August 2022

Jo Mckenna

1. What made you decide to have wls surgery?
I was over being overweight, I wanted and needed to get fit and healthy. I also suffered from chronic reflux.
2. What was your weight prior to your WLS, and... What’s the goal?
My highest weight was 102kgs I’m only 5ft.2 my bmi was 42. My goal was to reach a healthy bmi which is 62kgs for me.
3. Did you get to the weight you wanted?
Almost… I’m 9.8kgs away from my goal and still working hard daily to get there.
4. How do you feel now that you have had the surgery?
I feel alive! I’m a totally new woman full of energy and confidence. I got to push the reset button on my life and start fresh with a brand new tiny tummy, so I was determined to make the most of this amazing opportunity I’ve been given.
5. Were there any problems along the way?
I’ve been extremely lucky! I’ve had no ist op complications. I’m not saying it’s been easy at all it’s been a real challenge at times and it took me awhile to get used to my new normsly
6. Would you do it again now that you know what you know?
100% absolutely, without a doubt
7. What are some of the inspiring things you can think of that you have noticed along the way?
I found out so much about myself this incredible journey. I realised how dedicated I can be if I really put my mind to something I can do it. I found out how far I could push my body without giving up!
8. Did you have some happy unexpected surprises?
I sure did! I had all this energy that I needed to burn, so I decided one day about 3 months post op that I wanted to learn to run. So downloaded an app called couchto5k and set off… well blow me down after 8 weeks of running I competed in my first ever 5km race and loved it! I now run and bike most days and also do weight training twice a week. So the biggest surprise for me was how active I am and I just can’t get enough!
9. What advice do you have for anyone preparing for surgery?
My biggest bit of advice is, do your research and read a lot and ask a lot of questions! Because yes your life is going to change after surgery (in a great way) but you need to be prepared to work hard and dig deep to get results. Surgery is definitely not the easy way out it takes hard work and commitment!
10. What is the one very best thing that has resulted from your surgery? What has been the hardest part of your journey?
I’m me again, I’ve never been fitter, healthier or happier in my life! The hardest part for me was comparing myself to other wls patients and worrying that I’m not losing as much as others of as fast. So my advice is this is “your journey, no one else’s” so don’t compare it’s not healthy because everyone is different