‘We’ve lost 9 stone and feel amazing!’
‘I’m finally back to my best’
Donna Mitchell, 49, a teacher from Staffordshire, is 5ft 6 and has lost 5st 3lbs
“In 2008, when I was pregnant with my son Alex, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a condition where the colon becomes inflamed. I was prescribed steroids and, because of them, my appetite increased. Due to a diet of fatty foods and takeaways, I gained 6st in just 18 months.
“After an operation to remove my colon, I needed a temporary ileostomy bag attached to the outside of my tummy and I felt less confident about leaving the house. It wasn’t until my treatment was complete in 2011 that I felt ready to tackle my weight and join my local Slimming World group.
“My husband, Steve, supported me and, over time, I lost the 6st I’d put on and felt good at 10st. Then, just as I was getting into the swing of maintaining my slimmer figure, I fell ill with whooping cough and pneumonia and was prescribed steroids again. My weight crept up, I lost motivation and stopped going to the group.
“But it was a family day out at a theme park that changed everything for me. I climbed into a seat on a children’s ride, but I couldn’t get the safety bar to fasten. I sucked in my tummy while Steve forced down the bar for me. It eventually clicked into place but I felt so humiliated. ‘That’s it,’ I thought. ‘I’m going back to Slimming World.’
“On my first day back, I was a size 16-18 and I discovered my weight had crept up to 15st 5lbs, which was even more motivation to stick to the plan. I got off to a great start and, over time, I felt re-energised and the weight started to come off. I slowly lost 5st 3lbs and got down to a size 10 and 10st 2lbs.
“In the ’80s, I’d been part of a band called Hollywood Nites, but in more recent years I’d lost my confidence to get back on stage. In 2015, I was asked to perform again with the band and, aged 47, I pulled on my thigh-high boots and stepped back into the spotlight. We perform every weekend now and I feel like I’m back to my best.”
Looking for weight-loss inspiration? After transforming their bodies, two Slimming World members share their inspiring success stories…