Woman tells of 5st weight loss journey

Newport woman Suzy Ballantyne has had a lifechanging lockdown tackling multiple health conditions and shedding an incredible five stone in weight.

Suzy is registered disabled and has battled numerous health issues since childhood.

She has bucked the trend of many who have turned to junk food and unhealthy habits, including drinking more alcohol, during lockdown.

Her incredible transformation has left her feeling like a new person and she admits: “For the first time in years I feel able, not disabled.”

Health chiefs warned last year that more must be done to tackle obesity problems, exacerbated by the pandemic.

Suzy turned to her new healthier lifestyle in August 2020 after going into anaphylactic shock three times in a six-week period.

It was the final straw for her after a catalogue of health conditions in her life including cauda equina

syndrome, Graves’ disease, lymphedema and arthritis.

She said: “When I started out I wanted to reduce my weight, be able to look in the mirror and be happy with who I saw looking back.”

But her new regime – Feel Look Be devised by Dundee fitness guru Shelley Booth – resulted in more than just an impressive weight loss.

“You get more than a personal trainer or health coach or a weight loss programme,” Suzy explained.

“Shelley doesn’t just tell us what to eat and do, she explains the theory behind it and enables you to make choices based on fact.”

Suzy was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of eight and had surgery to remove and fuse the joints in her big toes.

At age 24, an accident knocked a disc from Suzy’s lower spine out of alignment causing pressure on her right leg, bladder and lower spine.

After two failed surgeries, an MRI scan revealed cauda equina syndrome – a condition where the nerves in the lower back become severely compressed. Despite a third operation to fuse Suzy’s lower spine, the nerve damage was irreversible and has left her with a weak right side and severe pain.

In the first week, Suzy lost 8lb and noticed immediate health benefits.

She said: “The swelling in my right toe where my joint was fused was greatly reduced and much less painful.

“In fact, the arthritic pain in all my joints was much better.

“Shelley and the other ladies on the programme never make you feel inadequate.”

FIGHTBACK: Suzy Ballantyne has lost 5st within the last year. Picture by Kim Cessford.

Suzy before the change.