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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The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year
Fix a festive FALL-OUT
Had too much of a good thing? Our expert tips will help you feel better quickly
Reunited for CHRISTMAS
After his rocky TV comeback, ts Philrelying on wife Steph this holiday season?
'I don't want a THREE DAY HANGOVER'
Lorraine Kelly on how she’ll be spending her first Christmas as a grandma
Mistletoe AND WINE
All Rose wanted was a little extra sparkle at Christmas
Would you spend more ON THE DOG THAN ON YOUR HUSBAND?
Brits are happy to fork out more on their pets’ gifts than on their other half’s, according to a study. We investigate….
A new ACT OF BETRAYAL
King Charles misses Harry 'desperately' but has the trust gone, writes Emily Andrews
PRINCE ANDREW AND FERGIE ARE EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS!
After a tough year for William and Kate, the Waleses are looking forward to Christmas and catching up with the Royal Family – including, it seems, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.