I had struggled with my weight since my teens and I had resigned myself to the fact that diets don’t work and I would be fat for the rest of my days. However as my health started to seriously decline as I neared the 30stone mark; my legs became swollen, I was too out of breath to climb the stairs and I had uncontrollable blood pressure. I began to get quite depressed about my future and worry about my job.  I had heard about Mr Awad and the gastric sleeve surgery from family and friends and the amazing results that this could give. Despite being seriously needle phobic, I decided surgery was the only possible option as I was now more scared about what was going to happen to me if something didn’t change. When I went for a consultation, Mr Awad was so pleasant, non judgmental and reassuring. He filled me with confidence that something could be done and he would help me to do it. He was quite clear about the options and gave me a realistic target of weight loss to expect which was between 6-8 stones. He listened to my fears about needle phobia and anxiety and came up with a plan to help me  manage this. Just being listened too, helped me feel I has some control and it felt like a real partnership; that we would do this together, rather than he just performs the surgery and then it is up to me. I had strict instructions for my liver shrinking diet and then returned for the surgery 2 weeks later. I had had some medication for anxiety first thing in the morning before going to hospital and this helped me relax a little. When I arrived on the Derby Private Health Suite, the staff were brilliant, every was smiling and so welcoming that I instantly felt at ease. Mr Awad came to see me and was pleased I had managed to lose 2 stones on the liver diet. He explained everything again and gave me lots of opportunities to ask any questions. Then the anaesthetist came to put in the needle- this for me was the worst part- but he was amazing. He was so calm and gentle, it was all done before I even realised and then I was on my way to theatre. I have to mention the staff in the anaesthetic room (where they put you to sleep)- they are obviously experts dealing with anxious people and they managed to completely distracted me from the environment and what was going on which I am eternally grateful for. Before I knew it I was waking up back on the ward. Mr Awad came to see me on the ward straight after and said everything had gone really well, that felt so good to hear at that point. I remember being quite drowsy after the surgery from the anaesthetic and just wanting to sleep. However you have to get up and walk and use the spirometer and this was really hard when I felt so drowsy. The staff were magnificent, helping me to get up and get moving. My pain was well controlled and I didn’t really feel anything unless I moved suddenly, which I soon avoided doing. My throat was very sore for the first day, but this was gone completely after a few days. The ward staff were so happy and caring and really wanting to help me in any way they could, this boosted me so much to keep positive The following day after surgery, I spent the day walking, taking sips and doing the breathing exercises and by that evening I was on my way home. I felt quite tired from the painkillers, but these really helped to manage the pain perfectly. I needed to get enough fluid in, but because I didn’t feel hungry anymore, the hardest job was remembering to drink. I was also able to contact Mr Awad after the surgery if I had any concerns and I had several follow up appointments during the first year to monitor my progress and ensure I was on track. It’s now just over a year since my surgery and I have reached my personal target to lose 12 stones. My life is transformed. I haven’t taken a blood pressure tablet since the surgery. I have gone from being out of breath walking 7 yards to being able to walk 7 miles. Nothing can describe the feeling of being able to just walk in any shop and buy clothes off the rail. I am now living again. I can’t thank Mr Awad enough. He is a superb professional and is surrounded by an amazing team. Everyone helps and supports you as if it was their own surgery- they all want you to succeed. They have saved my life.

I would highly recommend Mr Awad for any weight loss surgery. I had had struggled with weight for 30 years. He performed revisional revisional surgery on me and I had a gastric bypass in October 2016 where I was borderline super morbidly obese. After losing a good amount of weight already and I’m only a four months in I feel so much healthier and I have my life back. I still have a long way to go but this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am no longer hungry or crave food and sweets. Mr Awad is second to none and the pre and post op care has been incredible. He is brilliant.

