DYING TO BE THIN

Angela Cathie, 42, had to do something to stop herself following her mum to an early grave

- Angela Cathie, 42, had to do something to stop herself following her mum to an early grave

Flinging back the curtains, the room flooded with sunlight. 'It's a lovely day out, Mum,' I said as I opened the window to let in fresh air.

My mum, Christine, then 55, squinted, shielding her eyes. It was a beautiful day in August 2010, but you wouldn't have known it in her house. She spent most days on the sofa with the curtains closed.

When I was growing up, Mum had been such a smiley and happy person. She was overweight but she never let her size get her down and was always so positive.

Now though, she'd got bigger and her size was making her miserable.

At 5ft 4in, she weighed 26st and suffered from weight related problems, such as diabetes. She adored my kids, then 11, eight, and nine months, but couldn't run around after them or play games.

FEELING UNWELL

I understood how she felt because at 5ft 4in, 20st and a size 28 myself, I was definitely my mother's daughter.

I'd got used to the way Mum was and was sure she would never change. Only, in late 2010, she made an announcement.

I'm having a gastric bypass,' she said.

Her doctor had agreed to the surgery which would limit the food Mum was able to eat to help her shed some weight.

It was a big op, but Mum reassured me it was a good thing, telling me losing weight would benefit her health.

I had to admit, seeing her excited for the future, the first time in years, was great. And in January 2011, Mum was wheeled into theatre.

The op went smoothly, but the day she was supposed to be released she fell ill. Her oxygen levels dropped and she was moved to intensive care for three days, until finally, she started recovering.

Back at home, Mum stuck to her diet, eating only small amounts of soup and shakes. And I noticed she was happy. Her house was suddenly bright and airy. 

It felt I was getting my old mum back.