'I was lying in a hospital bed ready to give up': From hospital to freedom: Staffordshire woman loses 8 stone and reclaims her life
A 33-year-old member from Essington has transformed her health and her life after losing an incredible 8 stone 3½lb with Slimming World.
Lottie joined the Slimming World group at St John’s Church in Essington on January 30, 2024, after facing a frightening health diagnosis that left her feeling as though she had run out of options.
“I was lying in a hospital bed ready to give up,” Lottie explained. “I had been diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). The doctors blamed it on my weight and I was being referred to the bariatric team for weight loss surgery – one of my worst fears.”
At the time, Lottie felt overwhelmed and struggled with crippling anxiety.
“Someone I knew was doing Slimming World and suggested I come to group. I originally thought about doing it online because of my anxiety, but she encouraged me to try the group. I agreed, even though the thought of going in person terrified me.”
Determined to try everything before considering surgery, Lottie made a promise to herself.
“I gave myself six months. If I didn’t lose a reasonable amount of weight, I was going to go ahead with the surgery to save my life.”
What followed was a journey that has changed far more than just the number on the scales.
“There are too many benefits to list,” she said. “My IIH has improved massively, my asthma is less severe and my fitness has improved drastically. I’m now the person at the front of a walk instead of feeling embarrassed that I couldn’t keep up or worrying that I might pass out from exhaustion.”
Lottie says her mental health has improved just as much as her physical health.
“My anxiety has become so much more manageable since losing weight and gaining confidence in myself. I’ve achieved personal goals I never thought would be possible. Working on myself, starting with the weight and proving to myself that I can do it has given me the urge to want to wake up in the morning and give it my all.”
One of the biggest milestones on her journey has been gaining a new level of independence.
“Because my confidence has grown so much, I even learned to drive – something I never thought I’d be able to do because of my anxiety. Being able to drive has given me a freedom I never thought possible.”
Alongside the physical and mental changes, Lottie says her relationship with food has completely transformed.
“My eating habits have changed so much since joining Slimming World. I now love trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. One of my favourite things is recreating all the meals I used to love in a healthier way so I can still enjoy them while losing weight.”
Cooking has become something she enjoys sharing with her partner too.
“My partner is also a Slimming World member and he has been a massive support throughout my journey. We love cooking together, trying new Slimming World recipes and recreating our favourite dishes in a way that fits with the plan. Having that support at home has made such a difference.”
While the scales show her incredible 8 stone 3½lb weight loss, Lottie says the biggest victories have been the ones that can’t be measured.
“So often we focus solely on the scales, but the non-scale victories matter so much. I can now shop in person for clothes I could only dream about. I go into changing rooms and actually enjoy trying things on.”
She laughs as she explains one moment that still surprises her.
“I still automatically reach for the back of the rail for the biggest size, then have to go back out and get a smaller one – something I don’t think I’ll ever get used to!”
Since starting her journey, Lottie has gone from a size 30 to a size 18.
But for her, the biggest achievement is the mindset she’s developed.
“My biggest non-scale victory is that no matter what the result is on the scales, I keep going. I never thought I’d completely change my habits and actually enjoy it.”
Lottie says she has learned that weight loss doesn’t mean missing out on life.
“I can still socialise and lose weight. I can go on holiday and still enjoy myself. And if I ever have a week where things don’t go to plan, I can face it and move forward with the support of the group and my Slimming World consultant, Summer who has been my biggest cheerleader since day one.”
She credits the support and encouragement she’s received in the group for helping her grow in confidence.
“I have grown so much as a person since starting here. I am a completely different person both physically and mentally. I’ve lost pounds and dress sizes, but I’ve gained friends for life, confidence and a belief in myself that I never thought possible.”
One moment in particular reminds Lottie just how far she’s come.
“I actually weigh less now than I did when I was 15.”
Reflecting on the journey, she says Slimming World has helped her rediscover the person she thought she’d lost.
“Before coming here I had completely lost myself. I’m so happy to say that as each day goes by, I’m finding myself more and more.”
“This isn’t just weight loss,” she added. “It has changed every aspect of my life.”