I had been suffering from a hiatus hernia for some years, the effects were becoming progressively worse. Previously, I had undergone numerous surgeries for an unrelated condition. It had reached the point whereby I dreaded eating. Mr Awad at Derby Hospital not only heard what I had to say, but listened to what my body was telling him, he presented my options to me. Specifically, he made the risks associated with the operation itself very clear to me, which were complicated by my previous medical history, as well as the potential rewards. However, the daily impact of the hiatus hernia was such that the potential risks seemed worth it. The results of the operation, which was successful, have been lifechanging. My convalescence was trouble free and consistent with Mr Awad's time frame. I can now eat normally, suffer no reflux and vomiting, and my medication for acid indigestion is no longer. I will always be grateful to Mr Awad for what he has done for me. This is particularly so because he was also taking a risk that the operation which he was performing had the potential to either not improve things, or make things worse, as well as be successful. Thank you, Mr Awad. Other things that have improved are that I no longer plan my journeys around bathroom stops, my eyes don’t ache so much from being sick all the time, I’m not tied, my digestive tract has calmed down to accept food, which has improved my health, I am no longer weak and can feel within me the strength coming back into my body. The aftercare has been first class. I can unreservedly recommend Mr Awad, and his team at Derby Hospital, they have been so supportive to me.

Hi my names Lewis Wilson, and I would like to thank the man that saved my life. I had s twist with my bowl, Malrotation which was giving me really really bad pains for the last 18 months, stopping me from working being a parent and paying sports. So, after numerous test I then met with doctor Sherif Awad, straight away he was on to helping me and changing my life. No doctor in the UK was able to do it as he told me he’d looked personally himself to help find one for me, no luck. Dr Awad told me his skills etc and then he said that he would do it. he also took my appendix out to stop further complications, I put a 100 percent trust in to him and he did a great job. I feel sore but it was only yesterday I had the operation. Would just like the time to say thank you doctor Sherif Awad and his team for giving the best birthday present ever! Nothing but love and respect. Thank you

Laparascopic assisted Ivor-Lewis Oesophagectomy (19-01-17) Mr. Awad was very caring and reassuring when I first met him. He made me feel very relaxed and I found him very down to earth and approachable. He answered all my questions and concerns, all this made me more confident about the forthcoming operation and I came away from the meeting knowing I was in safe hands. After the operation whilst I was in Intensive Care and Step Down Mr. Awad saw me several times and was in contact with his team constantly. He reasurred me that if I had any problems or concerns he was there. He made a point of coming in to see me one day even though he was not in the hospital , I thought that was very caring indeed and I certainly appreciated that. I would also like to mention that the level of care from the whole of Mr. Awads team was truly excellent. This included the Nursing Staff, ward Dr's, Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dieticians and Diabetes nurses - all amazing people which made my stay in hospital all the more comfortable. I was looking forward to seeing Mr. Awad again for my first post-operation meeting which was four weeks after I was discharged. He was very pleased with my progress and recovery. We had a long conversation and he answered all my questions many of which he had already covered whilst we were talking. I came away feeling great. As a last note I would just like to personally thank Mr. Awad for giving me a much brighter future and I wish him all the very best for the future. Thank You. S. Powell (Male) Age 50

Having had concerns about my health, I was looking to consult a gastrointestinal surgeon. I found Mr. Sherif Awad on the internet, sent him an email and received an appointment the following day. Following the consultation an operation was arranged two days later. I cannot fault the care and professionalism of Mr. Awad and his team. Mr. Awad is very friendly and approachable. He gave me reassurance and also confidence in the outcome of the operation. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Awad.

Mr Awad examined and operated on my umbilical hernia in early May. I found him to be very approachable, polite and with good interpersonal skills. He listened and discussed opinions, openly considering and debating my personal feelings, and indeed changing his initial proposed course of action. His explanations were clear, concise and offered in a friendly manner – even with a sense of humour to break the ice! He went out of his way to be accommodating. His approach to administrative matters was reliably prompt. I found Mr Awad to be thoroughly professional, considerate, humane, and totally without the sense of attitude sometimes associated with some medical professionals. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Mr Sherif Awad’s services.

