Everything to Lose

By the time Neil Bakewell was admitted to hospital for a gastric bypass in March 2009, he weighted a staggering 43 stone. He had been told in no uncertain terms that, if he did not undergo the operation, he would die within a few years. Yet because of his weight, even just undergoing the surgery posed a hugh risk to his life - but it was a risk he simply had to take. In the year since his operation, Neil has lost an amazing 20 stone and still has more weight to lose. As a result, his life had changed beyond recognition. In this touchingly honest memoir, Neil tells his fascinating story with insight and humour. He recalls how, as a child, his pronounced stutter shattered his confidence; he found comfort in eating, which spiralled into a dependency on food. As Neil moved into adulthood, his eating habits became more extreme and he gained weight rapidly. He became stuck in a cycle of addiction and could see no way out until the option of gastric bypass surgery was presented to him. Now, Neil has finally got his life back and is making the most of it. He can now do the things that his size previously prevented him from doing - and that most people take for granted - such as going to the cinema or travelling on an aeroplane. His confidence has been restored and he is taking on new challenges all the time, such as training for a marathon and public speaking. As Neil himself says, 'No doubt some will say i took the easy way out. But my life has been a constant struggle against obesity. I've tried everything to lose the weight - but when you are addicted to food, nothing works - apart from this. Anyone who thinks I took an easy way out should try living in my condition for a day - they should feel the frustration, self-loathing and despair...'