Family join in Frankie’s bid to lose weight
Fertility treatment blow inspires vet nurse
AFAMILY have revealed how they shed 10st between them after one member of the trio was rejected for fertility treatment. Frankie Bell weighed 14st 7lbs when she was told she wouldn’t be eligible for the fertility treatment she so desperately wanted because her BMI score was above 30.
It was a wake up call for the 29- year- old, who previously thought her weight was under control.
Frankie, from Ayrshire, said: “It really hit home that, yes, I was carrying too much weight and it was going to be down to me and no- one else to lose it, if I wanted to qualify for much wanted treatment.
“The doctor told me until my BMI was under 30, they wouldn’t be able to proceed.
“I was so ashamed in myself, that my weight was the only thing stopping me moving into the next chapter of my life. But, that was absolutely something I could change, and I wouldn’t let that beat me.”
Spurred on to meet her goal, Frankie and her supportive family joined WW, a re- imaging of the popular Weight Watchers programme, in a bid to shift the pounds.
Along with her motherin- law Dorothy Bell and sister- in- law Stephanie Bell, who weighed 13st 2lbs and 21st 12lbs respectively. the trio set up a Whatsapp group to share ideas.
Sadly, the national lockdown disrupted vet nurse Frankie’s fertility plans, but it didn’t stop the women from pursuing their health goals – which helped neonatal nurse Stephanie cope with the extra demand put on the NHS.
The 34- year- old said: “I’m on the go all the time. I love my job and love looking after the babies, but I felt my weight was making the job a little less enjoyable.
“I was also starting to struggle to walk due to joint and knee pain, so I decided it was time to do something about it ... I now walk more as I have lots more energy and less
joint pain, plan most days using meal planner but the thing I have mostly just now is confidence.”
As for 58- year- old mum Dorothy, she decided to get on board with plan after realising her role as the family cook was putting the other women off track with their own weight loss journeys.
Now, she’s 2st 12lbs down and has found it’s given her a new lease of life.
She said: “I used to wear a large size 20, but now [ I’m] happy to say a size 12 fits lovely.
“It feels amazing clothes shopping, but I haven’t been able to shop for a while, and all my clothes are too big.
“I have now resorted to wearing my husband’s shorts as I don’t have any that fit.”
Thankfully, the trio’s efforts paid off and Frankie – who lost 4st 8lbs – was able to begin her fertility treatment when lockdown began to ease earlier this year.
She said: “My new weight loss has given me more confidence in myself, both physically and mentally.
“I have asthma and I now take one less inhaler every day. I’m much fitter and walking is something I enjoy now rather that hating.
“My weight is one less thing I have to worry about no matter what is happening in my life.”