I had a gastric bypass (nearly 5 years ago) and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my husband. It’s not an easy decision and shouldn’t be made if you aren’t willing to stick to the rules 100% for the rest of your life (they are there for a reason and you would only cheat yourself if you didn’t stick to them). Family need to change around you too as you can’t do things like you did before I.e all you can eat Chinese evenings out (I don’t go to these as it’s a complete waste of money). I don’t miss these nights out, others find it harder that I won’t go but that’s their issues, not mine.I don’t enjoy what I used too, I like bike riding now but I can’t go bike riding now as I’m pregnant. One of the reasons I had the bypass was to become a mum and Mr Awad helped me achieve my goals by doing my surgery, I can’t thank him and his team enough. Having a gastric bypass is not an easy way out and it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but it’s so worth it. I have my life back and I can do everything I want now without having mobility issues and I’m more outgoing nowadays as I have confidence to try different things. I don’t eat chocolate, ice cream (anything  with too high sugar as the dumping syndrome is so not worth it and my taste buds have changed as I don’t like the taste of these now. I still make my family birthday cakes but I make chocolate cakes so I know I won’t eat it (win win). I don’t drink fizzy drinks or drink out of a straw (I was told straws put extra air in my pouch and I don’t want to risk undoing mr Awad’s surgery). I’m able to play and jog after my nieces and nephews and they all have a great time. When they see me their faces light up as they know I will play and give their parents a well earned rest. Being able to play with them is far better than any chocolate could taste. I reward myself with clothes and new bikes, I also like swimming and going to the gym in the summer. I’m always doing something and sitting down for a long time (when I’m poorly) drives me up the wall as I like to keep busy. Before my surgery I didn’t like going out as people would stare at me and call me awful names, I couldn’t do much as my mobility was restricted and I got out of breath quickly. I went to work and that’s about it, trying to get me out the house was a nightmare for my husband, friends and family. I didn’t like myself or my life and I knew having a gastric bypass was my last chance to get my life back. I have worked hard to lose 10st and I still work at it everyday because I don’t ever want to go back to my old life. I wish I had it done many years ago but I wasn’t mentally ready and I would of failed with not being mentally ready. I wish you all the best in your journeys and if I can change my life for the best so can you, never give up. Kind regards LS

I decided I needed to act on my weight that was seriously starting to effect my day to day living, taking my kids out, feeling low in myself. I started searching all different surgeons and luckily for me i found Mr Awad..!!! I sent over a online enquiry and within half an hour i was speaking to Mr Awad who asked me my reasons for wanting surgery etc, he made me feel at ease from the minute i spoke to him and helped me decide on the surgery that would best suit me and my life style. I didn’t need to think twice about it and booked it there and then. I got the confirmation and was booked in just 2 weeks later, on the run up to my surgery I had calls of all his team making sure I was ok and if there was anything I needed. I travelled up to The hospital on the 9th may 2018 ready for my operation on the 10th, I went over to the hospital on arriving had bloods and other tests done before meeting Mr Awad in person, he was lovely and made me feel so confident I had made the right decision. The following morning I went back to the hospital, I was taken in to a beautiful room with everything I needed, writhing half hour Mr Awad was in talking me through what would happen and with all this i still felt at so much ease. The ladies where in and out checking on me etc all so lovely.I me the anaesthetist and everyone who would be involved in my surgery. I was taken to theatre at around 9:30 after the op nurses where second to none in my care. The following day I was on my was home and feeling a little tired, for the next 3 days I was tired but surprisingly not in pain, the odd niggle but nothing I couldn’t bare. Then 1 week later I returned to work obviously on light duties so I didn’t pull my stomach. The gastric sleeve I had has changed my life immensely, family members tried to talk me out of it but I went with my own choice and I have never looked back. 5 months in nearly I am now just short of 5 stone lighter, eating fine obviously smaller portions. My family are all over the moon with my confidence boost. I feel amazing, my anxiety is now 0 and I don’t feel ugly in myself, I’m wearing clothes I used to look at and wish I could wear. The after care I get still to this day is amazing and I’m not one to just say that, I can honestly say I have no complaints what so ever. Mr Awad what can I say I even have him mobile incase I need to contact him direct..!! He is amazing at what he does and a truly lovely person who cares about his patients. I would recommend Mr Awad and his team at Tonic to anyone out there. I was size 18 back in May 2018 and now I’m a 12 going in to 10. This man has changed mine and my family’s life for the better he is my hero and I will be forever grateful to him and all his staff. Thanks to you all. Nicola Debnath-warren

