"I’ve learned that health isn’t just about the number on the scale — it’s about choosing yourself, every single day"

Like so many women and men, I had tried countless diets over the years — some brought success, others ended in frustration.

Then life as a mother and wife became my full-time focus, and somewhere along the way, I forgot about me.

The weight crept on slowly at first, and then before I knew it, I had gained 10 stone. I could no longer walk or breathe properly, and I felt trapped in a vicious cycle—too heavy to exercise, yet desperate for change.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity for surgery, and my husband lovingly reminded me: “It’s time to take care of yourself now.” I had a mini gastric bypass, which set me on the path toward weight loss. It wasn’t easy — food had always been a big love of mine — but slowly, the weight began to come off.

About nine months in, I had shed the 10 stone. I felt amazing. I rediscovered my love for clothes, started wearing makeup again, and truly enjoyed going out with my husband and friends.

Then came the second lockdown. My husband was at work, my children were at school, and I wasn’t working. The cold months made it easy to curl up in bed watching TV — and for the first time, I began eating in bed. I snacked on biscuits and tea instead of joining my family for proper meals. Before I knew it, 2 stone had crept back on.

I didn’t want to go back to that place. I owed it to myself — and to my family — to make a change. Nervously, I returned to Slimming World, unsure if they would accept me after gastric surgery. To my relief, I was welcomed with open arms.

The first few weeks were great; the weight started coming off again. But eventually, I hit a plateau, got discouraged, and stopped going. More weight came back on. After taking nine weeks off, I had a heart-to-heart with myself.

This time, I wasn’t just going back to Slimming World to “lose weight” — I was going back for self-care. I decided it would be about me and only me. I left my phone in the car, stayed for the full class, and soaked up every bit of knowledge. I approached it meal by meal, focusing on what I could enjoy — adding more speed foods, keeping portions sensible, and drinking plenty of water.

I stopped buying fizzy drinks, biscuits, and crisps for the house. Visitors could bring their own if they wanted, but protecting my space was an act of self-love — and to my surprise, everyone was fine with it. They preferred happy, healthy me.

It wasn’t always perfect, but I learned to take the good with the bad. I made wonderful friends in my group — people I now call my forever friends. Even my children have changed their habits; they now dislike takeaways, which is a bonus I never expected.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that health isn’t just about the number on the scale — it’s about choosing yourself, every single day. This journey taught me that I am worth the effort, the patience, and the care. And that is a choice I will keep making — for me.

To find out more about joining your nearest group:- visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or check out Slimming World Derry on Facebook.