Real Success

John Devonshire, from Llanrwst in Conwy, North Wales has been crowned Slimming World’s Greatest Loser 2009 after losing a truly astonishing 16st 9lbs. After suffering a devastating stroke that nearly killed him, John made the decision to join Slimming World – and look at him now! John shares his life-changing story with us…  

“I’d begun to gain weight 20 years ago - I lost an eye in an accident at work and turned to food for comfort. My weight rocketed - I was a telly addict and a junk food junkie and because of my job as a recovery driver I was out working all hours. I’d drink coke all day to keep me going and wash down kebabs, crisps and handfuls of chocolate. I was literally eating all the time.

“Suffering a massive stroke really shocked me, but it was almost eclipsed by the series of humiliations that came in its wake. I was lying in my third-floor bedroom listening to the ambulance crew debating how to get me out of the house.

“I was ashamed and embarrassed as they talked about getting the Fire Brigade to remove the window so they could winch me out. It was only a friend urging me to get up and walk down the stairs – in pretty strong language – that saved me from the humiliation. And according to one of the medics, it probably got my circulation going again.

“But the embarrassment didn’t end there. At hospital I was mortified to discover there were no scales capable of calculating my weight and I had to be hauled into a harness.

“After the stroke I moved back to my mum’s to recover and when I visited the GP he had to stand me on two sets of scales to weigh me – another experience that I won’t forget in a hurry.”

“It was the wake-up call I needed turn my life around. I went along to my local Slimming World group with my friend Yvonne.  I can’t say enough about how wonderful Debbie, my Consultant, is. Her support has been unbelievable and her notes and calls of support always cheer me up.

“Since I started Food Optimising I’ve discovered I really love vegetables and I pile them high onto my plate with baked

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potatoes and beans or Quorn curries and stir fries.

“I’ve followed Slimming World’s advice on building activity into my life and I walk everywhere. It’s helped with my recovery too. I swim, I go to the gym and I try to cycle 10 miles at least 3 times a week. I recently did a 36 mile ride along the coast and later this year I’m planning to walk up Snowdon with a group of friends.

“It’s strange, but it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. My biggest achievement is being able to wear jeans. I spend a fortune on them – I’ve dropped 5 jean sizes in the past year! There aren’t many things I’m very proud of in life, but losing this weight and getting so close to my goal is certainly one of them. 

“Before the stroke I’d been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – but now I’ve been given the all-clear from my GP on all three. My GP can’t believe the change in my health in such a short time.

“When I began my weight loss journey I decided that I wanted to lose at least half my body weight so that I can say ‘I’ve lost me’. Now, after losing 16st 9lbs I’m literally a new man.” 

 

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