'I put on 5st after having gastric bypass - it's not a quick fix'

'I put on 5st after having gastric bypass - it's not a quick fix' Maz Wilkinson is warning others of the dangers of relying on quick-fix weight loss surgery A mum who shed 12-and-a-half stone following bariatric surgery has warned weight loss ops are "no quick fix" after piling the pounds back on. Maz Wilkinson, 41, had a gastric bypass and dropped from 21st 7lbs to around nine stone back in January 2013. But despite the dramatic transformation, Maz says old habits soon crept back in and the weight began to return over the years. After regaining around five stone, the nursery worker said she realised she needed support so joined her local Slimming World group in May 2024. Maz is now warning of the dangers of relying on quick-fix weight loss surgery after shedding the pounds naturally helped her regain control of her life. Mum-of-one Maz, from Merstham, Surrey, said: "One of the biggest misconceptions about bariatric surgery is that it 'fixes' everything. "My story is proof that weight-loss surgery isn't the end of the journey. Surgery was an incredible tool and helped me lose a significant amount of weight, but it didn't change my habits, mindset or relationship with food. “I remember looking at photos of myself and feeling disappointed that I was slipping back into old habits. I had worked so hard after surgery, and I knew I didn't want to continue going in the same direction. "I wanted to feel in control again and improve my confidence. I realised I needed support, accountability and a way of eating that fitted around real life.” Maz who lives with her husband Matthew and seven-year-old Isabella-Maria, had been a Slimming World member before and felt confident she had be welcomed back. Maz, who is an operations manager in a day nursery, then joined the Reigate group, run by consultant Clare O’Connell. She says: “As someone who’s had bariatric surgery, I need meals that are practical and realistic, and Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, food optimising, has shown me that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or restrictive. "As my stomach is much smaller, I need to eat smaller portions but ensure they’re packed full of nutrition and with Slimming World I always know I’m eating a healthy, balanced diet, and I can adjust recipes to suit me. "My favourite meals are simple ones the whole family can eat. I love things like homemade curries, chilli, burgers and loaded jacket potatoes. Mentally, I feel much more in control because I now understand the habits and behaviours that contribute to my weight struggles. "Clare and the group helped me to spot that I often grazed throughout the day, relied on convenience foods when I was busy and didn’t really plan. Now I plan ahead, eat more fruit and vegetables and cook more from scratch.” Maz, who has lost 1st 5lbs and wants to lose another 13lbs to reach her 12st target weight, has also changed her relationship with fitness. She and her daughter have been using the Slimming World app to do 20 minute workout videos together. She added: “One of the things I've loved discovering through Slimming World is that activity doesn't have to be all or nothing. The Slimming World app has workouts and exercise videos that I can do at home, which is much more realistic. "Me and Isabella-Maria will connect the app to the TV in our lounge and do them together. It's become a fun way for us to spend time together whilst being active at the same time. I love walking our cockapoo Teddy, too.” Maz is also planning to use her own experience to help others by training as a Slimming World consultant, taking over the very group she joined two years ago. She added: "Every time I sat in my Slimming World group, I remember looking at Clare and thinking, 'I'd love to do that one day.' "I never believed I was ready, confident enough or successful enough to do it myself, but over time I've gained self-belief and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. “My journey hasn't been perfect, and I think that's why people relate to it. What I've learned is that you don't have to be perfect to make a positive change, you just have to be willing to take the first step.”