My Story. My name is Sarah, I am or was a fat person.  Four years ago I weighed 25 stone 5 lbs.  I don't know how I got this fat, it just sort of happened.  A combination of over eating, eating the wrong foods and drinking too much wine. One morning, despite trying every diet  going I thought, my fat and ugly shape is not going to define my life.  Stop me trying new things, stop me enjoying my family, stop me starting a new relationship and most importantly stop me living a healthy life not one that was slowly killing me. I went to my local GP determined this was a once and for all effort.  I was motivated, eating a healthy diet and confident I could conquer this issue of yo yo dieting.  The GP referred me to The Derby Royal Hospital.  The bariatric team were excellent.  Two years ago I had a gastric band fitted, all worked well until a year ago it slipped and had to be removed in an emergency operation.  I still had  over 4 stone to loose to get to a healthy weight and I knew without the band or support from the bariatric team the weight would return. I consulted  Mr Sherif Awad privately to see if he could help me.  I had done research and felt I wanted to pursue a revisional bariatric procedure and selected a gastric bypass. A big decision but I was determined to complete my goal and finish my journey to become a happy healthy woman. Mr Awad was amazing, he is highly professional, knowledgable, caring and most importantly an excellent surgeon.  The operation was a success it went well, recovery was quick and I felt supported 100% of the journey. Since last August I gave lost a further 50lbs.  Now have only ten to go! I am still under the care of Mr Awad and feel able to share and contact him and his professional team with any question or concern at any time. If you are considering revisional surgery don't delay, finish your journey reach your goal. Take the next step. Talk to Mr Awad  and start the rest if your life NOW! S.B. Nottingham

I first spoke to Dr Awad over the phone and the minute I spoke to him I felt very comfortable with him he was very helpful and very honest with me. When I met Dr Awad he made me and my husband feel very comfortable and it felt like he was not just a doctor but he actually cared about me. He made sure we understood everything and that if we have any questions he was here for us. He visited me before and after the surgery to make sure I was ok. The care that he and the team took of me was great. Not only did he made sure I was ok but he was also made sure my husband was ok and how he was feeling . I would recommend Dr Awad and the Tonic team to take care of you.

I had to have an emergency surgery for a small bowel obstruction. Mr Awad explained everything I needed to know about my operation and condition very clearly and answered any questions I had whilst in hospital and after at the follow up appointment. He has an excellent bedside manner and was very honest but reassuring.

I have recently had an Oesophagectomy following diagnosis of Barretts Oesophagus. The post operative histology of the Barrett's showed early cancerous cells. So I am delighted to know the operation I elected to have was the right decision to make. Right from the initial meeting prior to the operation, Mr Awad gave me clear concise details of what would happen during the operation and post operative stages of the procedure. After the operation and subsequent recovery, the rate of progress towards eating and drinking has been as predicted and very successful. I would have every reason to recommend Mr Awad as a totally competent and caring surgeon.

I have recently had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by Mr Awad. From my first consultation to the day of my surgery Mr Awad treated me with the utmost care, respect and consideration. He explained everything about the surgery and postoperative care in detail and answered any questions I had. He has a wonderful bedside manner that helped allay any nervousness I felt prior to the procedure. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Awad to anyone as a competent, caring surgeon.

Post op about 3 months. I waited to see how I got on before posting a review. I can not recommend Mr. Awad enough. From start to finish, he is exceptional. Tonic are very professional. The package as a whole is excellent. Mr. Awad Is passionate about his job and genuinely wants to give his patients this new lease of life. THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Thank you to Mr Awad and his team.

