From hospital bed to size 10 – and first time in love: Julia’s wild year on weight-loss jabs

Anna-Louise Dearden | Last update: 25th July 2025

It sounds scary being rushed into hospital – how bad was it?

I was in hospital for 12 days and it got worse and necrotised (a great name for a black metal band, Necrotised Pancreatitis). It meant I developed a huge lesion that overtook two-thirds of my pancreas. Basically, I was rotting from the inside. I’d been on Wegovy since May last year, but had recently decided to switch to Mounjaro as Wegovy had stopped working. Because of the switch, I had a five-week break and had only taken one Mounjaro dose, four days before I got sick.

Is that when they discovered the gallstones?

Yes. The doctors explained that in women, gallstones often develop due to obesity, high cholesterol, and alcohol use. Given the sheer number I had, they believed I’d been developing them over five years. One or more stones likely got pushed from my gallbladder into my pancreas, there simply wasn’t space left. The only fix was gallbladder removal, which I had on 9 July.

Do you drink heavily or have cholesterol issues?

I drink socially but not excessively. However, I’ve had high cholesterol since my mid-30s and was told I was pre-diabetic two years ago. I tried to change things with my diet but didn’t get far. I also have high blood pressure and have been on medication for two years. I’ve battled my weight since childhood. At my heaviest, I was 14 stone last year and a size 18. I’m only 5’6”, so I was technically obese, and I felt awful. The worst weight gain came when I started HRT two years ago. I managed to lose a stone with exercise and extreme diets, but always plateaued.

Your surgeon was supportive of the jabs – tell us about that?

My GP couldn’t prescribe them on the NHS when I asked in May 2024. I wasn’t surprised, even though I was pre-diabetic, so I sourced them privately. At the time, I knew more than my GP thanks to my own research and my sister – she’d started jabs earlier with support from her GP in Jamaica and a nutritionist. At my next appointment, my GP was more informed and supportive, as she saw the weight loss and how my blood pressure had improved. My pharmacist even called it a miracle drug.

Hospital surgeons never criticised my use of jabs. They were clear that the pancreatitis came from the gallstones, not the medication. They congratulated me on losing the weight and keeping it off . Obesity, not the jabs, was the greater risk.

What would you say to those blaming jabs for every illness?

I’ve heard stories like Sharon Osbourne jumping to the highest dose and getting sick. It’s frustrating. The instructions are clear: start low and build up monthly. Weight loss is gradual at first, then steady. People rushing it, ruin it for the rest of us who take it properly, eat healthily and focus on protein.

I used to eat large portions and snack constantly. Now I don’t. If someone brings up the pancreas scare, I explain my gallstone history and what the doctors told me. Most don’t realise how gallstones form, or the risks of obesity.

Some people love telling others how to live. Before they criticise, they should try walking in my (formerly obese) shoes. Being overweight meant back pain, joint aches, low energy, and hating myself. My only comfort was secret eating – then more weight gain. They don’t understand that.

Also, loads of people use these jabs now, and look amazing. At first, people kept quiet, but I’ve always been open. Now I tell people to stop reading clickbait and do proper research, or just ask me! Especially for women in middle age, or on HRT, a “normal” diet and exercise don’t always work. And if people persist in talking rubbish? Honestly, telling them to f*** off and focus on their own lives works wonders.

You’ve been very unwell recently. Now that the surgery is done, how are you feeling?

The past 10 weeks pre-surgery were rough. Two steps forward, one back. I spent 12 days in hospital hooked to IVs, then was sent home still in agony. Passing gallstones into a healing pancreas was horrendous – thank God for Tramadol.

I was scared about surgery, even though I’ve had others before, but this was the only way to stop the gallstones and avoid more pancreatitis. Saying goodbye to my gallbladder, nicknamed “Derek” by my boyfriend and me, was necessary.

The op went well and I’m now recovering. I feel stronger every day and the fear from the last 11 weeks is fading. I’ve swapped Derek for “Sia,” a titanium clip on my cystic duct. So now, positively speaking – I am Titanium (and slim)!

Interestingly, two women on my ward also had pancreatitis. Both were much younger, very overweight, and had no idea about healthy eating. That’s the real issue.

You’ve said the jab changed your life – especially your love life?

Yes! I was in a pub last August, down 2.5 stone and feeling great. I met this gorgeous bloke, and we hit it off. Turns out we have loads of mutual friends. I knew he was younger, but didn’t realise he was 13 years younger! He started chatting, but I made the first move – which is rare for me. I’ve dated younger guys before, but not by that much (although my sister’s husband is nine years younger, so maybe it runs in the family!).

Despite being married briefly and dating, I had never experienced love before. I believe that was down to self-loathing and a lack of confidence.

Now, I feel different. I carry myself with confidence and self-respect. I love my body. I’ve found someone kind, funny and emotionally available. He was amazing during my illness and we’re planning a holiday to Jamaica this autumn. I can’t wait.

Has your relationship with food and your body changed?

Completely. I eat much smaller portions, usually just two meals a day, and my food choices are healthier. My stomach can’t handle greasy food anymore. I rarely binge, and I don’t crave chocolate like I used to (though I still have the odd bit). Most importantly, I no longer obsess about food from the moment I wake up. That’s been my reality for 40 years.

And as for my body? I love it now. I look damn good. Sorry, but I do! I feel confident and happy for the first time in years. I’m 56 and living my best life.

What’s your mindset like now, looking ahead?

I just want my life back. I haven’t worked for nine weeks, which is strange for me. I’ve missed so many events and gigs – Supergrass, Duran Duran, ELO, even Slayer. That’s been hard. But now, I’m healing, and I’m excited about the future.

Oh – and I need new clothes! I was a size 18, now I’m a size 10. Shopping used to be a nightmare, buying what felt like tents. Now it’s going to be fun again.

And what would you tell someone anxious about GLP-1 meds or scared of side effects?

Yes, there are some side effects – like food repeating on you – but probiotics help. Eating lots of protein also makes a difference. But the medical, physical and emotional benefits of losing weight far outweigh any side effects.

And I know this might be controversial – but I don’t agree with celebrating ‘curves’ when someone is clearly overweight. It’s not healthy. Obesity is the UK’s biggest killer – even more than smoking. That said, I understand how hard it is to lose weight. That’s why these medications are so important – they help people like me take back control.

For further information on pancreatitis take a look at the NHS Advice and for further inspiration have a look at another SlimrChat user’s experience.