I am 73 and had spinal decompression surgery nearly ten years ago which stabilised my symptoms - poor mobility and ever present neuropathic pain. Last year my symptoms suddenly worsened and I was reassessed in the local hospital after struggling to get a referral. The back specialist recommended an early operation which he said could restabilise at my current (worsened) level but carried not inconsiderable risks, including blindness. I was then given a pre-op assessment summed up by an anaesthetist who advised that the best thing I could do for my back would be to lose weight - at the time I was just, by a few percentage points, on the wrong side of the obesity line. No prizes for guessing which choice I made.

Now, ten weeks later, I have lost 14 pounds and am still overweight but not obese. No particular diet - just eating and drinking less, particularly alcohol. Symptoms haven't changed much. Aim is to lose another 20 pounds by the middle of the year then reassess perhaps seeking a third opinion.

Just one path through the maze.