Latest news with #SlimmingWorld
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
NHS docs saved me after I nearly died from £6k mummy makeover in Poland… but here's why I'll never regret it
LYING in an NHS hospital bed, hooked up to a drip, Lois Crossley was fighting for her life after contracting sepsis from a surgery complication. But the mum-of-four's initial operation had not been carried out in the UK - she had flown to one of Europe's cut-price hotspots for a cosmetic mummy makeover. 11 Lois Crossley fought for her life after contracting sepsis from a mummy makeover surgery Credit: Shot by Emma Phillipson. 11 The mum-of-four got a tummy tuck, liposuction and a breast lift Credit: SWNS 11 Lois, who flew to Poland for the surgery, reveals NHS doctors told her she could have died if they had not stepped in Credit: SWNS Lois insists that despite taxpayers effectively having to save her after her decision to spend £6,000 on a Lois, 29, from Salford, Greater Manchester had lost 7st before these procedures which she paid for using a surprising windfall - and says that the NHS doctors told her she could have died if they had not stepped in. She says: 'The doctors said I could have died if I hadn't got help when I did. It was frightening but I always knew that surgery could be a risk. I don't regret it, despite getting sick. 'I'm so much happier with my body now. I feel like a model and have more energy to keep up with my kids. 'I did feel bad turning up for help after having an elective operation abroad, but the nurses were kind and said that they had a duty of care. Scans showed the operation had been done properly and the infection was just one of those things. 'People might criticise me for using NHS resources to sort out a complication. But I'd argue that I paid privately for my initial 'That's better for the NHS in the long run.' Lois had always been a skinny size 8 until she fell pregnant for the first time in July 2016, going on to have four babies in six years – Theo, eight, Koen, seven, Rion, four, and Indi-Blu, two. 'I needed an emergency c-section with my first and second births, so the doctors recommended I have planned ones with the next two,' she says. 'I was glad my babies arrived safely but it left me with messy scarring on my tummy and an overhang. 'Looking after small children was so tiring and busy. I'd barely eat all day, just graze on snacks and their leftovers. It meant I was starving by the time they were in bed and ended up eating ready meals or takeaways. 'The weight crept up and up with each pregnancy. I tried Slimming World but it was difficult to stick to it.' I lost 100lbs doing the Keto diet and did a mummy makeover to get rid of the loose skin but it was worth it - people are stunned by my transformation By the time she had her youngest child in October 2022, Lois weighed 16st 5lbs and was a size 22, despite being 5ft 4ins tall. 'The idea of going shopping horrified me and I lived in leggings because jeans cut into my tummy,' she says. 'I lost all my confidence and never wanted to leave the house. All my friends were still slim - I felt like the odd one out. My fiancé Kieron loved me as I was but I knew I needed to take action for my own wellbeing, mentally and physically.' I lost all my confidence and never wanted to leave the house. All my friends were still slim - I felt like the odd one out In September 2023, full time mum Lois travelled to Turkey after saving up £2,150 for a gastric sleeve operation, with her dad Darren accompanying her while Kieron, 30, cared for their children at home. 11 Lois weighed 16st 5lbs and was a size 22 by the time she had her youngest child in 2022 Credit: SWNS 11 She had four babies in six years, Theo, Koen, Rion and Indi-Blu Credit: SWNS 11 I lived in leggings because jeans cut into my tummy, she reveals Credit: SWNS 11 The trip and surgery cost Lois £6,100 in total Credit: Emma Phillipson - Commissioned by The Sun 'I'd been to see my GP for help but all they could offer was a long waiting list for a weight management programme,' she says. 'I needed something more drastic. I knew a couple of people who'd had a gastric sleeve and been very successful. I worried it was the 'easy' way out but I couldn't see how I'd manage to lose all this weight otherwise. 'Melting away' 'I'll admit that, at first, I found the recovery mentally challenging and wondered if I'd done the right thing. 'I hate soup but that was all I could eat to start, slowly moving onto purees and mashed up meals. The protein shakes were disgusting too. I'd watch Kieron and the kids eating a nice dinner and feel like I was missing out.' But while she hated being unable to eat proper food, Lois was thrilled with the impact on her size. 'I lost a stone in the month and it just kept melting away. It was quite dramatic,' she says. 