Darren 'Dibsy' McClintock back on track after surgery to fix irregular heart rhythm
A man from Middlesbrough who has lost over half of his body weight in just one year is recovering after surgery.
Before starting his weight-loss journey Darren Mclintock tipped the scales at over 40 stone. He found it difficult to walk and decided to make a change when his doctor told him he was putting his life at risk.
In March 2019, the 28-year-old, who is known as 'Dibsy', had a procedure to fix an irregular heart heart rhythm. He has a condition called Atrial Fibrillation. If not corrected, it can lead to serious health concerns including heart attacks and heightens the risks of having a stroke.
The surgery was successful, but just eight months later, Dibsy's personal trainer Mike Hind posted on social media that his client had suffered a setback in his fitness journey.
While training, Mike noticed Dibsy's heart rate was unusual. He continued to monitor it before taking him to hospital. Doctors confirmed that his heart was back in Atrial Fibrillation, causing concern.
It meant Dibsy was facing a second surgery in less than a year.
Dibsy has now had a further procedure to correct his Atrial Fibrillation.
Posting on social media, Dibsy's friend and personal trainer Mike Hind updated followers that the surgery had been a success.
The trainer went on to thank all the NHS staff who have been involved in Dibsy's treatment.
Dibsy first hit the headlines when his personal trainer Mike Hind sent posters to all takeaways in Middlesbrough, urging them to support Dibsys weight loss by not serving him.
The public got behind Dibsy, encouraging him and praising his determination.
Just over a year later, Dibsy has lost half his body weight, triumphed in a charity boxing match, passed his driving test, finished the Great North Run and found a girlfriend.
With his second surgery a success, the 28-year-old has now set his sights firmly on continuing to work towards his weight-loss target.