Real Success

After struggling with weight problems for over 20 years, Michelle and Andy Smith from Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, lost over 13 stones together to change their lives forever. Michelle shares their amazing story here.

 “I’ve been overweight since my teens but I piled on more weight on with each of my two pregnancies. I had severe pain in my legs, feet, ankles and back, and even walking short distances felt like torture - I felt unattractive and old before my time.”

“I’ve started diets so many times in the past. But all the diets I tried banned my favourite foods and I always got the urge to binge on bread, sweets or chocolate.

“Andy and I became a couple in 2004, after my first marriage broke down. He was big too and was pretty uncomfortable most of the time – he lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident back in 2000 and injured his right ankle, which was often very painful. He wondered if losing weight might help.

“We both loved the same food – Chinese takeaways, fish and chips, cakes and bars of chocolate. We thought we were showing each other love by treating each other to our favourite fatty foods. But if we carried on I think we’d be showing each other the diabetes, heart attack and stroke ward in our local hospital.

“It was in 2005 that I realised, with horror, how big I’d become. I saw some hideous family pictures of myself taken with my grandma shortly before she died. That was it. I had to start losing weight as soon as possible. I’d vaguely heard of Slimming World, so I visited the website and found Diane’s group.

“I was so nervous and embarrassed on that first night before going to the group, I hadn’t even confessed my weight to Andy, never mind a stranger. Diane, the Consultant who runs the group, welcomed and completely reassured me. I stayed to the group that night and listened to everyone sharing their struggles, successes and ideas. I lost 4lbs in my first week and have never looked back.

“I was determined not to feel deprived and concentrated on all the delicious healthy food I could eat. Andy was Food Optimising along with me and we started cooking from scratch instead of buying expensive ready meals. Everything tasted so good! Fresh fruit, pasta, vegetable dishes, even steak and chips.

After following the plan from home for a while
Andy decided he would benefit from coming
along to group with me for support from the other members. We both carried on losing weight steadily and on my Slimming World ‘birthday’
I’d lost over 5 stones."

“I’d never have dared set foot in a gym previously but in March 2007, as the weight came off, we were able to increase our activity levels. I started working out with Andy and was amazed at how much difference weight training made to my arms, legs and torso. We also now enjoy family walks, swims and cycles and I run 30 miles each week.

“Andy loved sailing, but previously his weight held him back. One of the main benefits he’s seen as a result of his weight loss is his ability in sailing. He’s much more agile, and also lighter in the boat now so he sails faster than ever before, turning his hobby into a passion. He’s even in training for the 2012 Paralympic team!

“We’ve both changed so much – I lost 8st 2lbs in total and Andy lost 5st 4lbs. We’re fitter, healthier and no longer in pain. When Andy and I started losing weight with Slimming World, I was expecting our bodies to change – and 13st later, they have. But the biggest difference isn’t visible; it’s in our heads. Somehow, along our weight loss journey, we’ve learned to think like slim people – and that’s not just got us to our target weights – it’s going to keep us there forever.”