STROKE SURVIVOR HELEN TELLS HOW WEIGHT WATCHERS HELPED HER REGAIN HER CONFIDENCE

How has Weight Watchers helped in your weight loss journey?

Joining Weight Watchers was not something I ever dreamed I would need to do. I was always petite and slim built, was able to shift post-pregnancy weight (x4) and get back into my proper clothes. I was fit and active, doing Saturday morning Park Run quite regularly. However, all of that changed when I had a stroke (at age 45) mid November 2015. One of the major impacts of stroke for me was that in the early months my limbs, especially my legs felt as if they were filled with wet cement. It was a huge physical effort to move, lots of extra energy was needed as I was so exhausted. I never lost my appetite and loved the meals in the hospital – clearing starter, main and dessert every time. On questioning this hunger, it was pointed out that my brain would need extra food to try and make any recovery, and so I continued ‘eating well’ when I got home! The stroke had a major impact on my life, including lack of movement and exercise and so over a period of only 11 months I slowly and surely acquired those extra unwanted pounds. Even though previously I had always been able to manage my weight this time it seemed hopeless, despite what I believed to be my best efforts to cut back and be a little more active. I was caught in a vicious circle of needing energy but needing a healthier and less saturated fat diet to adjust to my less active body. Major help came in the form of Kate from Weight Watchers!

Incidentally, I met Kate when my daughter was doing a sponsored run for the Stroke Association. Out of the all the folk at the event I met Kate wearing her Stroke Association NI top and, of course, introduced myself and asked about her interest in stroke. It was like a divine intervention. After chatting for a little I had an invitation to come along to Weight Watchers in Markethill which was exactly what I needed to help me to regulate and adjust my diet.

Kate is welcoming every week, always well prepared with an interesting presentation and lots of little encouragements e.g. Christmas face bauble- someone to watch what was being eaten over Christmas, angelic reminder card to place on the fridge door.

She has a genuine care for all those attending her class and never puts anyone under pressure, taking time to have a personal word (or lots) with each person. I particularly love the technical support in the form of the online calculator and Kate’s encouraging regular posts on our FB page. The fact that she is so honest about her own weight journey and shares her stories and tips to help really is motivating. I couldn’t have done it without Kate and WW! What difference has losing weight made to your life?

I have achieved something - stroke stole so much from me. This was a major achievement physically and psychologically.

Eating mindfully and aiming to do a little exercise on a weekly basis now comes (nearly) as second nature with the add-on repercussion of getting outside which really helps with my mood on my ‘down’ days. My granny always said a bit of fresh air helped solve a lot of problems!

As a stroke survivor, I am fully aware of the increased risk of having another stroke. Excess weight often causes raised blood pressure – a key indicator of stroke. Being as fit and healthy as possible is the best way I can try and avoid further stroke and/or give me the best chance of recovery if it ever strikes again. How has your choice of clothes changed as a result of your weight loss?

Not a lot. Post stroke and pre-WW I was frustrated that I couldn’t fit into some of my slim fitting trousers and my usual style of fitted top and dresses were becoming, let’s say ‘unflattering!’ So delighted, 3 months later, to be

NAME:

Helen Graham

LOST: 1St 1lb

CLASS:

Markethill

LEADER:

Kate McVeigh

able to fit into a new pair of slim jeans! Haven’t had the opportunity to wear a fitted dress yet- but at least now I know I can if the occasion arises. Tell us what you liked about your class. *Prompt. *Efficient. *Convenient location. *Not too big or noisy (I have a sensory issue with noise).

*Friendly. *All welcome –crosses generational gap.

*Herb tea and a plain biscuit on offer weekly with all donations kindly put into the collection box. Weight Watchers are official supporters of the Stroke Association N.I. - I call that and initially meeting Kate providence…

Has exercise become part of your lifestyle and how?

Yes and no; I am able to do more a year post stroke but am still not back to anyway near the level I would have been at pre-stroke which I find frustrating. I have an extremely supportive husband who has encouraged me to keep up with a little exercise every week – even bought us a tandem which is good fun to go out on, though he definitely does most of the pedalling. [Also, he and my daughter are doing the Resolution Run to raise funds for Stroke Association NI]. I am aware that with my less active lifestyle now that I don’t need to eat the same quantity or type of food as before.