'Within a year, I'd lost nearly 7st and was a size 8, just as I'd hoped.' But the extreme weight loss came with side effects – a 'I wanted to wear nice fitted clothes but it was impossible to hide the loose skin around my middle,' Lois says. 'My breasts had gone from a 47F to a 34DD but had lost their shape. I knew from doing my research that this was likely to happen but I still felt really conscious of it. 11 I knew there might be complications so I'll never regret it, says the mum as she opens up on her surgeries Credit: SWNS 11 The mum spent ten days recovering in hospital after her procedures Credit: SWNS 'I was also frustrated that I'd lost all that weight but was still hiding my body away in leggings and baggy tops. Shapewear could only do so much.' After doing her research, Lois started saving again for a tummy tuck, abroad, this time in Poland. After squirrelling away pennies, Lois had a surprising windfall. 'I'd had to quit my job in a nursery after the kids so I knew it was going to take a while to get the money,' she says. I worried it was the 'easy' way out but I couldn't see how I'd manage to lose all this weight otherwise 'I was putting every spare penny away, once the bills were paid and the kids catered for. I'd treat myself to a go on the online slots a couple of times a week. I couldn't believe it when I hit the jackpot and won £5,000. 'I was screaming and knew immediately that it was my chance to do something for myself and have the surgery.' Losing her dad to a sudden brain bleed in September 2024, at the age of only 56, made her more determined to take action. 'He'd promised he would come with me once I had saved enough for the tummy tuck,' she says. 'My dad was really proud of how I'd lost the weight and was taking control of my life.' In November 2024, Lois travelled to Wroclaw, Poland, with her mum, booking into an apartment near the hospital for a week. 'So scary' The trip and surgery cost £6,100 in total, with Lois topping up her winnings with savings. 'I didn't hesitate to use the money for my surgery – it was my dream,' she says. 'When I left my kids to go for the gastric sleeve, I couldn't stop crying. This time around I was so excited.' Lois had booked a tummy tuck, liposuction on her hips and upper abdomen, and breast implants. I just couldn't stop looking at my new body – I was delighted But after meeting her surgeon, he advised her to have a breast uplift instead. 'I was disappointed but it made me trust him more because he could have just taken my money and done what I'd asked for,' she says. During the five-hour operation, Lois had 1.2kg of loose tummy skin removed and her three c-section scars were aligned into one neat line. 'The recovery was fine, I was up walking after a couple of hours,' she says. Pain wise, I would say my c-sections were worse. I just couldn't stop looking at my new body – I was delighted.' With everything in order, she returned home and was healing well until she came down with 'I was dripping with sweat but felt freezing, I felt dizzy and my heart was racing,' she recalls. 'I tried to push through it but when I met some mum friends at the playground, they told me I looked shocking and I should contact the doctor immediately.' After calling 111 and explaining about her recent op, Lois was sent to Salford Royal Hospital, where she needed emergency surgery to treat an infection in a wound. 'It was so scary,' she says. 'They had to put me back to sleep and unstitch my belly button to drain fluid off. The doctors said I was lucky I caught it when I did or I might have died.' The mum spent the next ten days recovering in hospital on IV antibiotics. 'The doctors were really understanding and it wasn't the surgeon's fault – it was one of those things,' she says. 'My immune system was very weak for a few months afterwards and I have a scar on my hip, but I feel fine now.' The doctors said I was lucky I caught it when I did or I might have died Today, Lois is 9st 2lbs and feels like she has her old self back. 'All surgery comes with risks and I knew there might be complications, so I'll never regret it,' she says. 'It gives you a better life for your kids, to be able to run about with them and stuff. I'm also more confident, I've always got my legs out and can wear belly tops. I'm finally able to think about planning my wedding too. 'Everyone says how good I look – I even got stopped by one of the shop assistants in my local Lidl the other day. Being able to look at normal sized clothing instead of plus size and 4XL makes everything worth it. I'm a trendy mum now.' 11 Today, Lois is 9st 2lbs and feels like she has her old self back Credit: Emma Phillipson - Commissioned by The Sun 11 She adds: 'Being able to look at normal sized clothing instead of plus size and 4XL makes everything worth it' Credit: SWNS
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I spent twice as much on junk food as on mortgage until holiday chair moment'
