. And that's kind of where you are. But I get that.
• 26:23
  your mind can almost play tricks on you in terms of, you know, making you feel that way. Like you've not achieved something that you set out to achieve, but, um, but I suppose that's where the blessing that, uh, GLP one has come in and Manjaro for you. And you've been able to, to push it that little bit further again. Um, and,
• 26:41
  So I suppose just, I suppose talking about them sort of sadder moments and stuff that you've experienced, like how crucial for you was it to have like a support system around you in terms of like family, friends? And, you know, I know for me being on Manjaro and my journey, like I don't think I could have done it without the support of, you know,
• 27:02
  honestly social media and the people in the community that I have met there and you know you and all our friends that you know we've kind of come to grow in love over the last year that we've all met each other and I think it's it's it's been such uh you know you guys are such a part of my journey in terms of me achieving what I've achieved so you know for you like who's been your sort of rock and support system on this way on this journey
• 27:26
  Yeah, I think when I had the bariatric surgery, it was my family and friends. They had to adjust to not feeding me, you know, feeding me in all the blood. And I think that was quite hard on them as well because they're like, you need to eat more. It's not natural to eat just like one little pizza. So for them, they found it hard for them to accept what I was eating. But...
• 27:45
  Before the GLP one, I was really lonely because there was no one really to talk to. Of course, I can find other people on social media, but it's just you just don't have that connection. You know, we've all just had it done and it's like, there you go, throw you out in the real life. Whereas with Manjaro, you know, we've got a very good community. Like everyone has got their own different experiences as well, which I find really helpful. You know, we're all in.
• 28:10
  one thing that I really connect even with yourself and other people that we chat to, we understand. Yeah. You know, we understand that we, you know, the food was, I always, in my head, I always think this, right? There is no normal person, but does other people, do they think like we used to think? Yeah. Yeah.
• 28:29
  You know, and I always kind of think food noise is a bit more like psychosis. You know, you had your breakfast. Oh, my God, what am I going to have for lunch? I'm going to have this for lunch. Oh, you know what? I just had a Snickers bar. I shouldn't have eaten that Snickers bar. Why did I do that? I regret it. And then this is what our head is always doing. But I always wonder if somebody hadn't gone through Slimming World, hadn't dieted, would they think like that as well? And this is something that I just I haven't got the answer for.
• 28:54
  Yeah, that's, that's, I can totally relate to what you're saying because I, you know, I feel it too. Do you know what I mean? That's, that's.
• 29:01
  I can understand what you're saying, other people will understand what you're saying, but maybe somebody else who doesn't go through what we're experiencing or whatever, you know, we hear daily, you know, people calling you cheaters, people just walk more, exercise more, all that sort of stuff, do you know what I mean? Like all these people that are very inconsiderate and don't actually realise that this obesity in general is a chronic illness and, you know, we do have to, we can all relate, you know, and I definitely, I think that's where the community aspect
• 29:30
  comes into it all and I think that's where I'm so glad that I found you and everybody else you know in the community because it's I think without that we'd be lost and we might not have pursued it as long as we've been able to pursue it and keep going.
• 29:46
  I think the one good thing about social media is that it's all out there now. We're not ashamed of it anymore. Like, you know, I went to Simmon World. I went to Weight Watchers. We're like, oh yeah, we're just going to go in and just, you know, not embarrassed to go because when you're in there, you're in your little, your little bubble. Do you know what I mean? Kind of,
• 30:01
  take that step in. That's why they're like, oh, bring a family and friend member with you, you know, because it's like a secret club. And you know, you don't really want to walk around with your Weight Watchers crisps, you know what I mean? You just kind of look for the alternative one because people go, oh, you want a diet? No, no, no. Now we're like, just give it to me, you know? And I think that's another good thing.
• 30:20
  just in the last kind of two years is that when I did the bariatric surgery there wasn't this about you know no one was talking about it and now we're just like this is what we're struggling with this is what we're doing this is how we change it and it's just great that we're all just talking about it rather than shying away from it the community is more public
• 30:38
  Oh, definitely. I completely agree with you. You know, the social media element and being able to speak with people and all that is great. Obviously, it's not so great in terms of the fake information and things that go around. But I think in general, you know, definitely, you know, I had been lost without it. I probably wouldn't actually have been able to start my journey without it because it was a lot of people on social media that I, you know, noticed and kind of led me to start my journey too. So, yeah, so I suppose just kind of starting to wrap it up.
