Life before Slimming World was very lonely. I’d become a recluse – I hated leaving the house. I didn’t want anyone to see me. On the rare occasions I did go out, people would stare, point or sneer, and that shattered my confidence even more. Food became my comfort blanket, trapping me in a cycle I just couldn’t break. 

I was getting more and more depressed and felt desperate for a new life. I didn’t want my children to grow up adopting my unhealthy lifestyle. My hope was for them to be happy, active and proud of me, and I wanted to enjoy family days out without feeling exhausted or embarrassed. 

Eventually, I went to my GP, who referred me for a gastric bypass. I was told I’d need to lose 3st (19.1kg) to prove my commitment, though. I left the appointment feeling deflated – how could I possibly lose that much weight on willpower alone? 

I went online looking for help, and that’s when I discovered Slimming World. Reading through other people’s success stories on the website gave me hope. I decided to take the leap and join a group. I was terrified – what would people think of me? Would I be the biggest there? 

Find your nearest Slimming World group

I remember standing outside the group venue for what felt like an eternity, trying to work up the courage to go in. Finally, I did, and from that moment on, my life changed for the better. 

Vikki, my Consultant, was so warm and welcoming, as was everyone in the group. They put me instantly at ease. For the first time in years, I felt like I belonged. When Vikki explained the healthy eating plan, I was excited to go home and get started. I threw myself into learning how to cook properly, and tried plenty of recipes on the app. 

Fiona’s weight loss firsts

The weight started to fall off. I couldn’t believe I was eating such satisfying, filling meals (never feeling deprived!) and still losing so much weight. The more I lost, the more motivated I became. I enjoyed classic recipes like spaghetti bolognese, curry and lasagne – nothing was off limits. For the first time ever, I felt in control. 

Discover Slimming World’s healthy eating plan

When the hospital called to say I had a date for my gastric bypass, I told them I’d changed my mind. I’d found something that worked for me, and I wanted to continue this journey on my own. I’ve never regretted that decision. 

To date, I’ve lost 19st 7lbs (124.1kg) – and I still eat my favourite foods! Each milestone was a boost to my confidence. I joined a gym, and now I train four times a week, which is something the old me would never have believed possible. I started enjoying walks and even went abroad on my first ever holiday. 

My life is unrecognisable now. I have a great job, an amazingly supportive partner who’s my biggest cheerleader and a busy social life. I can walk into any high street store and try on clothes without fear or shame. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself – this really is my life.

I started this journey in 2021 and have been making consistent progress towards my goals since then. Slimming World isn’t a ‘quick fix’. It’s a lifestyle change that means I can still enjoy food and lose weight – with no major surgery involved.

In the first year I lost 6st (38.1kg), and after two years I’d lost 10st (63.5kg) – sometimes getting losses of 4-6lbs, occasionally even 8lbs, a week. Of course, the speed at which you lose weight naturally slows down and becomes steadier. I just continued to trust the process, following the plan and mixing up my activity. I’m so close now to achieving my 20st award, and I know I’ll keep up the changes I’ve made and maintain my weight loss for good.

I can’t thank my wonderful Consultant, Vikki, enough. She’s been by my side from day one, along with my amazing Slimming World family. Their support every week has got me to where I am today, and I’ll be so proud to continue attending group and supporting others as a target member. 

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.