A grandmother who survived on bags of Skips for 16 months while waiting for NHS treatment has been brought back from the brink of death by life-changing surgery.
Kathy Allan, 59, from Ayrshire, had become so frail that two packs of the dissolving crisps were the only food she could stomach each day.
Ms Allan’s health rapidly deteriorated after a hiatus hernia saw her shed 12 stone during the agonising lead-up to her vital operation.
The grandmother-of-six was diagnosed with a huge four inch stomach hernia that caused her to constantly be sick when she ate or drank last October.
She had previously spoken of her fear that she wouldn’t live to see Christmas and had set about scoffing Skips in a last-ditch bid to survive.
In August last year Ms Allan begged doctors to install a feeding tube to help her gain weight before the procedure – which had to take place in Aberdeen due to a shortage of specialist surgeons being available locally.
Just weeks later the essential feeding tube was inserted through her nose, meaning vital nutrients could be pumped into her small intestine while she was asleep.
Kathy Allan, 59, from Ayrshire, had become so frail that two packs of the dissolving crisps was the only food she could stomach each day
The grandmother-of-six was diagnosed with a huge four inch stomach hernia that causes her to constantly be sick when she eats or drinks last October. Pictured: Ms Allan after her weight loss
The operation took place on January 27 after Ms Allan managed to boost her weight from below seven stone to 10 stone 11.
Now on the way to making a full recovery, She told the Record: ‘I feel alive again.
‘I’m enjoying life. Before I was less than half a person. It was torture.
‘But it’s like a second chance now. I’m just so happy I can see my grandchildren grow up, go on holidays and make the most of everyday.’
Ms Allan’s health rapidly deteriorated after a hiatus hernia saw her shed 12 stone during the agonising lead-up to her operation
The life-changing operation took place on January 27 after Ms Allan managed to boost her weight from below seven stone to 10 stone 11. Pictured: Ms Allan before she became ill
Ms Allan is on a strict diet which and is currently only allowed liquid food.
She hopes this will help her return to eating normal meals again in the near future.
But, although, Ms Allan can’t wait to tuck into Sunday roasts and fish and chips there is one snack she will avoid at all costs.
She said: ‘I don’t want another Skip in my mouth as long as I live.
‘They kept me alive, it’s still crazy to think that. But I have a love hate relationship I have with them. I tried Wotsits and Quavers but the only crisps that would stay down were Skips.’