• 31:06
  What advice would you give to somebody listening who is maybe considering bariatric surgery, starting a GLP-1 like Rogovi, Manjaro, you know, or both? You know, what advice would you give them if they were considering starting?
• 31:22
  Definitely do some research, OK? And also, it's not just changing things. You have to think where you want to be. We can all go on a diet, but what are we actually wanting to achieve? For myself, it was healthy. I don't want to be a size 10. I don't want to be a size 8.
• 31:40
  I don't want to do that. I just want to be healthy. And it's understanding what you need. Also, you know, where is the problem? That is the main thing. I knew that I was secretly eating until you find what is causing the eating, you're never going to get over it.
• 31:55
  You know what I mean? Like you just need to understand why you're doing what you're doing. And it's more about awareness as well. Once you've said, you know what, I am struggling, then the help is there. You just have to find it and ask for it. Instead of just kind of, oh, I want to lose like three stone, I'm just going to take one jarro. What, why are you eating? You know, there's something that's triggering it potentially. And just talking as well, talking to family and friends.
• 32:20
  you know, letting your loved one be aware, you know, this is what I'm doing. I'm eating two bags of Skittles in the day, you know, like just being honest and, you know, they can question you rather than you question yourself. So yes, it's a bit like a problem shared is a problem halved.
• 32:38
  So, you know, like I said, when I talk to you, it's halving our problem. And everyone else as well. You know, it's their problem. But we're all in the same boat. And I think this is the one thing with GLP1 is that we're actually being really honest with ourselves. When we went to those groups, we weren't actually saying what our feelings were. With so many people that...
• 32:56
  will appreciate things that you're saying there and definitely, you know, it'll resonate with people. I know your journey has definitely resonated with me and, you know, I've learned things here, just talking to you now that I didn't know about you. And, you know, I think that's, it's great that, you know, we're putting this out to the world that people are gonna be able to hear, you know, your experience and, you know, I think it's such an important message to share.
• 33:22
  Finally, what is next for Kirsty? So I know you touched on plastic surgery. Obviously, there seems to be a lot of exciting things on the periphery for you. What is next for Kirsty? And where is Kirsty going next?
• 33:38
  So my next game plan is to basically tirade off the GLP-1 medication. That's where I'm currently at at the moment. And you know what, guys? It's okay to be hungry. It is okay to feel hungry. That's where I'm at at the moment, and it's just assessing it. You know, although the GLP-1 is very, very good, we have to think about the future. You know, we have to think about the future.
• 33:59
  So yes, at the moment I'm tirading down and then in about six months time I have got my plastic surgery. So my plan is to be off Monjaro before the operation.
• 34:14
  and then have it. And then that will be the end of my journey, hopefully. Be the end of it. So I'm so excited. It has taken me like four years, five years to get where I need to get to, but I can't do it all at once. Stage by stage by stage. That's all I can tell everybody. Just do it by stages. Think where you need to get to. And also definitely have a look at what weight loss does to your body. Mm-hmm.
• 34:37
  that is another big thing. You're not gonna notice yourself. Yeah, you are gonna have saggy skin. This is something that you kind of need to accept. The only reason I accept that is because when I had the bariatric surgery, the surgeon said, you are gonna have loose skin.
• 34:53
  you are gonna have loose skin. The only way you're gonna get rid of that is by getting it removed. So I knew that from day one, this is gonna happen. So it's having that plan in stage. And then after my plastic surgery, that'll be me all done, hopefully. And I can live a happy life and go on lots of holidays with my new body. In your bikini and show it off.
• 35:16
  All I can really say is thank you so much for sharing your story with us all and the world, essentially. I know how tough it is for you even talking about your weight loss and stuff and all that there. So this is such a massive thing for you. I know it is. And I don't know what to say other than thank you, Kirsty. Thank you. You are a force to be reckoned with. And yes, you should be so proud of where you've come on this journey and
• 35:45
  You hit the nail on the head there and something you said, and it was this is a journey, and it really, really is a journey. So thank you, and yeah, over and out, guys.