Real Success

After an amazing weight loss of 7st 11lbs to reach target, Diana Herrett tells us how she’s enjoying her second wind!

“I’ve always had a tendency to put on weight, but it got to a stage where I felt out of control and very uncomfortable. I was bigger than I’d ever been, the weather was hot and I had sores where my legs rubbed together. I couldn’t shop for more than a couple of hours without my feet and legs becoming so painful that I had to go home. I used to find I was exhausted at the end of any working day.

“I’d been warned by my doctor on more than one occasion that my weight was putting my health at risk as my blood pressure had begun to rise for the first time in my life. I suffered leg and back pains and used to have bouts of upset stomach.

“The last straw came when I went to Alton Towers with my eldest son. The main reason we went was to try the newest ride, ‘Air’. I was mortified to discover in front of a large group of people that I couldn’t do up the seat catch and so I couldn’t go on it. I was even more embarrassed for my son and felt bad that he had to go on his own.

"I'd followed calorie controlled diets in the past but could not sustain them. Although I tried I just couldn't get motivated and really needed someone to help me."

“I was nervous about joining a slimming group, fearing failure again. It was quite daunting going along to my first ever Slimming World meeting but I was greeted with a whirlwind of enthusiasm that was Ursula, my Consultant. Ursula explained all about Food Optimising, making me feel confident that I would lose weight. I listened intently to the great bunch of warm human beings that were my fellow group members.

“I love the flexibility of Food Optimising, the variety and choice of food makes it interesting. It’s great being able to eat with the rest of the family - everyone enjoys the Food Optimising dishes I’ve cooked. I often create new dishes, or sometimes adjust old favourites. I often eat out, in all kinds of places, it’s easy to find meals that fit in with an Original or Green day. I use my Syns on wine and lager too!

“I’ve completely regained my former energy and zest for life. I do loads of Body Magic, using exercise as a form of relaxation. I used to knit and sew; now I can’t sit still long enough! I’ve recaptured my youth and want to climb mountains, walk in the countryside and cycle round our local reservoir in an hour. I’m sure that I wouldn’t refuse any kind of challenge now - just give me a chance!

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“I love cycling, walking, running, swimming and I’m horse riding again for the first time in 30 years. It’s wonderful to be back on a horse again. I can do press ups for the first time in my life. I just love the feeling of bounding up the stairs two at a time; I can get so much more done in a day!

“All of my discomfort and health problems have disappeared and my blood pressure is back to normal. My doctor has told me that I’ve done more good for myself that any medication could have done.

“My husband, Julian, cannot believe the change in me and keeps looking at me and shaking his head saying, “it's incredible; you’re like a different woman!” But I’m not - the overweight woman was covering up the real me and I’ve gradually emerged to live life to the full.

“I work as an ICT technician in a secondary school. My colleagues are blown away with my weight loss and tell me so daily. The pupils have also said how well I look. I am sure it’s an example to them that a person can change their habits and gain fitness.

“I feel younger and able to do anything. I want to live life to the full, travel to strange and exotic locations and see life in the raw. We’re going to Thailand in the summer and I know I shall enjoy everything, including the heat. I’m looking forward to my son's wedding in 2005; whereas I would have been dreading it if I’d not lost all this weight. My whole outlook on life is more positive!”

find out more

If you'd like to reveal the real you, find your nearest warm and friendly Slimming World group, where men and women are welcome.