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I’m 45 years old and started my family in my early twenties. The aftermath of pregnancy and two C-sections left me with an overhang/apron on my lower stomach and a creased, unhappy-looking belly button. For years, I told myself that I just needed to lose more weight or work harder at the gym.
I hovered between the lower-to-mid overweight category and occasionally dipped into a healthy weight range, but this cycle went on for years. I’d start the gym, eat better, then give up by mid-summer—usually after a holiday. Nothing ever really changed.
In January 2024, something shifted. My son bought his first home and moved out, leaving me with a spare room. I was excited to turn it into a small home gym, so I bought some dumbbells and followed a training programme. To my surprise, I stuck with it all year. The key was convenience—no dragging myself out in the dark after work to go to the gym.
With consistent exercise and a better diet, I lost around a stone and a half and maintained a healthy weight. I plateaued, and my body seemed determined to hang on to the last few pounds. Instead of chasing the number on the scales, I stopped and really looked at how far I’d come. I was a size 10–12, had maintained my weight for months, and felt healthier than I had in years—so why was I still dissatisfied?
The answer hit me: it was my tummy. My clothes still didn’t fit properly, and no amount of weight loss, sit-ups, or training had ever changed its appearance. I realised then that this wasn’t about weight anymore.
I’d thought about surgery for years but always knew I wanted to be at a healthy weight for the best results. I’ve never had cosmetic procedures before—not even Botox (yet!). I explored non-invasive treatments that promised fat loss and muscle building, but after a consultation, I decided it wasn’t for me. Even if they worked, they didn’t feel like a permanent solution.
Then, one day, I was chatting with my hairdresser, who told me about her weight loss journey and the extensive research she’d been doing on abdominoplasty surgery. Listening to her story completely reignited my interest. She was just a normal woman like me, and she was going for it—so why couldn’t I?
I joined UK-based social media forums and support groups for women considering surgery. I read countless real stories and saw before-and-after photos that looked just like me. I wasn’t alone. What amazed me most was how many women said the same thing: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done” or “I wish I’d done it sooner.” Time and again, they described the pain as manageable and the results as life-changing.
One name kept coming up: Rob Winterton. Whenever someone asked for recommendations for surgeons in the North West, his name was always mentioned—along with glowing reviews and genuine stories of happiness and confidence regained. I deep-dived into his website, reviews, and photos. Belly buttons and scar placement were important to me, and everything I saw reassured me. I didn’t want to look anywhere else.
I booked a consultation and was seen within weeks. Three months later, my surgery date was set.
From the moment I met Rob, he was honest, transparent, and realistic about what I could expect for my body type. He wasn’t a salesman—and I really respected that. He was friendly, genuine, and straightforward. I left the consultation excited but nervous, knowing I was fully committed.
My surgery went extremely well. I had a full tummy tuck, a 4cm muscle repair, and liposuction to my hips. The Alexandra Hospital was incredible—the nurses, Rob, and the anaesthetist were all reassuring and informative before and after surgery. Everything was over before I knew it. Any pain was well managed; it was more muscular discomfort than anything else, and far less than I’d expected. Going under general anaesthetic worried me, but it turned out to be the best sleep I’ve ever had!
The aftercare has been second to none. I emailed for advice a few times during the first few weeks post-op, and despite it being over Christmas, I always received quick, reassuring responses from Vicki, Alison, and even Rob himself. I trusted them completely—and they were right.
After just five weeks, I couldn’t believe the transformation. Yes, there was some swelling, but I never imagined I’d look like other people’s “after” photos. The difference was staggering. My friends and family were amazed. I now wear bikinis without hiding my midsection. My waist is more cinched, and clothes fit me better.
This is beyond my wildest dreams. Why did I wait so long? Winning the lottery wouldn’t have come close to this feeling. My children are grown, I’m embracing my new freedom, and I’m loving couples holidays, feeling confident and looking the best I ever have.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Rob and his team to anyone considering cosmetic surgery. You are genuinely cared for every step of the way. The Alexandra Hospital was faultless—the staff, the food, and the overall experience were exceptional.
