Testimonials

As a patient-focused organisation, your wellbeing is our upmost priority.

There is nothing more rewarding than when you share your journey and progress with us. This motivates us as a team to strive for excellence, so that you can get the best possible outcomes to allow you to live your life to the full.

At age 45 weighing just over 26 stone, suffering intolerable back pain, joint pain and barely being able to walk, I
knew I needed help.  I had looked into bariatric surgery online but really didn’t know where to begin.  Options for
help in Northern Ireland barely existed and I didn’t want to travel abroad.

I had been introduced to a Facebook group for Bariatric patients, a helpful page where others openly discussed
their surgery, experiences and names of Consultants. It was  here that I first heard about Dr Li, and was able to
obtain an email address for his Secretary.

In April 2023 I had my initial telephone consultation with Dr Li, and from his first sentence I just knew he was the
right surgeon for me.  He made me feel very at ease, talked me through different surgical options and most
importantly reassured me and put my mind at ease.

Dr Li advised me to follow a 4 week liver reduction diet leading up to my surgery date.  I never thought I would
‘cope’ with only being allowed 800 calories per day, but my motivation to change helped me through and I found it
easier than I had anticipated.

By the end of June 2023 I travelled to the Alexandra hospital in Manchester for my gastric sleeve.  I was admitted
the morning of my surgery and met Dr Li for the first time face to face.  His charmful character and smile put me
at total ease, his whole approach to my pending  surgery and what I could expect totally calmed any nerves I
had.

At this point I also met Sam my bariatric nurse.  On hearing that familiar accent of ‘home’ and offering her full
support I knew I couldn’t have chosen a better team.

My surgery was over within 30 minutes and I was back  on the ward in my own room once I’d came round from
my anaesthetic.  The nurses were fantastic.  I never felt alone at any point.    I was visited by a physiotherapist
and dietician to discuss moving forward after my discharge.

I was discharged the day after surgery but chose to stay in accommodation nearby for a few extra days.  I knew
Manchester wasn’t a million miles from home and I knew I could contact the ward or bariatric team at any time for
assistance if I needed them, but staying nearby just gave me that extra reassurance.

The first few weeks were definitely an emotional rollercoaster which I had been prepped for by my team.  The first
few weeks weren’t easy but never did I lose sight of my end goal, to be fitter, healthier and most importantly to be
happy again.

By Christmas 2023, I’d lost 5 stone.  Most importantly my back and joint pain was starting to ease and I’d stopped
taking any prescribed medication I’d been on before surgery for joint pain.  I did struggle to see a difference in
myself even though people were commenting on my loss.  This is when I realised photographs are such an
important part of realising how much your body changes.

15 months after surgery and I’m now 9 stone lighter and free of all back and joint pain.  My weight is still going
down and body shape is still changing.  My confidence is slowly coming back, I’m learning to accept compliments
and I’m so much happier inside and out.

Gastric surgery isn’t a quick fix.  It’s a life changing procedure that will work if you put the work in.  My eating
habits have totally changed for the better.  My portions are much smaller, I eat slowly and I’m much more
conscious of what I eat.  I train with a personal trainer twice a week, I’m much more active and hands on around
the house and I no longer dread the thought of walking as I’m pain free.

Surgery has changed my life for the better.  Dr Li and Sam have been so supportive following surgery,  regular
phone calls from Sam to check on me just made me feel at ease on what can feel like a lonely journey.  I literally
owe them both my life and will always be eternally grateful to the whole team.

My only regret….not having gastric surgery sooner

Cathryn, Northern Ireland

Dear Dr Li,

My operation was in my head for many years from awful factors associated with life, pre menopause, divorce in 2015, sadness and grief in 2019, then covid hit the world.

On reflection, I still have those factors in my life. But it’s different now.

You are my hero, without you even knowing. After 9 months post op, I’m 3 lb off losing 9 stone since January. 9 stone gone forever.

I have just recently returned from Egypt where I enjoyed the best family holiday. Eating and drinking with my family, little and often, and I wore swimming costumes, swam every day, wore summer dresses every night, a size 16, just like I wanted and wished for. I am healthy now, I walk minimum of 10 miles every Thursday up in the hills and more at weekends.

In my forms, I wrote that I wanted the operation as “I wanted my life back”.

I have my life back.

I am beyond grateful.