I had bariatric surgery under Mr Awad two months ago, and since then my life has changed more than I could have believed. For the first time in over 15 years, I have welcomed the new year with hope and a sense of excitement. Going into my first meeting with Mr Awad I was extremely nervous; I had said so many negative things to myself about asking for this surgery that I was expecting them from him too. But from the moment I met him I felt at ease; more importantly I felt respected, which I had not expected. I could not have imagined a kinder, more compassionate surgeon and not once during the process of having the appointments and the surgery itself did I feel looked down on or uncomfortable. Mr Awad’s job as a surgeon is a technical and physical one, but I feel that in the case of bariatric surgery it is not just the surgeon’s skill but their approach to you as a person that makes the difference. It is such a personal, difficult procedure to stand in front of someone and ask for, and I don’t believe I would have gone through with the surgery if I had stood in front of someone other than Mr Awad. Mr Awad has saved my life as surely as if he took my hand and led me from the lake I was drowning in, not just physically but in the sense of what life means most - hope, enjoyment, finding worth in myself and the world that is now open to me.

My final decision to have my operation was only made after meeting Mr Awad.  I found him to be really personable and approachable.  He put my mind at ease on a number of matters.  He was frank and honest with me regarding my health and the various benefits of surgery versus diets.  My initial consultation was both informative and useful as Mr Awad was up to speed with my medical history, using facts and figures as well as images to demonstrate the benefits of each surgery option for me.  Sharing his knowledge and expertise with me directed me to choose a different surgery to what I had initially envisaged.  This is purely down to Mr Awad’s efforts and being able to give me bespoke advice during our consultation.

Underwent Heller's Myotomy (keyhole) with Mr Awad for achalasia last May, and my eating has been almost perfect ever since. I didn't suffer any pain whatsoever following the procedure and couldn't be happier with how it went. Highly recommend Mr Awad and this procedure to anybody suffering with this condition.

Cancer is a very frightening word. Mr Awad, while not minimising the risks of my operation, managed to calm my fears. He listens, talks to you in language you can understand and by his very positive attitude makes you feel more positive about your situation. Even though he must be extremely busy, he never gave that impression, no question was treated as trivial. His secretary was also extremely helpful and quick to respond to queries re medication from my GP. The whole team were friendly and reassuring. Thank you.

Mr Awad is professional, caring and he listens but above all he has a sense of humour which comes to the surface once all the serious stuff is out of the way. Because of the odd fashion in which my health care provider works I ended up seeing 2 consultant surgeons with Mr Awad being the second one. I consider myself to be very fortunate that Mr Awad was the second one because of the very professional manner in which he carried out the investigations prior to committing himself to the surgery. Finally, would I recommend Mr Awad to friends and family - YES – without hesitation but perhaps more importantly would I want to use Mr Awad again if the need arose – YES – without hesitation. So if you have an appointment with Mr Awad in the near future try you will be in safe hands, he is actually a nice guy who knows what he is doing.

I can't thank Mr Awad and the team at Tonic enough for giving me my life back.

Thank you to Mr Awad and the team at Royal Derby. They have transformed my life for the better.

Dr Awad undertook my gastric sleeve surgery on 3rd January 2019, I have to say, i have never met anyone like him, his passion for his job & the safety and health of his customers is paramount. He is absolutely 100% professional, kind, caring and patient, he explained everything to me in such detail that I could be sure to make an informed decision before going ahead. I've contacted a couple of times post op, direct by mobile with questions and he has responded very quickly, nothing is too much trouble for him at all. Thank you.

I had my operation to remove my oesophagus in June 2017, four and a half months ago. I am 82. I have made a very good recovery - I went my first five mile bike ride last week. I am working in my workshop some days and have just made a park bench seat for my daughter. I was in hospital for two weeks. When I got home I had a regular phone call from the nurse specialists to see if I was OK. Since I had the operation I have lost two stones but my weight has now stabilised at 12 stone 2 pounds. I can go out for a meal now and I just have one course. No problem. The care I received from Mr Awad has been very good. He visited me about every day in hospital and gave me confidence in a time of need. My overall experience of the hospital, operation and aftercare was first class. The NHS is worth every penny. Thank you for saving my life. Peter Walters, Crich.

