NOW I’m an active grandad
and I feel fitter than ever!life-changing loss
INTERVIEW: MICHELLE RAWLINS. PHOTOGRAPH: FIELD PHOTOGRAPHICshe’d used soy sauce and a little stock to add flavour.
In the morning, before a full day at work, I’d have
a Healthy Extra serving of All-Bran or Weetabix,
followed by a bowl of fresh fruit. At lunchtime, I’d
pop home for some home-made spicy vegetable
soup. For dinner, we’d alternate between a stir-fry
or one of the dozens of Slimming World curry
recipes, like tikka masala.
At my next weigh-in, after just one week, I’d shed
1st ½lb! It was the inspiration I needed and winning
Slimmer of the Month three weeks later gave me
another boost. Of course, I wouldn’t be human if I
didn’t have setbacks. When I did plateau or gain the
odd pound, I always shared my disappointment with
my group. Ali would say: ‘What’s done is done. You
can’t do anything about it – but you can make a
difference this coming week.’ That became my mantra
and stopped me from ever feeling like giving up.The moment I...discovered I could look
forward to a long and happy life
In September 2016, I was called back to the Royal
Devon & Exeter hospital following some routine
tests. All my old fears came flooding back and
I was terrified I was going to be told they’d found
something sinister. Instead, when the heart specialist
saw me, his face lit up. ‘What have you done?’ he
asked in amazement. Proudly, I explained I’d lost
12st in the space of 16 months. ‘That’s incredible,’ he
said, smiling. ‘Well, you don’t have to see me again –
you have at least another 20 years ahead of you.’
It was everything I’d wanted to hear. My diabetes
symptoms had already disappeared and, although I’d
always need medication for an irregular heartbeat,
I’d gone from feeling breathless and exhausted with
heart failure to being fit and energetic. I can’t thank
Gail and my Consultant, Ali, enough. I truly believe
all their support and encouragement saved my life.The moment I...became an
inspiration to others
In July 2017, it was a huge and humbling surprise
to be crowned Slimming World’s Man of the Year- I’d lost a total of 13st 7lbs and was slimmer
than I’d been since my mid-20s. If anyone had told
me two years earlier, when I was struggling with
daily life and newly diagnosed with a heart condition,
that I’d go on to lose nearly half my body weight,
I’d have said they were crazy!
The best part now is being able to help others
by talking about what I’ve achieved. Only recently,
I encouraged a few male friends to join Slimming
World. Like me, they were initially sceptical, but
already they’re reaping the benefits.
I honestly feel like a new man. I’m the fittest I’ve
ever been. I regularly cycle 40 miles and I’ll never
forget the first time I was able to take my grandsons
on a bike ride. In the past, I’d always made excuses.
Now I was tearing around the park alongside them,
only stopping when I couldn’t pedal for laughing
so hard. I’m able to do my job without worrying I’m
about to keel over, I start every morning with a
spring in my step and I throw myself into each day at
full pelt. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
ever. I’m not afraid to admit I was sceptical. Even
though Gail had been doing the plan for a few months,
I’d never really tried her lightened-up meals. For as
long as I could remember, I’d indulged in sugary
cereal for breakfast and pasties for lunch, followed
by creamy curries or pasta made with shop-bought
sauces for dinner. I loved ice cream and sponge
puddings, and my regular trips to the pub always
involved several pints and bags of crisps.
I have to say, though, I was pleasantly surprised
by how much I could eat – and I was even more
surprised to find that I enjoyed it! One of the first
meals Gail cooked for me was a stir-fry. It was
packed with chicken, noodles and vegetables, andSLIMMING WORLD REV1_TonyWestawaySuccess.indd 97 06/11/2017 15:24