Real Success

Stephanie Burgess from Redcar, Cleveland lost a staggering 12 stone 5lbs to turn her life around. Life was a daily struggle for Stephanie, but now she’s living life to the full as an active mum! She shares her story here.

“My weight began creeping up when I met my husband, Martin, but I got heavier after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary disease and told I may never have children. I began comfort eating and the weight gradually piled on. I was overjoyed when I became pregnant and went on to have two children, but I developed post-natal depression and my weight spiralled out of control.

“I hated going anywhere as I was so embarrassed about my size - I felt like people were staring. I was physically exhausted carrying all that weight around. Walking was difficult and I suffered with back ache and pains in my knees and ankles.

“I was so depressed and unhappy. I woke up one day and felt like I couldn’t go on any longer - I knew that if I didn’t do something I was going to die. I spent the morning writing letters to Martin and my family to be opened if I suffered a heart attack or stroke. Then I phoned my sister Emma and told her how desperate I was to lose weight. I didn’t expect her to help – I just wanted a shoulder to cry on – but it turned out she could. Emma had lost weight with Slimming World and promised me it would work!

“I’d tried diets in the past but I was very frightened about going to a group - I was embarrassed and worried that the scales would break. Now, after joining Slimming World I can’t believe I was ever nervous. My group is fantastic! They are so supportive. They’ve encouraged me, always listened to me and given me hundreds of ideas. Staying to Image Therapy works wonders for weight loss!

Food Optimising has totally re-educated the way I think about food. I have learnt loads of new recipes and healthy ways to prepare food. My husband and children eat the same meals as me and more often that not they’re Food Optimising without knowing it! Slimming World quiche, chips and beans is a particular favourite!"

“As a family we have a healthier lifestyle, with lots of walking rather than taking the car. We also have a dog now that needs lots of exercise!

“Losing weight has made me a fun, outgoing and confident mum and wife. I don’t take a back seat nowadays - I love running round with my children, taking them on bike rides and on theme park rides.

“Slimming World has given me all the tools to stay in control - it’s become second nature to me. I don’t have any health problems now and the depression has gone. I know I’m never going to waste a minute now – I intend to live life to the full!”