Vickie’s life changed after the birth of her son, as she gained weight her self confidence plummeted. Since joining she has not only lost 2 stone 6lbs and reached her goal but has maintained it ever since!

Here’s how Vickie did it…

What made you decide to join the online plan?

There were a couple of reasons really. My GP received a letter from the hospital saying that I was overweight. Seeing it in black and white really stung. I also saw some photos from a family day out and I looked huge.

Have you tried any other diets and were they successful?

No I’ve never dieted before; having to lose weight was a whole new experience for me. I spent my youth underweight and my adulthood as the ideal weight but after having my little boy the weight piled on. I lost the pregnancy weight straight away but as I was no longer working in my busy retail job the weight slowly built up. I ended up gaining 2 dress sizes.

Do you have a partner or children? Have they been supportive to you in your weight loss efforts?

I am married to Peter and we have a three year old son, Jack. Peter was very supportive. He’s happy if I am happy, and losing weight was what I needed to regain my self-confidence. In fact Peter also ended up losing some weight.

Has exercise played any part in helping you to lose weight?

I invested in a Wii Fit but although I could find the time to exercise I couldn’t find the time to shower and wash my hair afterwards whilst looking after my 2 year old son. I took to walking a few miles along the canal to feed the ducks with Jack instead. I feel as though I should have done more but the weight still came off.

Don't worry if you have a bad day, forget it and start again tomorrow.
Picture of Vickie at the photoshoot

Vickie with her three year old son Jack

Was your weight causing you any problems?

Clothes were a big issue for me. I work for a fashion retailer and it’s always been a major part of my life. This also led to my self confidence plummeting, as I began opting for baggy tops instead of the fitted garments I used to wear.

What difference has losing weight made to you?

The biggest difference was to my self confidence. I can’t tell you the excitement I felt when I bought my first pair of skinny jeans, they were a size 12 and I had been a size 16 before dieting.

Have you enjoyed the diet plan?

Yes I really enjoyed it; I used the plan to educate myself. I had no idea how many calories were hidden in various foods.

Tell us about your diet before you joined us, and how has your diet changed as a result?

I generally eat a lot healthier now. My portions are smaller and I choose the healthier option if I want to have a treat.

How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?

I’m still getting compliments now and I officially stopped dieting a year ago. I have even encouraged lots of my friends to sign up as they were so impressed by the results.

How do you feel about your weight loss?

I’m delighted with the loss, I now own 3 pairs of skinny jeans and I live in them! I am also very proud of how I have kept off the weight for over a year now.

Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?

It was harder than I thought to maintain the weight loss but now I understand what I can and can’t do. I took the whole month of December off to enjoy Christmas and then I took 2 weeks to lose the 4lbs I put on. It was worth it though.

Any other tips you would like to give?

Don’t worry if you have a bad day, forget it and start again tomorrow. I have friends who gave up their diet just because of one or two bad days. I had a bad week once or twice but it only took a week to get back on track. Don’t cut out something completely if you can’t live without it, a little of what you fancy does you good.