Robert, it is a combination. Buckle on the right hip and strap on the left hip.

If you have to cut off the buckle on the right and in doing so destroy the fabric holding it, new fabric could be used. Black canvas tape (doubled up if needed) could be used. It will be hidden by the strap anyway, so if black is not available, any dark matching colour will do.

Congrats on the weight loss.

Regards

Chas