Brian loses weight for surgery
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Nutrition Team
Most people that join our service do so because something has happened to spur them into action, a wedding invitation arrives, an embarrassing photo of them looking less than svelte appears, well Brian’s turning point came when he reached his lowest ebb. He was drowning under a sea of health problems and self-esteem struggles and was almost ready to accept the knocks life had in store for him when he came across the online diet plans. Just 5 months after joining Brian has lost 2 stone 10 lbs, made a friend for life and reclaimed his life.
Read his inspiring story!
What made you decide to join us?
I was feeling very down, and was on the verge of just giving up. With all the health problems I have experienced over the years things were building up. One day I crossed the road so I wouldn’t bump into an ex workmate, I realised how low my self esteem had got, and something needed to be done about it. Thank God you were around for me.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
My weight caused me to slow down a lot, and as I was waiting to have a total knee replacement, I needed to lighten the load. My confidence was at an all time low.
How much weight did you lose?
I lost 2 stone 10 lbs. I was wearing XL clothes, but now I can usually wear medium sizes. I lost 6 inches from my waist and 4 inches from my chest.
Has exercise played a role in your weight loss?
I joined Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre two weeks into my diet, and feel it’s helped a lot. It certainly helped me to tone my body, instead of being left with excess skin looking for a new home.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
I have a new lease of life and new hope for the future. I feel years younger, and I can face things head on, instead of putting them to one side “for another day”. I have a lot more energy, and the surgeon and physios are amazed at the speed of my recovery.
What was your favourite part of the programme?
The diet plans were very easy to understand, not bland as I expected from a diet. The meals were tasty and filling, and are now an everyday part of my normal eating habits.
And were you happy with the support you received?
What do I say about the support I’ve had? I can’t praise it enough. You have a wonderful team, and it’s been a pleasure to be in contact with all of you. The team is understanding and supportive. In fact I feel as if some of the support staff are friends now.
I met a few people in the 'Circle of Friends’, one lady and her husband are now friends for life. She is my agony aunt, as I’m her agony uncle. I’m so thankful to the online programme for bringing us together. It is about much more than dieting, it’s a way of life. With much, much more included!
Tell us about your diet before and after you joined us?
I would eat large stodgy meals and often. Now I have smaller portions and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish, I choose Tesco Light Choices ready meals for a quick meal. I’ll have fish and chips maybe once a week, but not big portions. The main thing is not to be scared of going out and having a social life. Eat slowly and enjoy it!
Have you any final words you would like to say?
“Keep up the good work. It was a pleasure being in contact with you all.”