11st weight loss is real lifesaver for Sharon
STRUGGLING with her weight and concerned for her health, a Llanelli woman managed to lose 11 stone and add “10 years” to her lifespan.
With a family history of diabetes, and experiencing gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, Sharon Phillips, aged 39, was concerned about the long-term effects of her diabetes.
Following the birth of her daughter, the diabetes symptom ceased, so Sharon stopped the insulin and wasn’t checked again.
A few years later, Sharon felt unwell and following a visit to the GP, she underwent routine blood tests. One of the tests was to check her average blood sugar levels for the past two to three months.
Sharon’s levels showed that she was pre-diabetic so she was prescribed tablets to help keep the levels in check.
During these years, Sharon’s weight was out of control. At her heaviest Sharon weighed in at more than 21 stone.
A typical day of food was four slices of toast and beans for breakfast, midmorning snacks of chocolate biscuits.
Lunch was a massive sandwich followed by crisps and chocolate and an evening meal of piles of pasta or takeaways.
Sadly, in 2013, Sharon’s mum passed away from septicaemia due to complications from diabetes.
It was a life-changing tragedy that spurred Sharon to do something about her weight.
“I decided that I needed to lose weight but found it very difficult,” she said. “The plan I chose to try to lose weight was very carb based with lots of pasta and bread.
“I couldn’t understand why the weight wasn’t coming off, so I went back to my GP. Once again, blood tests were done. I was shocked to get a call from the GP, giving me an urgent appointment. I was prescribed insulin and tablets immediately as my sugar levels were dangerously high.
“I was really scared. I had seen what diabetes had done to my mum. I don’t think people know what diabetes can do to you. You can lose your sight, have limbs amputated and even die. Here I was, now having to inject myself every day.”
Sharon’s doctor told her that losing weight would help so she tried to eat more healthily. In April 2017, a friend joined Weightwatchers so Sharon also joined to give him moral support.
“It was the best thing that I ever did,” she said.
“In the first month or so, I lost a stone. Even with just this weight loss I was able to reduce my diabetic medication. By the October, when I went for my diabetic check-up, the nurse walked past me as she didn’t recognise me. What a feeling that was.
“My bloods were checked again, and with my weight now down to 10st 12lb the impact on my blood sugar levels was so good that I could stop the insulin injections.
“I still take tablets but only because of the added risks from my family history. The nurse told me that I had added at least 10 years on to my life. You cannot underestimate the power of healthy eating.”
Sharon attends the Weightwatchers Studio in Llanelli where Louise Watkins is her wellness coach.
“Louise is amazing,” said Sharon. “She totally gets it and is so supportive and never judges you.” ■ If you would like to join Weightwatchers, Louise holds Wellness Workshops in Llanelli WW Studio at New Dock Stars Rugby Football Club, Trostre Road on Saturdays at 9.30am.