Michelle was on holiday with her family in Lanzarote when an accident left her mortified, and knowing she needed to change A mum who would spend £600 a month on fast food says a humiliating holiday moment prompted her to lose eight stone. Michelle Siderfin was a self-proclaimed 'takeaway addict' who spent more on junk food than on mortgage payments for her house. The 46-year-old, from Manchester, never went a day without using delivery apps, despite doctors warning her she was morbidly obese. Tipping the scales at 16st 6lbs, the Co-op worker endured many embarrassing moments, including when a customer asked if she was pregnant. But it was a moment of pure humiliation while on holiday with her family in Lanzarote that changed everything. 'We were sitting around the pool and I sat on a plastic chair,' said Michelle, who works as a deputy manager at the supermarket. 'The back leg snapped, and the chair fell backwards. I bashed the back of my head. I was so embarrassed; I didn't want anyone to have seen it. I was mortified – it was devastating. After that, [I felt] like – 'How many more signs do there have to be for me to do something? I can't have this happen again. 'The chair was the snapping point. I didn't want my kids to be embarrassed by me. I wasn't happy inside.' The horrifying moment, combined with a type 2 Diabetes diagnosis, forced Michelle to face the harsh truth about her health and lifestyle. She said: 'I was always on JustEat. We would order naan bread and I'd share half a naan, then have half a portion of chips, rice, and curry to myself and eat all of it. 'I'd go to McDonald's when they did the Big Breakfasts and I might grab something from the chippy or bakery. I was spending £30 a day – around £600 a month. It was more than my mortgage, which was £270. 'I would make excuses for myself and say I didn't have time to cook, and dieting was expensive.' Michelle can still recall a particularly painful experience linked to her weight. She was working as a team leader at a Co-op branch in Lymm, when a customer came up to her during the Christmas rush and asked where the pigs in blankets were. Michelle said: 'She then said, 'Can I ask you another question?' and I thought she wanted something else. She said, 'When's your baby due?' I said, '20 years ago,' really blunt. I wanted to cry, and I was really angry at the same time.' Fitting into size 20 clothes, Michelle was warned by her GP that she was at risk of having a heart attack, losing her sight and even dying. She said, 'I didn't want to die early. I don't have grandchildren, and I wanted to be around for that time. But being told that by the doctor made me just want to comfort eat. 'I knew my weight had spiralled out of control. It's hard. You just don't know what to do. I was told I was morbidly obese, and that didn't stop me.' Michelle tried various weight loss programmes, but nothing seemed to help. That was until she joined Slimming World six years ago, eventually going on to shed more than eight stone. Michelle says the programme finally helped her lose weight because she didn't have to give up her favourite foods. She was also still able to socialise and enjoy meals with her family and friends. Although she hasn't hit her target weight loss of nine stone, Michelle now weighs 8st 5lb and fits into a dress size 8 – and feels like a completely different person. She said: 'It's about sort of changing your mindset. I just didn't have confidence. I wouldn't interact with people – now, I don't mind getting up and doing group speaking and sharing my experiences. 'I don't have a lot of pictures of myself from before the weight loss. I hated my body and had a real negative view of myself. Now, I honestly feel absolutely amazing.' In an effort to help others, Michelle has since opted to become a Slimming World consultant last year – someone who leads and supports local Slimming World groups to help people lose weight in a healthy way. 'Before, I didn't really smile a lot, whereas now people tell me I'm always smiling,' she added. 'I get loads of compliments at work and people tell me I've done so well. It's about doing what's right for you and not somebody else. This journey has turned my life around. If I can help people the way I do – physically and mentally – I'll be happy.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian mum's weight loss set to inspire others by becoming slimming consultant