Thank you

Jennifer, Northumberland

‘From the first call I had with Mr Li I was fully confident I had made the right choice when picking my surgeon. I met Mr Li face to face on the morning of my surgery and was immediately put at ease, he is personable and engaging and I felt like all of my concerns were fully addressed and felt assured I was in good hands. He never one made me feel like any of my questions were silly and made me feel fully confident in the process of the surgery and aftercare.

Since having my surgery I have had absolutely no issues and have healed perfectly. This is down to Mr Li’s skills, advice and the team’s aftercare. I cannot recommend him enough. The best decision I made was choosing Mr Li as my surgeon.’

Leanne, Wigan

‘I have struggled with my weight most of my life, yo yo dieting, every fad diet going, you name it. I had lost 2.5 stone myself but gained that back following medication I was on.

A friend of mine had been to see Mr Li and her results were insane. I decided to bite the bullet and do something for me for a change. I made contact with Spire Manchester and the lovely Claire, Mr Li’s PA guided me from beginning to end. The process was so straightforward even with my busy life. She was so patient with me and my incessant emails and 101 questions.

On the day of surgery I was taken to my fabulous, modern clean room and all the usual tests were started. Not long after Mr Li himself came in to see me and speak to me prior to my surgery. I was walked down to the theatre and was cared for by an amazing team who put me straight at ease.

Following the surgery I was taken back to my room where I slept for nearly 12 hours! Best sleep ever and when I woke up I was surprisingly comfortable! No gas pains or anything. I felt okay. I stayed I the hospital for 2 nights then my lift came to drive me back to Glasgow.

I am one year out at the end of June and I have lost 2 lbs short of 5 stone!! My health is so much better and knee pain is half of what it was prior to my weight loss AND I have regained the confident I lost a long time ago. I have had follow up appointments from the dietitians and Mr Li since my op. I cannot praise them enough.

I honestly cannot thank Mr Li, Claire and all the staff at Spire Manchester enough for the amazing care and attention and help all the way through my journey to the new me. I feel amazing! I love my results and would shout from the rooftops how amazing my experience was from start to finish. Thank you.’

Suzanne, Scotland

‘I can highly recommend Mr Li, from the first telephone call to surgery day, Mr Li made me feel reassured and confident that I was making the right choice of Bariatric surgery. I am now a year out and very pleased with my weight loss, I have had no major issues or problems. I have recently booked hernia repair surgery with Mr Li, so that in itself shows I’m more than pleased to recommend him.’

Andrew, Blackpool

‘I had my gastric sleeve surgery with Mr Li April 2021 after initially enquiring about a band. I had two consultations with Mr Li before committing to the surgery and the whole process has been an absolute pleasure. From dealing with Claire, his secretary who was incredibly helpful and supportive in organising surgery, to the surgery itself.
My scars were minimal, and with the guidance of the bariatric nurses my recovery was spot on. I can’t say enough good things about Mr Li and my surgery, and my results have changed my life. Not to sound dramatic, but the surgery has truly changed my life for the better. I’d recommend the surgery itself and particularly Mr Li 1000 times over.
I suffer from food addiction and Binge Eating Disorder and I feel like Mr Li and his team were all completely supportive and knowledgeable about my issues. The aftercare has been second to none, and over two years later I am maintaining my weight and have no issues with any food intolerances. Truly the best decision I’ve ever made’.

Jenna, Merseyside

‘I had my operation in September 2022 and it is the best decision I have ever made. Mr Li and his secretary Claire got back to me very quickly and my consultation was very straight forward. He told me all the information I needed and advised me on how I should proceed. He is very friendly and easy to talk to with a great sense of humour.

The operation was very straight forward and although I was very nervous, Mr Li and his team made me feel completely at ease. The operation went ahead on time with no complications, after waking I was quite sick from the anaesthetic but was able to stay another night for no extra cost until I felt well enough to go home, absolutely nothing felt rushed. Any pain was well managed and to be honest more minimal than I expected. I was well looked after in this time, the hospital was clean and comfortable and the staff were very friendly and attentive.

Since my operation the team of nurses have been amazing, so easy to get in touch with, if I need a simple question answering they are always there and my check ups are regular and on time. I feel very looked after by them and the whole team. Mr Li and Claire are also very easy to get hold of should I need anything. I’m now 10 months post op and have exceeded my goal weight with 132% excess body weight loss. I am so pleased and it’s completely changed my life. I have new found confidence and happiness. I’m very glad I chose Mr Li and his team to help me on this journey’.

