Fiona loses 20st with Slimming World after turning down weight loss surgery

A Bexleyheath mum who once believed weight-loss surgery was her only hope has lost 20st to be named Slimming World’s Greatest Loser 2026.

Fiona Carter, 46, is currently the Slimming World member who’s lost the most weight after shedding an incredible 20st 8lbs. She dropped from 35st to 14st 6lbs after years of putting her life on hold because of her weight. Fiona says her weight battles had been constant throughout her life and that she was ‘existing’ rather than living.

Convinced weight loss surgery was her only option, Fiona visited her GP in August 2018 and was referred for gastric bypass surgery. Told she needed to lose three stone to reduce the likelihood of complications before the procedure could go ahead, she decided to join Slimming World. She became so successful following the healthy eating plan and with support from her Consultant and fellow Slimming World members behind her, she turned down the surgery and has now lost more than half her body weight without any surgical interventions.

She says: “I joined my local Slimming World group in September 2018 with a plan to lose three stone and then get the surgery. I was so nervous before I went in, having struggled with my weight for so long. The thought of others seeing me and talking about my weight made me anxious. I didn’t need to feel that way though. Vikki, my Consultant, and my group were a huge source of inspiration and my information was always kept private.”

Fiona, who has three children Adam, 19, Sara, 18, and Ryan, 12, and recently became engaged to her partner, Steve, reached her three stone weight loss goal by January 2019. With new-found belief in herself, she decided to stick with Slimming World.

She says: “I wanted a healthier, long-term solution. I didn’t want another quick fix or temporary diet. I wanted to learn how to eat well, feel confident and set a positive example for my children. I longed to take my children out and enjoy life alongside them. Slimming World gave me the belief I needed to make that change and it became the turning point in my life.”

Before losing weight, Fiona recalls a family day out at a theme park where she was escorted off a rollercoaster in front of hundreds of people. She says: “The safety bar wouldn’t close over me, so I was told the ride couldn’t run and that I would be putting others at risk. I just wanted the ground to swallow me up. “After the experience at the theme park, I stopped going on days out. I hid in the background of every photo, avoided social situations and even simple activities with my children became painful reminders of the life I felt I couldn’t live. I was existing, not living, and I reached a point where I couldn’t take it anymore.”

When her Consultant, Vikki, explained Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising Fiona felt relieved. She says: “What I like most about it is how practical and flexible it is. It doesn’t rely on restriction or cutting out entire food groups and it encourages healthy, balanced eating that fits into real life. I can fill myself up on healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, lean protein and wholegrains and still enjoy the food I love. It never felt like punishment, losing weight finally felt achievable, and that’s what made the difference for me.”

As the weight came off, Fiona’s world opened up. She found herself walking more, moving more and embracing Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme which encourages members to take small achievable steps towards becoming more active.

Fiona now loves being active, exploring new places, and saying ‘yes’ to every adventure with her children. She says: “Before even light activities like playing with my children, walking or climbing stairs left me feeling out of breath. Now, I go to the gym three times a week as well as going on regular walks. Everyday activities have become far easier and more enjoyable. I feel stronger, more energetic and capable of doing things I never thought possible before. I love our family days out and I feel like I’m finally living the life I always wanted.”

Fiona describes her group as a lifeline, a place where she felt understood, encouraged and never judged. Fiona continues: “The support in group is what kept me going, knowing I wasn’t alone and that people genuinely cared made all the difference. Slimming World gave me the tools and the belief I needed to change my life. From talking through the week ahead in group and making a plan to Vikki’s check-ins and the feeling that we were all in it together”

Her Consultant, Vikki Walsh, says watching Fiona’s transformation has been extraordinary. She says: “Seeing Fiona blossom has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. She arrived in group carrying the physical and emotional weight of years of self-doubt and fear. Week by week her confidence grows and her belief in herself shines through. Fiona is living proof of what’s possible when compassion, community and determination come together, we are all so proud of her.”

Today, Fiona is preparing for her wedding in March 2027, she says: “Losing weight hasn’t just changed my body, it’s given me confidence, independence and a happier, fuller life. I hope my story gives hope to other people who might feel trapped by their weight, showing that change is possible and drastic procedures aren’t the only option. I feel proud of the person I’ve become, and I’ve built habits I know I can maintain for life. I can’t wait to shop for my wedding dress and marry Steve feeling amazing. This feeling is something I always dreamed of – losing 20st has changed my life.”

Group: Fiona attends the Bexleyheath Slimming World Group run by Consultant Vikki Walsh

Before menu:

Breakfast: Four slices of white toast spread thickly with butter and jam

Lunch: Two rounds of sandwiches with cheese, pickle and mayonnaise. Three bags of crisps 

Dinner: Large doner kebab from takeaway with large portion of chips

Snacks: Family size chocolate bar, a box of cakes, a large tub of ice cream

After menu:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with fat-free Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit

Lunch: Chicken and boiled egg salad

Dinner: Slimming World homemade Spaghetti Bolognaise with side salad

Snacks: Hi-Fi bars, fresh fruit and a pack of low-calorie crisps.