The screen on my tablet lit up as two beaming faces appeared. ‘Hello Grandma,’ they said in unison. ‘Hello loves,’ I smiled back, pleased that technology meant I could see my grandchildren so often, even though we lived 300 miles apart. Willow, four, and India, two, started telling me about their week. While I oohed at Willow’s latest drawing, I felt so grateful for these precious moments. Because 16 years ago, I didn’t think I’d be around to see my future grandchildren.
Back in 2007, I was over 26st with a range of health issues, including asthma, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome – and that wasn’t even half the list! Then, at one appointment with my GP, my liver count came back so high for someone in their late 30s that my doctor was convinced I must be an alcoholic. ‘But I don’t drink,’ I said. The tests also revealed a genetic condition that put me at a high risk of liver failure. The doctor was shockingly blunt: ‘Lose weight or you’ll be dead in 20 years, if not sooner.’
I’d been struggling with my weight ever since I’d been placed on bed rest during pregnancy. Then after my son, Daniel, was born it just kept creeping up, until I was wearing size-36 clothes. I cooked meals like roasts and shepherd’s pie during the week, then at weekends I’d have fast food, dinners out and lots of chocolate. I’d tried liquidonly diets and calorie-counting plans, but none of them seemed to work for me.
Denne historien er fra May 15, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
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Denne historien er fra May 15, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Lizzie's LONG LIST
No one in her family realised just how much she did at Christmas-but things would be different this year
SEX-MAS Is Our favourite season!
Slipping into a party dress and heels and heading out for festive drinks with your other half is always a treat, isn't it?
Life is different - BUT STILL *MAGICAL
After losing two limbs, Sarah de Lagarde cherishes every moment
We have chocolates for BREAKFAS
TV cooking stars John Torode and Lisa Faulkner reveal their blended family Christmas plans and why you should ask guests to bring a plate of food
It's time to CELEBRATE
After a tough few months, Ruth Langsford is ready to embrace her favourite time of year
T'LL BE DRUNK by 11.30am'
Chef and TV personality Gino D'Acampo on how to make Christmas run smoothly, his favourite tipple and why not to worry if it all goes wrong!
'Even the PETS HAVE STOCKINGS'
The star on all things Christmas and why she won't be making a New Year's resolution
LONELY HARRY wants to come home
After six years away, the prince is keen to spend Christmas in the UK, writes royal biographer Emily Andrews
Being blind won't stop me LIVING MY DREAM
When Sassy Wyatt lost her sight, she vowed to have a whole world of adventures
I gave birth to my own GRANDDAUGHTER
Kristi Schmidt was desperate to give her daughter the baby she longed for