“Weight loss surgery is no quick fix”: Mum who lost 12½st after op says Slimming World helped her regain control
· A mum from Surrey who regained 5st of the weight she lost with bariatric surgery is warning others that weight loss surgery isn’t a ‘quick fix’
· Maz Wilkinson, 41, decided she needed to redress her relationship with food, so joined her local Slimming World group – where she learned about her triggers and how to eat more healthily
· A Slimming World survey of members who had undergone weight loss surgery found that 78% of them had developed a better relationship with food since joining a group.
A nursery worker who lost 12½st after weight loss surgery has warned it’s not a ‘quick fix’ and says she needed extra support to reset her relationship with food after regaining weight.
Maz Wilkinson, 41, had a gastric bypass in January 2013 and dropped from 21st 7lbs to around 9st. Over the years though she regained around 5st and, realising she needed support to build healthier habits, she joined her local Slimming World group in May 2024.
Since then Maz, from Merstham in Surrey, has lost 1st 5lbs but says her achievements are about much more than the number on the scales: “One of the biggest misconceptions about bariatric surgery is that it 'fixes' everything. My story is proof that weight-loss surgery isn't the end of the journey. Surgery was an incredible tool and helped me lose a significant amount of weight, but it didn't change my habits, mindset or relationship with food. For me, Slimming World helped me do that.”
Maz’s experience backs research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2026, that shows Slimming World’s approach is effective and appropriate in supporting people who’ve had bariatric surgery to lose weight and maintain their weight loss. The survey of Slimming World members who’d undergone weight loss surgery saw 84% report feeling a sense of belonging within their group, 78% said Slimming World helped them develop a better relationship with food, and around three quarters of members post-surgery (74%) found it easy to tailor Food Optimising to suit their current dietary needs.
Maz, who is an operations manager in a day nursery, says: “I remember looking at photos of myself and feeling disappointed that I was slipping back into old habits. I had worked so hard after surgery, and I knew I didn't want to continue going in the same direction. I wanted to feel in control again and improve my confidence. I realised I needed support, accountability and a way of eating that fitted around real life.”
The mum-of-one, who lives with her husband Matthew and seven-year-old Isabella-Maria, had been a Slimming World member before and felt confident she’d be welcomed back. She joined the Reigate group, run by Consultant Clare O’Connell.
She says: “As someone who’s had bariatric surgery, I need meals that are practical and realistic, and Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, has shown me that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or restrictive. As my stomach is much smaller, I need to eat smaller portions but ensure they’re packed full of nutrition and with Slimming World I always know I’m eating a healthy, balanced diet, and I can adjust recipes to suit me. My favourite meals are simple ones the whole family can eat. I love things like homemade curries, chilli, burgers and loaded jacket potatoes.
“Mentally I feel much more in control because I now understand the habits and behaviours that contribute to my weight struggles. Clare and the group helped me to spot that I often grazed throughout the day, relied on convenience foods when I was busy and didn’t really plan. Now I plan ahead, eat more fruit and vegetables and cook more from scratch.”
Don't wait until Monday, next month or the 'perfect time'.
Maz, who’d like to lose another 13lbs to reach her 12st target weight, has also changed her relationship with fitness. She says: “One of the things I've loved discovering through Slimming World is that activity doesn't have to be all or nothing. The Slimming World app has workouts and exercise videos that I can do at home, which is much more realistic. Me and Isabella-Maria will connect the app to the TV in our lounge and do them together. It's become a fun way for us to spend time together whilst being active at the same time. I love walking our cockapoo Teddy, too.”
Now she’s planning to use her own experience to help others, by training as a Slimming World Consultant, taking over the very group she joined two years ago: “Every time I sat in my Slimming World group, I remember looking at Clare and thinking, 'I'd love to do that one day.' I never believed I was ready, confident enough or successful enough to do it myself, but over time I've gained self-belief and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin.
“My journey hasn't been perfect, and I think that's why people relate to it. What I've learned is that you don't have to be perfect to make a positive change, you just have to be willing to take the first step.”
Maz’s top tip: Don't wait until Monday, next month or the 'perfect time'. Walking through the doors of a Slimming World group for the first time can feel daunting, but everyone in that room has been where you are. You don't have to do it alone and you don't have to be perfect. Just take the first step.
* Avery, A. et al. 2006 Supporting healthier behaviours and weight loss through a behavioural weight-management programme after bariatric surgery. In press Obesity Facts 19(S1). Presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026.