A man who had been overweight since he was a schoolboy is celebrating a new lease of life after shedding more than nine stone.

Gary Carter finally underwent gastric bypass surgery after years of enduring stares and comments about his size.

Mr Carter, 45, had been bullied at school and did not have many relationships so turned to food for comfort.

The pounds quickly piled on until the care worker found himself weighing a huge 25 stone 5lbs.

Mr Carter, of Balmoral Close, Seaford, finally hit an all time low and decided it was time to take action.

He would often hear people talking about his size and his self-esteem was rock bottom.

He had also been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes as a result of his weight.

Finally he had had enough of being fat and had the operation done by surgeon Guy Slater from specialists Streamline Surgical just over a year ago.

He has never looked back since and the weight has dropped off dramatically.

He said: “This surgery has given me back my life and I’m a totally different person now.

“Before, I believed I was useless and worthless and now I’m much more confident.

“I look in the mirror now and I’m happy. I have a lot more energy to do things now and I feel like I’m finally living my life.”