Chris' 9 Stone Weight Loss Success Story

Chris, Age 39, Height 5ft 9in

Start Weight	26st 2.2lbs
Current Weight	16st 13.4lbs
Goal Weight	17st
Weight Lost	9st 2.8lbs
Time Taken	1 year 11 months

About Chris

I have always been office based and as such have always snacked quite a lot due to boredom of work.

I decided to do something about my weight as I was sick of yoyo dieting and so joined a health club and WLR.

"I share a house with my best friend and before joining WLR was more than happy to send out for pizza, kebabs etc." 

I now like to cook food which is healthy and enjoyable. I can no longer eat anywhere near my old portion sizes due to a gastric bypass.

I still buy low fat options like cheese and semi-skimmed milk but just count for other foods. I must admit, I do enjoy a lot of pasta dishes and rice dishes.

Although I could live on bread I limit myself as I now understand the importance of a good, balanced and varied diet.

I must admit though that I still have a weakness for food from Caffe Nero and wraps from Subway.

I am office based, and due to working both early and late shifts, my meal times can vary, but I have a plan in place, expecially as if I am working until 10.30 due to the onsite coffee shop closing at 3pm.

This includes switching meals like dinner in the evening and breakfast around, and taking the stairs as opposed to the elevator at work.

What diets have you tried in the past?

All of them, LOL. 

I did try Weight Watchers, and it was successful at one point, but not in the long term.

The same with Slimming World and Slimming Magazine Clubs.

The reason for the lack of long term success is because although you had a team leader, there just didn't seem to be anywhere near the same level of support as WLR.

Please comment on your experiences of trying these diets

All I can really say here is it seemed a chore to have to constantly monitor sins, points etc and not to be able to have the freedom to make choices on the spur of the moment. 

With WLR, I can plan my weekly meals, but change should something come up.

Tell us how your weight has affected you

I had no confidence and it made me depressed not being able to buy clothes off the peg.

"Also, I would see people who were at the right weight and feel depressed as I used to wish it was me."

This just added to my body image negativity. At one point I saw Andy from Little Britain each time I looked in the mirror!

When I used to go on vacation, I used to hate the heat and used to sweat so much, I felt like I didn't want to do much. 

Since the weight loss, I am more than happy to get out, go in the pool and catch the sun and chat to people knowing that they probably wouldn't look at my weight first.

What has been your main motivation to lose weight?

I needed to do it for me. 

"I got stuck in a rut and was having a bad time with stress at work so just needed to take the bull by the horns and really go for it."

Also, I knew that if I could show willing, my GP would put me forward for a Gastric Bypass.  That, I knew would also make a huge difference and so I just went full out to achieve my goal.

I also wanted to meet the right guy and that was just never going to happen with the weight still on.

Which tools and resources on WLR do you find most valuable?

Without a shadow of a doubt it would be the food diary as, without that, I would not have made it to where I am now. 

"Even after the Gastric Bypass, that is still something that I knew I would need to use as the surgery on its own is not an instant cure."

With a bypass you still need to focus on your calorie intake, as well as fat and sugars levels.

I don't always post on the forum, but do like to read the boards, and of course use the helpteam if I have a problem.

Try WLR's tools for yourself

Calorie counting for weight loss is easy with the tools in WLR. You can use the information on Weight Loss Resources to count how many calories you need to consume each day and how many you are actually eating. Try it free for 24 hours.

Why do you think WLR has helped you lose weight where other diets have failed?

The help team being there all the time to offer support.

The WLR members offering support and guidance on the boards.

Being able to log food, reflect, and to not struggle finding foods to eat.

Have you struggled at points in your weight loss journey? Experienced a weight loss plateau? What has kept you motivated?

I did struggle to shift the final few pounds earlier this year and when I more or less got to target, I did start to fluctuate. 

All I would say is that both the hospital I had the surgery at, and the help team were right when they said that it is normal to fluctuate by around a pound or so.

"With that in mind, plus the support of other people, and with the determination of never wanting to go back to where I was, that is what keeps me going."

At the same time, I know it is real life so, if something happens like an unexpected night out, well I just pull it back the rest of the week.

Since losing weight can you give examples of how your life has changed?

I feel more confident,

I have changed jobs to something I really enjoy,

I have made new friends,

I feel fantastic when going clothes shopping, not only because I can get into smaller sizes now, but also because I don't feel people are looking down at me and judging me thinking, "Does he really expect to find a 5XL top here", as now I am a L, but buy a XL for the extra bagginess.

Exercise routines adopted

Walking, Zumba, BodyPump and Body Attack Classes when I can get to the gym.

What do you love about your body now?

"I have a nice flat stomach, feel more energised, and as such have a lust for enjoying life."