The first time I met Sherif Awad he put me at my ease straight away. He listened to me and told me what he needed to do. He operated on me by taking my gall bladder out and repairing a hernia at the same time. I can highly recommend Mr Awad who treated me with care and understanding. Thank you Mr Sherif Awad very much.

I have recently been under the care of Mr.Sherif Awad and as such, it gives me great pleasure to record (unreservedly) my great appreciation in respect of the care afforded to me during a difficult time undergoing major surgery and a difficult post operative recovery period. during my hospitalisation, I received wonderful care from this Doctor in each stage of my illness to which I remain forever grateful. Mr. Awad is indeed a dedicated clinician, coupled with a wonderful approach to patient care. During my hospitalisation,he ensured I received total continuity of care by himself and his entire team. To place into words my admiration for this clinician does not perhaps do justice to the gratitude I owe him for me being here today! In the last 24 hours I attended his out-patient clinic and was seen by Mr. Awad personally. Needless to say, he was charming and informative, explaining in detail, my recent illness and recommendations in terms of future management of my condition. In conclusion, I am so fortunate to have received such a high degree of care from this person that I will be forever grateful. Words are often inadequate when recording gratitude and my best appreciation is that without his professional skills, dedication and approach combined with a thoroughly wonderful personality my stay in hospital would have been that much more difficult.

As soon as this doctor speaks to you he gives you confidence. He telephoned my wife immediately after my operation and has visited me every day during my stay in Derby Hospital. In my opinion a top man who excels in his profession and I feel lucky and privileged to have had Mr. Awad as my surgeon.

Sherif operated on my Dad in June 2017, after a nail biting round of tests to stage the cancer and assess fitness levels for surgery. Sherif told us from the beginning what a massive operation my Dad was facing, which helped to mentally prepare the family. He was so compassionate and drew our attention to the mental challenges which lay ahead, not just the physical toll the surgery and recovery would take. On the morning of the surgery, Sherif talked to my Dad and family again, about what was going to happen. He then rang me at eight o'clock in the evening when he had finished, to say that Dad was in recovery (after six hours in surgery) and being well looked after by the anaesthetist on the team. We were so enormously grateful for the call, and to hear Sherif say that he had done 'a good cancer op' - he had removed everything he could see that was physically possible to remove. He said he had 'done his best'. What more can you ask for? Luckily Dad was able to have key hole surgery for the first part of the procedure, and I'm sure this helped with his recovery. There followed two hard weeks in hospital but we know that Dad was watched carefully and the surgical team - including Sherif - visited him regularly during this time. There was a different hurdle every day for Dad but the team explained everything to us in detail, and offered reassurance and confidence. Dad went back to hospital six weeks after his operation for a consultation. The results of the biopsy were available and worse than the staging tests showed. Sherif explained this to us all with incredible humility. Of course, he doesn't know if Dad's cancer will come back, but he explained that for many people with this type of cancer, it does. This level of honesty was critical for our family, and Sherif totally got that. Dad has made an exceptional recovery from the surgery. He has very few issues with eating - his appetite has returned to normal and his weight has stabilised. We went for a five mile bike ride last Friday - not bad for someone who is 82 and had his oesophagus removed in June. He is active every day in mentally in a very good place. Sherif is clearly very skilled at his job. But it was his level of compassion and empathy that made my Dad's journey a positive experience. As a family we all recognise this and we are so very grateful to him for the extension to my Dad's life.

Mr Sherif Awad is the best medical professional i have been treated under. His honesty and explantion of the procedure he did on me was to to the highest standard possible. His personalilty and demena take away any worries or pressure you have before surgery. His surgery skills and post op detail to aftercare is brilliant. I would reccomend Mr Awad to anyone regarding bariatric help.