Claire Gibson, 40, says her weight had gone up and down for years as she juggled the challenges of everyday life. While she had had lost weight successfully in the past, without support, the weight crept back on. A determined mum from West Lothian has transformed her life after losing four stones and is now set to inspire others as a newly trained Slimming World Consultant. Claire Gibson, 40, says her weight had gone up and down for years as she juggled the challenges of everyday life. While she had had lost weight successfully in the past, without support, the weight crept back on. 'I would always make excuses,' Claire says. 'I'd tell myself I was too busy whether it was moving house, caring for family, getting the kids settled in new schools. But really, I was just avoiding facing the scales.' After nearly a year away, Claire bravely returned to her Slimming World group in January 2025 – this time with a different mindset and ready to soak up all the essential support of the weekly group sessions. She said: 'I was so nervous. But I walked in and was met with smiles and encouragement. No one judged me and my new consultant Gaye even congratulated me for coming back.' Claire followed Slimming World's Food Optimising plan, a generous and flexible approach to healthy eating that helped her rediscover the foods she loved without feeling hungry or deprived. 'Before, I'd eat anything for convenience,' Claire says. 'Now, I've learned how to cook healthier meals that the whole family loves such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Slimming World Balti Chicken, and Hunters Chicken Risotto. 'I don't cook separately for myself anymore. We just adapt our favourites.' Beyond food, Claire found the support she needed in weekly Slimming World group sessions something she now calls the secret to her success. She said: 'The group helped me understand my mindset. I know now that the frustration I was feeling with regaining the weight was stopping me moving forward. 'The group helped me to learn strategies to be able to work through my personal barriers. The support and kindness in group changed everything.' Claire's story has already inspired her group but now she's ready to inspire even more people as she becomes a Slimming World Consultant herself. Stuart Malcolm, District Manager for Slimming World, said: 'Claire is a real inspiration to us all and we are so proud of her. When she first came through the door, she wanted to lose weight and feel more confident. 'She is proof that with self-belief, determination and the right kind of support from a group of people who understand what it feels like to struggle with your weight and truly care about your success, anyone's weight loss can be achieved. 'Weight-loss drugs may seem like a quick and easy answer but without changes to diet and physical activity, those taking them will soon put the weight back on. 'We know Slimming World members don't need to take weight loss medication to lose weight, and keep that weight off, but if anyone does decide to take them, we will welcome them to group with open arms to ensure they are getting the support they need to make lifelong healthy changes.' Claire's goal is clear: to help others feel empowered and supported on their own journeys, just as she did. 'The number on the scales matters, but how I feel matters more,' she said. 'I have more energy, confidence, and happiness. I'm not just doing this for me, I'm doing it for my daughters, too.' Claire's new Slimming World group launches on Saturday, June 28, in the Buchan Park Bowling Club, Broxburn at 8am or 9.30am. For more information or to join, visit or call Claire on 07793 545392.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Lose weight and feel great - Claire has lost four stones
Claire Gibson, 40, says her weight had gone up and down for years as she juggled the challenges of everyday life. While she had had lost weight successfully in the past, without support, the weight crept back on. 'I would always make excuses,' Claire says. 'I'd tell myself I was too busy whether it was moving house, caring for family, getting the kids settled in new schools. But really, I was just avoiding facing the scales.' After nearly a year away, Claire bravely returned to her Slimming World group in January 2025 – this time with a different mindset and ready to soak up all the essential support of the weekly group sessions. 'I was so nervous. I thought everyone would be thinking, 'Look how much weight she's gained.' But I walked in and was met with smiles and encouragement. No one judged me and my new consultant Gaye even congratulated me for coming back.' Claire followed Slimming World's Food Optimising plan, a generous and flexible approach to healthy eating that helped her rediscover the foods she loved without feeling hungry or deprived. 'Before, I'd eat anything for convenience,' Claire says. 'Now, I've learned how to cook healthier meals that the whole family loves such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Slimming World Balti Chicken, and Hunters Chicken Risotto. I don't cook separately for myself anymore. We just adapt our favourites.' Even her 9-year-old has noticed the difference with more veggies on the plate. Claire is delighted how the whole family have benefited, and the kids choose healthier options first! Beyond food, Claire found the support she needed in weekly Slimming World group sessions something she now calls the secret to her success. 