Author: Megan Hughes

Feeling anxious before bariatric surgery is completely normal. Whether you are preparing for a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass or gastric band procedure, it is a significant life step. Questions about recovery, lifestyle changes and the future can naturally bring uncertainty. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we believe confidence comes from clarity. Tonic […]

We all start with good intentions. A new routine. A fresh goal. A promise to ourselves that this time will be different. But lasting change does not come from motivation alone. It comes from building habits that quietly shape daily life over time. For patients considering or recovering from weight loss surgery, habit formation is […]

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it can be tempting to stay indoors. However, maintaining regular movement during winter is important for both physical and mental wellbeing. Staying active supports weight management, cardiovascular health and mood regulation. For those on a weight loss journey or recovering from bariatric surgery, consistent movement can play […]

At Tonic Weight Loss, we perform hundreds of procedures every year and are committed to working with every single one of our patients to help them achieve their weight loss goals so they can live their lives to the fullest. Our Giving Back Lives Awards initiative is there to help patients do just that!  So every single […]

Celebrating Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) in Weight Loss Surgery Journey When it comes to embarking on a weight loss journey, many people tend to focus solely on the number displayed on the scale. However, there’s a powerful and motivating concept that often gets overlooked in this pursuit: Non-Scale Victories (NSVs). Especially relevant for those who have […]

Summer brings weddings, holidays and special occasions. After bariatric surgery, these events can bring a mixture of excitement and anxiety. You may feel more confident physically, while also wondering how to navigate food choices and routines. Planning ahead and focusing on how you want to feel long term can help you enjoy the season without […]

Hair loss after weight loss surgery can feel worrying, especially when you are already adjusting to significant changes in your body. The reassuring news is that, in most cases, post-bariatric hair thinning is temporary and reversible. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we are open about every stage of the journey, including common side effects such […]

The popularity of bariatric surgery has increased steadily in recent years. For people living with obesity, it can be an effective medical treatment when delivered by experienced surgeons within a regulated healthcare setting. However, travelling abroad for weight loss surgery may carry additional risks. While lower prices can appear attractive, it is important to carefully […]

What is a Mini Gastric Bypass? Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a weight loss surgery that combines elements of both a traditional gastric bypass and a sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure involves creating a small pouch in the stomach and then rerouting the small intestine to the newly created stomach pouch. During an MGB procedure, the […]

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? A Gastric Sleeve or Sleeve Gastrectomy is a surgical weight loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach and creating a new, smaller stomach “sleeve.” During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a thin, […]

Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to the pouch. This surgical procedure reduces the amount of food a person can eat and limits the absorption of calories and nutrients from food, resulting in significant weight loss. During the procedure, the surgeon […]

Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), is a surgical procedure that involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This limits the amount of food the stomach can hold and slows down the passage of food to the lower part of […]

Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition characterised by excess body fat that may negatively affect health. It is commonly assessed using Body Mass Index, which is calculated using a person’s height and weight. In clinical terms: If you would like to understand your current BMI, you can use our BMI Calculator for an initial […]

BCFC players and 3 inspirational weight loss surgery patients – one who has lost over 10 stone! –  ran through a fun training strength and conditioning session at their training ground and discussed how weight loss surgery has changed their life and the importance of exercise for every body.  Before Surgery the patients would never have […]

Tonic Weight Loss Surgery is proud to announce a new partnership with Birmingham City Football Club. This collaboration will see both organisations working together throughout the season to help raise awareness around obesity, health and long-term lifestyle change. Through social media activity and seasonal campaigns, the partnership aims to share responsible, educational messaging with supporters […]

Obesity is increasingly recognised as a factor that can affect male reproductive and hormonal health. In men of reproductive age, excess body weight may contribute to hormonal imbalance, erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm quality. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we approach this topic carefully and responsibly. Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity. It […]

Obesity rates have increased significantly worldwide over the past few decades. According to the World Health Organization, global obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, with hundreds of millions of adults now living with a BMI over 30. Obesity is associated with a number of health risks, including potential impacts on female fertility. It can also […]

For many people, weight loss surgery is about far more than numbers on a scale. It can be about improving mobility, confidence and overall health and, for some, creating the opportunity to start a family. Emma’s story is one example of how bariatric surgery can support life-changing outcomes. After undergoing Gastric Bypass at Tonic Weight […]

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked with obesity and insulin resistance. For decades, clinicians have observed that certain gastrointestinal surgical procedures can lead to significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Over time, this led to the development of what is now referred to as metabolic surgery. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we take a medically […]

We’re extremely proud to have helped raise £19,074.29 for Kyle’s Goal Charity Ball. A message from Katherine & Kyle: “We would like to say a huge thank you for supporting the first Kyle’s Goal Charity Ball.  We hope you will agree that it was a fantastic night and a triumphant success.  Your most generous donation of £200 contributed […]

There is a common myth that eating healthy is expensive. While food prices have risen in recent years, building balanced, nutritious meals does not have to break the bank. With the right approach, it is possible to support health and weight goals without overspending. For patients preparing for or recovering from weight loss surgery, learning […]

If you have previously undergone weight loss surgery but are no longer achieving the expected outcomes, gastric revisional surgery may be an option worth exploring. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, Gastric Revisional Surgery is offered to carefully selected patients following detailed clinical assessment. Revisional procedures are more complex than primary bariatric surgery and require specialist […]

Stress is part of modern life. While short-term stress can be manageable, long-term or chronic stress may influence both physical and mental health, including weight. Research from University College London has explored the relationship between cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, and obesity. In one study involving adults over 50, higher long-term cortisol […]

Many people know the general principles of healthy eating, but real life often gets in the way. Busy schedules, cravings and convenience can influence food choices more than careful planning. While no single food “burns” fat on its own, certain foods can support weight management by improving satiety, stabilising blood sugar and contributing valuable nutrients. […]