I would absolutely recommend surgery by Mr Awad and his team. I felt comfortable from the very start. Mr Awad took time to explain everything about the surgery months before I even committed. I paid and was having my operation in August 2018. Due to a condition I was unable to go through with it in August. I was worried about losing my money I had paid. But I had reassurance from tonic that I could delay or cancel without losing much at all. I hadn’t counselling and lots of people contacted me prior to the operation. Dieticians. psychotherapist. Aftercare team. Physio. After I got the all clear I booked up for 20th December I live in Devon and had a chauffeur service from Tonic to door to the hospital and back. Excellent drivers too. I arrived at 6am taken to my own room on a private wing of the hospital. Where I had a pre assessment. Nick the anaesthetist reassured me as I was panicking a little. I then was taken to the theatre and next thing I’m waking up in my room. Mr Awad rang my husband personally which was nice. The nurses were very attentive and so caring. Medication was regular so not much pain at all. I stayed in just the one night. Mr Awad and nick both came to see me before I got to go home. This has been a life saver to me not just for losing the weight I have tried to over the past 15/20 years but my health I have noticed already. For 27 years I have had to pass water approx 15 x a night. Within a week I now get up approx twice. I have lost 10lb in three weeks and for once I am not hungry. I just like to thank Mr Awad for taking me on as a patient and helping me changing my life for the better.

I consider myself to be a very lucky man. When I needed the best help at the most critical period of my life, Mr Awad appeared just at the right place at the right time. This man has been with me every step of the way since the day I was diagnosed. He told me what to expect on the day of the op and how difficult the recuperation would be and how determined I would have to be. This information is appreciated and acted on with each passing day. Most importantly of all, I consider Mr Awad to be a fantastic surgeon. After the surgery he told me that he had to work very very hard to remove all of the tumour and that it was an extremely difficult process. Thank God he persevered. I owe this man my life, simple as. After the procedure he took the time to contact my nearest and dearest and explain what had happened, which was very thoughtful. Now I am home and recovering arrangements are being made to see Mr Awad every 3 months for follow-up appointments. Very simply, I can't praise him or thank him enough for what he did for me.

Attended a Bariatric Surgery open evening at Derby Royal Hospital and Mr Awad was really informative on the different types of weight loss surgery, without being pushy or judgemental. I decided to go ahead with a consultation and ultimately booked in for Gastric Sleeve Surgery. My Surgery day was scheduled quickly - again I felt very informed of the process by Mr Awad. The Surgery itself was fine and I wasn't in too much discomfort afterwards, Mr Awad checked up on me after surgery and before I was discharged and checked I had all the information I needed. 6 days following my surgery I contracted norovirus from my brother and was re-admitted to Derby Royal Hospital. Although this was unrelated to the surgery Mr Awad came to see me and consulted on my care to ensure everything was ok with the sleeve. I really appreciated this re-assurance and made a swift recovery. in regards to recovery from the Sleeve surgery, I felt a bit rough for a day or two but then felt really well. Overall I feel I made a great recovery due to the expertise of Mr Awad and the team he surrounds himself with. In regards to weight I have lost 11kg in the 6 weeks since surgery - very pleased!! I would really recommended having a consultation with Mr Awad, or attending an open evening if you are considering weight loss surgery.

I first spoke to Mr Awad on the phone and I was very surprised at how nice, calm and to the point he was. He really took the time to discuss with me the possibilities, the challenges I had faced in my past, the challenges I still faced, what I thought, letting me talk and exchange with him really truthfully - with an incredible openness. He proposed several solutions, also went into the details of the positive of me having the surgery as well as what the implications/complications could be. What I appreciated and really spoke to me is he never said it would be a "fantastic" surgery, or the most amazing thing of my future life, he explained and rationalised the great positives but also the possible complications gave me space to make my decision and think it through for myself. I wanted to meet him face to face as even though we spoke on the phone, I needed reassurance of who was about to operate me (if I did go with it) and putting a face to Mr Awad helped make the decision. Not only was he knowledgable but you could feel that he cared even though he was very impressive. So there I went, reassured, positive, hopeful for the future with an operation date booked. On surgery day - I was feeling very anxious, withdrawn, as if this reality was a parallel one that was not mine. But the nurses were so kind and patient, Mr Awad came to see me before the operation. He was serious but also smiling, reassuring to my mother and I, letting me ask any last minute questions, taking me through what was about to happen next. The anaesthetist also came - they do speak the truth of what is about to happen, the reality of it, the complications of it and your head spins but thankfully the smiles, the reassuring eye contact makes it a bit better. I walked to the theater and I cannot actually remember the details but Mr Awad, the anaesthetist, their two assistants - everyone had a kind smile, a reassuring touch, Mr Awad was also working as anybody else in the theater and helping and talking to me as he did so. The anaesthetist made me relax with a joke and next thing I knew I was back. I am very grateful for that entire team for taking so much care of me and my mother as she waited on the other side. Mr Awad came after the operation, several times, checked on me, checked everything was fine, checked that someone was picking me up. Answered my mom's additional questions (she had lots) with always so much patience and kindness. He was very down to earth on managing my expectations of weight loss too. I met him 6-8 weeks later and he was on point on the loss I would have and again still there, still patient, still happy to take the time, still answering my questions, still very intimidating but kind : )

