“I didn’t just lose weight I got my life back”

When Terri first joined Slimming World in Lincoln, her health had deteriorated to the point where she knew something needed to change. A worsening diabetes blood test had frightened her and she was worried about what the future might hold if she carried on as she was.

After speaking to her diabetic nurse and asking what she could do to improve her health, Terri was offered a 12-week Slimming World programme. It was the beginning of a journey that would ultimately change far more than the number on the scales.

Terri was already living with a number of health problems, including low thyroid levels, high blood pressure, asthma, atrial fibrillation and diabetes. She was frequently being admitted to hospital, felt constantly tired and her health was having an increasing impact on everyday life.

Despite everything she was facing, Terri threw herself into Food Optimising and quickly discovered that losing weight didn't mean giving up the foods she loved. She's always enjoyed her vegetables and still regularly tucks into stir-fries, pasta dishes and even a good English breakfast. Her husband joined her in eating the same Food Optimising meals at home and, without attending group himself, has lost an impressive 2st too!

After losing around 10% of her body weight, Terri received the news that her diabetes blood results had returned to the normal range. It was a huge boost and gave her even more determination to continue.

However, her journey wasn't without further setbacks. Terri was later diagnosed with heart failure and learned about the additional strain her weight was putting on her heart. It would have been completely understandable to feel defeated, but for Terri it became another reason to keep going.

Today, after losing around 4st 3½lb and reaching her target weight, Terri's life looks remarkably different. With the support and advice of her medical team alongside the healthy lifestyle changes she has made, Terri says she has been told that her diabetes and heart failure have gone into remission. Her blood pressure is much better controlled and she has been discharged from both the community heart failure team and the complex care team. She had previously faced the possibility of needing a pacemaker and says she has now been able to avoid having one fitted.

Perhaps the biggest difference, though, can be seen in the things Terri can now enjoy every day.

Where tiredness and breathlessness once limited how active she could be, she and her husband now enjoy going on long walks together including tackling Lincoln's famous Steep Hill! Terri aims for at least 7,000 steps most days and has discovered an energy and confidence she didn't have before.

That newfound determination even extended to decorating her bathroom. Terri fitted wall cladding and wallpapered the ceiling herself, completing the whole room without her husband's help not because he wouldn't help her, she laughs, but because she wanted the satisfaction of being able to say she'd done it all herself.

For Terri, reaching target has brought something far greater than a smaller number on the scales. She says simply: “I have energy and a better outlook on life.”

Her Slimming World Consultant Katy couldn't be prouder.

“I'm incredibly proud of Terri because it didn't matter what life threw at her, she never gave up. Every setback and every health challenge became another reason for her to keep going and remind herself why she needed to do this.

“To see the improvements Terri has experienced in her health, with the support and advice of her medical team alongside the healthy changes she's made, is incredible. But what makes me proudest is seeing the life she has gained back.

“Terri hasn't just reached her target weight she's changed her life. Watching her determination through every knockback and seeing the happier, healthier and more active person she is today is exactly why I love being a Slimming World Consultant. It's been an absolute privilege to be part of her journey.”