'The group helped me understand my mindset. I know now that the frustration I was feeling with regaining the weight was stopping me moving forward. The group helped me to learn strategies to be able to work through my personal barriers. The support and kindness in group changed everything.' Claire's journey also included embracing Body Magic, Slimming World's approach to activity that encourages members to move more at their own pace. 'I used to dread even two minutes of skipping at boot camp. Now I skip for 15 minutes and love it! And for my 40th birthday, I got a scooter so I could keep up with my daughters on the school run. I feel like a different person.' Claire's story has already inspired her group but now she's ready to inspire even more people as she becomes a Slimming World Consultant herself. Stuart Malcolm, District Manager for Slimming World, said: 'Claire is a real inspiration to us all and we are so proud of her. When she first came through the door, she wanted to lose weight and feel more confident. She is proof that with self-belief, determination and the right kind of support from a group of people who understand what it feels like to struggle with your weight and truly care about your success, anyone's weight loss can be achieved. 'Weight-loss drugs may seem like a quick and easy answer but without changes to diet and physical activity, those taking them will soon put the weight back on. We know Slimming World members don't need to take weight loss medication to lose weight, and keep that weight off, but if anyone does decide to take them, we will welcome them to group with open arms to ensure they are getting the support they need to make lifelong healthy changes.' Claire's goal is clear: to help others feel empowered and supported on their own journeys, just as she did. 'The number on the scales matters, but how I feel matters more,' she says. 'I have more energy, confidence, and happiness. I'm not just doing this for me, I'm doing it for my daughters, too.' Claire's new Slimming World group launches on Saturday 28th June in the Buchan Park Bowling Club, Broxburn at 8am or 9:30am. For more information or to join, visit or call Claire on 07793 545392. 1 . Contributed Claire is now a Slimming World Consultant Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Claire is now a Slimming World Consultant Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Claire is now a Slimming World Consultant Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: West Lothian
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum sheds 2st in two months after years of weight struggles
Sarah Hill, 32, from Glasgow, had struggled with her weight since her late teens - but everything changed after using a jab A mum-of-two, who often cancelled social outings due to feeling "the overweight one," has managed to lose two stone in a mere two months after being treated with Mounjaro. Sarah Hill, 32, an assistant manager at a soft play centre in Glasgow, has grappled with her weight since her late teens. She would spend hours getting ready for nights out, only to cancel at the last minute due to feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness – she spent years 'staying in the shadows'. Earlier this year, Sarah reached her heaviest weight of 245lbs (17st and 7lbs), and standing at 5ft 4in tall, she frequently felt like a "failure" when stepping on the scales, reports Glasgow Live. Her wake-up call came with the passing of her grandmother in July 2024, prompting her to take serious steps towards improving her health. Having tried every diet plan under the sun, she decided to give weight loss injections a shot. After years of battling her weight and missing out on cherished moments, Sarah revealed that a weekly dose of Mounjaro has been life-changing – she now feels like "a completely new person." In a conversation with PA Real Life, she confessed: "I'd get my hair and makeup done to try and make my face look nice, but I couldn't bear the thought of my body in photos. I'd always be in black tights and floaty dresses, trying to cover up. Now I'm planning nights out again and actually showing up. I've got an outfit ready for this weekend and, for once, I'm excited." Sarah confessed to struggling with her weight since her teenage years, with her heaviest being 245lbs (17st 7lbs) and a dress size 22. "I was bullied in school and it just stuck with me," she explained. "Even in PE, I'd hide in the toilets to get changed." After having her first child at 17, Sarah's priorities shifted, and she tried various diets, including Cambridge, Slimming World, and calorie counting. Although she lost five stone at one point, she couldn't maintain the weight loss. "I'd pile it back on and end up in an even worse place" she