Knee op on hold since James lost seven stones
A GROUNDSMAN who weighed more than 24st has been able to postpone a painful operation – after shedding more than 7st on medical advice.
At his heaviest James Pearce, 48, from Pontypridd, struggled getting out of his van when he decided he needed to lose weight.
His movement was so badly impaired he was scheduled to undergo a second replacement knee surgery.
But after his life-changing weight loss he has been able to postpone his operation as his knee is no longer as painful as it was.
At his heaviest, James’ health was suffering as his body struggled to manage his more than 24st frame.
He underwent his first knee replacement surgery and another was schedule for later in the year.
During a visit with a nurse he was advised to lose weight, not only to make the surgery easier but also to make it safer for him to be anaesthetised.
Not long after, James joined a Weight Watchers group and within two months he had lost 2st.
Eventually he lost enough weight that the pain in his knees subsided and he was able to postpone the second operation.
“The best thing about losing weight is the confidence it has given me,” James said. “I can now pull on a pair of jeans from a high street store and go out and not feel ashamed and embarrassed about my weight like I used to.
“I still enjoy my takeaway treat and eat out socially.
“I just use my app to check the restaurants section so I can keep account and know I’ve not blown it.”
James counts his calories using an app which allows him to scan a product’s barcode and keep track of his intake.
He said: “I knew I wouldn’t write anything down and that’s why I find the app so brilliant. It’s always with me, does all of the counting and keeps me within my budget.”
James said his life has completely changed as a result of his weight loss.
“I can now get out of my van easily, doing my job isn’t painful and best of all I feel so much happier,” he said.
“My clothes are smaller and my confidence is soaring. Yesterday I even joined a gym!
“I will eventually have to undergo the knee surgery but when I do it will be much safer and my recovery time will be quicker too.”