A mum has told how she lost almost seven stones after being told she was too heavy for major surgery. Louriel, from London, was 18 stones 8lbs when she developed major health issues.
She was told she needed a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - but doctors warned her she was "high risk" for the operation. And they told her she could not have the procedure unless she reduced her BMI from 40.1 to 35.
The detemined 43-year old grants officer decided there and then to change her life - and two years down the line she says she has "never been healthier". And as a result of losing the weight she has now been told she no longer needs the surgery she set out to achieve.
At her heaviest, Louriel weighed in at 18st 8 lbs. She admits she was eating a “carb and sugar heavy diet”.
She said: “I would never have breakfast, my lunch would always be carb heavy which used to spike my energy and then make it dip really low shortly afterwards and I would compensate this with loads coffee and tons of sweets and chocolate throughout the afternoon.
"Dinner would also be very carb heavy, e.g. lots of pasta, rice, dough based meals. I would spend the rest of the evening eating sweets, cake, ice cream, basically anything sweet until bedtime.”
Then, in January 2020, Louriel started to notice her health problems. She said: “I experienced heavy and continuous bleeding that went on for 11 months non stop, but I was unable to receive treatment due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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"Eventually, iIn November 2020, I was rushed to hospital, had an MRI and was told I needed the Total Abdominal Hysterectomy. It was on January 4th 2021 that I was told I needed to reduce my BMI from 40.1 to at least 35 to qualify, which was the catalyst for me to start my health journey that same day.
"I began educating myself and making changes in my diet and exercise habits. I’ve gone from 18st 8lbs to 11st 11lbs, and regularly track my weight loss journey online. Flash forward almost exactly two years later, I’m as healthy as I’ve ever been!”
In search for a way to enjoy great tasting food whilst staying on track with her health, Louriel discovered products from The Skinny Food Co as staples in her new, low-calorie diet. She said: "I have such a sweet tooth, so I didn’t want my new diet to feel restrictive. I wanted to find a balance of sweet treats without surpassing my daily calorie allowance.
"Whilst doing research I stumbled upon The Skinny Food Co, I couldn’t believe how low in calories they were. Their products have been a lifesaver at every stage of this process - especially in the early stages of my weight loss.
"I love all the products but my favorites have to be the Salted Caramel Protein Bars, The Chocaholic Snack Pots, The Skinny Tomato Ketchup & The Biscuit Coffee Syrup.
“I had to change so much about the way I eat, drink and look after my body. If I had to give up my snacks and treats too it would have made it so much harder to lose the weight and for me to sustain my journey.
"Honestly, the Skinny Food Co has been a literal lifeline for me. To be able to lose weight, whilst not feeling deprived and enjoy my treats guilt-free has been amazing. It has given me a new life I never thought I would experience. ”
Louriel says since losing the weight she has been significantly happier. She said: “Getting healthy has taken an absolute weight off my shoulders and I have my life back again.
"My quality of life was practically non-existent as my condition caused me so many problems in my personal life and in my work life. My advice would be to 'find your reason'.
"If you don't have the motivation to change your diet and lifestyle you will find it harder to stay on track. One of my favorite memories after my weight loss, is when my daughter said "Mummy, now my hands can touch each other when I hug you!”
Louriel's outlook has significantly changed, and she now wants other people to feel the same way she does. She said: “I have had to completely change my mindset on this journey.
"Originally I stayed focused because of my health issues as it was so important that I rectified them. Once my health improved my mindset was focused on keeping the momentum going and focusing on strengthening, toning and encouraging others.
"Lots of people are extremely happy for my success and have been rooting for me so that encourages me to keep a positive mindset.”
She added: “If I can do it, with all the obstacles I’ve had, not having a clue where to start or what to do, then you definitely can do it! It doesn’t need to be a chore, brands like Skinny Food Co make things so easy.
"Trying out all the new products is fun and exciting! You can literally have your cake and eat it too. If you would like to stay updated on my weight loss journey, then you can follow my Instagram @loulosinglbs.”
The Skinny Food Co range features over 300 healthier alternative products. From sauces and syrups, to high protein, low sugar snacks, cooking sprays, flavoured coffees, Fakeaway sauces, meals and more, visit www.theskinnyfoodco.com to find out more.