recalled. Sarah's weight struggles not only affected her physical health but also took a toll on her mental well-being. "I became obsessed with the scales," she revealed. "If I gained a pound, I'd feel like a failure. There were times I cried after weigh-ins." The catalyst for change came after her grandmother, Sandra, passed away at 70 in July 2024. "She had cancer, and I was one of her main carers at the end," Sarah said. "Losing her broke me. I was grieving, burned out, exhausted from work, and barely moving. That's when I knew something had to change – not just for me, but for my kids." Sarah initially stumbled upon online discussions about weight loss injections but was dubious about their effectiveness. It wasn't until she saw friends and family achieve real results with the Slim Results programme, a weight management service, that she decided to give it a try. Mounjaro is an injectable pen utilised for weight loss and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As per NHS guidelines, Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, is a self-administered weekly injection that aids in prolonging feelings of fullness and curbing hunger. It's recommended that individuals using this injection maintain a balanced diet with fewer calories and partake in regular physical activity. Mounjaro can be prescribed to people with a BMI exceeding 30 (indicating obesity) and those with a BMI above 27 (signifying overweight) who also suffer from weight-related health complications such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart conditions. The jab will only be prescribed by a specialist weight management service, where a healthcare professional deems it appropriate treatment. Obtaining Mounjaro through the NHS for weight management involves a referral to a specialist service, fulfilling certain eligibility requirements, and recognising that access is being implemented gradually. For further details, visit the NHS website. "I was nervous at first – it's a medication, and there's still so much stigma, but I can honestly say it's the best decision I've ever made," she expressed. Two months on, Sarah has managed to bring her weight down from 245lbs (17st 7lbs) to 216lbs (15st 6lbs). She now comfortably wears a size 14 to 16 and shared that a recent shopping trip felt like a significant accomplishment. Sarah recalled how she used to steer clear of some fashion stores, like Primark, due to the limited size options, saying: "I used to just avoid Primark like the plague because I felt like I couldn't wear anything," However, her recent visit was a resounding success, as she proudly shared: "I came out with a massive bag yesterday. I was an XXL before, and I got larges and even some mediums. That was a big hit for me." This experience has left a lasting impression, not just because of the smaller sizes but also because of the sense of inclusivity she now feels. "I felt like I had to go to the plus-size ranges and online to find anything," she explained. Now I can walk in and pick something up. It feels amazing." Initially, Sarah encountered some side effects from the jab, including fatigue and constipation, but she credits the unwavering support from the Slim Results team for helping her navigate these challenges. "They were brilliant," she praised. "I thought I'd just be sent the jab and that's it, but they were there any time I needed advice – on nutrition, vitamins, everything." Sarah's dietary habits have also undergone a significant transformation. She revealed: "I used to start the day with two sausage rolls and a large vanilla latte. Now it's overnight oats or fruit and an Americano with a splash of milk. Lunch is soup or salad, and dinner is usually a big plate of veg with some protein – I've always liked food, but now I enjoy meals that actually fuel me." Sarah has experienced a remarkable boost in self-assurance, leading her to embrace adventures she would have once shied away from. She's excitedly planning a family trip to Disneyland for October, without the usual worries about ride restrictions or feeling self-conscious in the warm weather. "We're going to Disneyland with the kids in October and I'm not panicking about fitting on the rides or covering up in the heat," she expressed. "I just feel like a new person. I used to be the one behind the camera, never in them. Now I'm proud to be in the picture." While acknowledging there's still a way to go on her journey, Sarah is optimistic about achieving her targets. When it comes to Mounjaro, the weight loss treatment she's been using, Sarah is eager to share her positive experience. She feels there's a lot of misunderstanding surrounding weight loss injections. "People misunderstand weight loss injections," she said. "They think it's cheating or that you're lazy, but they've never lived in a body that feels like a burden. It's not just a jab. It's a fresh start."
