Doctor said to lose weight... but I never thought I’d gain a baby

Mum’s the word as Gemma sheds 12st

A WOMAN has revealed she became pregnant after being advised to lose weight by her doctor.

Gemma Bailie had been trying to have a second child for some time before taking her concerns to her GP.

He told the 28-year-old from Banbridge, Co Down, slimming down would “help things along” but she was staggered by how quickly it had the desired effect.

Gemma, who lost 12 stone, said: “I had been to Weight Watchers about 10 years ago and lost a bit but then what with getting married and starting a family, I suppose I got a bit comfy.

“I had tried to lose weight by myself at home but never managed more than a couple of pounds.

“We were having trouble getting pregnant with number two when the doctor suggested I lose a bit of weight to help things along, so I joined Weight Watchers, lost half a stone and got pregnant.

“Obviously that meant I was out of Weight Watchers for a while, but then when Ruby was about six months old I found my back and

joints were quite sore which made carrying her difficult, so I realised that I needed to go back to class.

“I knew I had a lot to do so I decided not to think about all that I had to lose and instead I focused on losing the first 10%.

“The big problem for me was portion size, I was eating good food but just far too much of it.

“Weight Watchers educated me on eating the right amounts and making sure I included fruit and vegetables in every meal.”

Gemma told how she started using a smaller plate to make it look like she had lots of food.

She added: “I like to feel like I’m having a proper meal.

“For breakfast I started having porridge with some strawberries or banana and then at lunch I’d have a sandwich or something.

“I like bread so I didn’t want to cut it out and I liked the fact that nothing was off limits so I could still have what I wanted.

“Cutting things out doesn’t work, it’s better to let yourself have a little of what you want, so have two squares of chocolate instead of the whole bar and always count it in. A lot of it was about learning the discipline of having just breakfast, lunch and dinner and exercising self-control.”

As well as eating sensibly Gemma has taken to exercising more regularly – and after losing five stone she has called on anyone in the same position to take the plunge.

She said: “Earlier this year I did the Couch To 5k.

“I liked the idea of it because as a group everyone was in the same boat, so nobody was judging anyone else, plus running is completely free.

“I enjoyed it so much I did it twice and I also take regular walks by coming the long way home after I do the school drop-off.

“My weight loss was quite gradual, but when you start to move down in sizes then you really began to see what you’ve achieved and that feels great.

“I started out at a size 22 and now I’m a 14. All my aches and pains are gone and I have loads more energy.

“I don’t just come in and sit on the sofa every evening, I always want to get up and out and do something fun.

“As well as that I’m much happier to get involved and have fun with the kids and not just leave it to daddy all the time.”