‘My break-up led to my new body’
NSW mum-off-two Ccelestel went ffrom devastated to delighted after splitting up with her partner and losing 50kg
When Celeste Rodwell from Newcastle started to suspect her long-term partner had been unfaithful, she knew she had no choice but to leave the relationship. But she had no idea the split would change her body and health forever.
“I needed to get out of the relationship, but I needed to rediscover my self-confidence and develop some coping strategies to survive the changes,” says Celeste, 36.
Weighing in at 115kg, and feeling emotionally drained, she felt she’d exhausted all her options. “I felt so withdrawn and helpless at that point,” Celeste admits.
“I started exploring other tools to assist in weight loss and decided gastric sleeve surgery was a good fit for me.”
SURGICAL HELP
That decision was the catalyst for an incredible transformation – both physically and emotionally.
After the surgery, Celeste made a concerted effort to change her diet and lifestyle. She used to be a comfort eater, but after surgery, she found it easier to eat healthier food.
Celeste also began running, out of sheer frustration. “I’d run as far as I could and then I’d walk and then run again. I’d literally run and be crying by the time I got home,” she says. “You’ve just got to do it. Suck it up. Even if you get out and run for 10 minutes on a bad day. Anything is better than nothing.”
It might have been hard at first, but the exercise not only helped her drop the weight, but also boosted her mental health, improving her selfesteem and outlook on life. Her new-found confidence spurred her on, and eventually Celeste had dropped 50kg, reaching her goal weight of 65kg.
But although she was proud of her achievement, when she looked in the mirror, she still
‘I’m cleaning out clothes… shedding and renewing’
wasn’t happy. “I was so disfigured,” she says. “I had folds of excess skin around my waist and my breasts were on the floor – they were an empty, deflated G-cup.” Celeste turned to plastic surgeon Dr Nicholas Moncrieff for help. He recommended a tummy tuck, breast reduction and lift, and liposuction on areas of her stomach, back, arms and thighs.
He removed a total of 12kg of skin and fat from Celeste’s body. “He literally reconstructed me. I was so disfigured,” she says.
In the four months since her surgery, Celeste has done many things for the first time. “I’ve been trying clothes on in change rooms and I’ve even gone to the beach,” she laughs.
“I’m in the process of cleaning out lots of clothes and bits and pieces. I feel like I’m shedding and renewing.”
After her incredible journey, Celeste believes it’s essential for mums to put themselves first sometimes.
“Make yourself a priority,” she says.