Having decided to undertake the gastric sleeve at a young age (21) the initial consultation with Dr Awad was a very informative one. Information about each surgery including banding bypass and the sleeve was given in layman's terms, after the initial consultation and information that Dr Awad had given to me and my parents, I felt confident enough to book the date of my surgery for the 29th November. On the day of my surgery, I was greeted by the amazing nurses at the Royal Derby Hospital who made the stay a very comfortable and enjoyable one. Dr Awad visited me and my parent before the surgery his calm demeanour and ability to explain the different steps of the gastric sleeve procedure made me and my parents feel at ease knowing we have the right person for the job. Almost 2 months post op and I am down nearly 4 stones. With Dr Awad's help and Tonics aftercare the process has been an enjoyable one. I am now playing sports like badminton and cricket something which was very difficult only a few months ago. All which has been made possible with Dr Awad and the Tonic Clinic. For anyone considering bariatric surgery, I highly recommend Dr Awad because of his dedication to the field of all things bariatric coupled with a wealth of experience and knowledge. I am very grateful to Dr Awad and The Team at the Royal Derby Hospital. Thank you :)

I first met Dr Sherif Awad in August and he made me feel comfortable, whilst providing me with the most devastating news. My weight was out of control and I was on the cusp of being diagnosed with diabetes. I was basically eating my way into an early grave. I was so upset as I was not aware that my weight had gotten so out of control. However, Mr Awad reassured me that all hope was not lost. We discussed the myriad of weight loss options and finally agreed on the gastric sleeve. Dr Awad was professional, explained in great detail and quite thorough. I felt at ease and confident in his skills to undertake the surgery. On the day of my surgery Mr Awad was equally the same, he came in and explained the pros and cons, he outlined the procedure. I was a bit scared but I took comfort from the wealth of knowledge that he possessed (after carrying out my own independent research) and although I was petrified, I trusted Dr Awad's expertise. Following the surgery Dr Awad returned to ensure that I was okay and this was followed up by a visit the next day.

On my first consultation with Mr Awad, I just had a great feeling, his voice was so calm and professional and he answered any questions I had. I booked in with him and quickly received support from his team at Tonic to prepare me fully for my journey. On the day of my op, I was picked up by a fabulous Tonic chauffeur and was met by a strong team of nurses that instantly I felt at ease with. Mr Awad came to my room in The Royal Derby Hospital and explained the operation and any risks etc, and I just felt so happy that I was in such genuinely safe hands. I can’t rate this man enough. I then met the anesthesitist and shortly after went down for surgery. Mr Awad phoned my partner as soon as the op was complete (something I wouldn’t have even thought to ask but he offered) Later that day, Mr Awad came to my room to check on me. The next day came, and Mr Awad came to my room twice, once to see how things were going and second to sit down and explain how the op etc had gone and gave me further advice. I felt like the care I received was incredible, at all stages I felt my welfare was paramount. He has given me the best tool to start my journey and I am so excited for my future now. 3 days post op and I’m happy, comfortable, other than essential medicine - drug free and already losing weight!