Hannah, Cheshire

‘My colleague had her gastric sleeve with Mr Li and on seeing how she had blossomed as a person I opted to do the same. From the very beginning speaking with lovely Claire, my whole journey has been flawless. The information is clear and thorough; communication is excellent and Mr Li is so down to earth. Mr Li is a warm person who cares passionately about the wellbeing and happiness of his patients.
The procedure went perfectly and my recovery was aided by the most fantastic nurses and health care professionals. The hospital was like a hotel and I really felt like I was on a mini break! Mr Li came to personally see me after the operation to explain how it had all gone and to make sure I was happy with my recovery plan.
I could not recommend Mr Li and his outstanding team more. If I could do it again I would just for the excellent experience they created for me. I cannot express how much the gastric sleeve has changed my life for the better. Being able to wear tights, go on fairground rides, sit on the dreaded plastic patio chairs without fear is something I never thought I’d do. My children have a Mum who can run faster than them now! Food doesn’t control my life anymore and I’m doing things I always wanted to. I have lost 8 stone as a result of my surgery. Thank you so much. I’ll forever be grateful’.

Carly, Wirral

I can’t recommend Mr Li enough if you are wanting to change your life and health for the better!
Mr Li preformed a mini gastric bypass on me in July 2023 at The Alexandra Hospital.
Previously to my surgery I had so many health complications, BMI of 61.4, infertility, lipoedema, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, asthma, hypertension, facial neuralgia, PCOS, binge eating disorder, arthritis and I could barley walk without the use of a walking frame or walking stick!
At just 37 years old my home had been fitted with hand rails and chair raisers because my mobility had become so terrible, my mental health was extremely low and it was having a huge impact on myself and my family.
Myself & my husband were desperate for a baby together but after 8 years of trying and 7 early miscarriages and spending £46,000 of Fertility treatments we decided enough was enough and the only way I could loose weight and keep it off successfully was to have surgery.
Being on the NHS waiting list from 19 years of age and being constantly let down by them we made one phone call to Mr Li and had an appointment made for a consultation less than 24hrs later!
At the appointment I was welcomed by Mr Li who actually listened to me, showed sincere empathy and understanding of my conditions and concerns, took his time to explain the surgery options, the risks and benefits of each and made me feel completely as ease after all of my worries.
Exactly two weeks later I was being prepped for theatre by his amazing team who were so caring and made me feel really comfortable and safe, they answered all of my questions and any concerns along the way.
My surgery went very smoothly and I was back on the ward chatting away a few hours later.
The care I received from all of the staff throughout my two night’s stay was impeccable, I felt really cared for, nothing was too much trouble at all.
Mr Li is such an amazing down to earth guy who really made me feel safe during quite a big operation.
Since my surgery I can’t believe how quickly I have recovered!
Just a few day’s following surgery I was back walking my 5 dogs, and a couple of weeks later I was back swimming 1K a day!
I am full of energy and motivation and every day feels exciting.
I can walk! 3 weeks after surgery I could walk without my walking stick!
Just 10 weeks after surgery I have lost nearly 4 stone and my life has already changed so drastically all thanks to Mr Li and his team.
I’m excitedly planning our future and have just booked our next holiday which is an adventure cruise with lots of walking, kayaking, and high cable cars. Something I never imagined I’d be brave enough to do!
In Septembe,r I completed a 15K swim for SANDS charity, I just feel like nothing I set myself is unachievable anymore whereas I wouldn’t have even considered it before my surgery.
We can’t wait to start trying for our little miracle again in the future and hope that this surgery will have a huge impact on our success. We will keep you posted!
Once again Thank you so much for giving me my life back.

Anjela

I had my mini gastric bypass in Feb 23 with Mr Li , and what an amazing experience it has been!! Mr Li truly is truly an amazing surgeon , he is friendly , approachable and reassuring. From first meeting him at my initial consultation I knew he was the right surgeon for me. He was very thorough when explaining all of the procedures available to me and any worries I had very quickly disappeared. The level of care and compassion received from
Him and his team have been second to none . Nothing is ever a silly question and nothing is ever too much trouble , and both him
and his team are always a pleasure to speak to and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Mr li has completely changed my life and I will be forever grateful for everything and I will never be able to thank him enough for everything he has done for me.

Sarah Speight