Mum who comfort ate her way to 20stone after tragedy loses 10stone

A mum who binged on bowls of Crunchy Nut cereal and packets of biscuits before lunch, comfort eating her way to 20 stone after losing her daughter at 38 weeks, has transformed her health and eating habits after ditching nearly 10 stone.

Louise Woodward, a retired housing officer, had always struggled with her weight, eating to make herself feel better from her teenage years and after four miscarriages. She found her weight spiralling out of control during the COVID pandemic following a lifelong struggle with yo-yo dieting and binge eating.

But the 57-year-old mum-of-two finally took her health into her own hands and decided to fly abroad for a mini gastric bypass at Weight Loss Riga in Latvia after reaching 20 stone with a deadly BMI of 51. After dropping to 10 stone 10 lbs and 10 dress sizes to a 14 from a size 24, she has overhauled her diet and lifestyle and feels "like a new woman".

Louise started packing on the pounds in her teenage years, grappling with weight fluctuations despite early successes with Weight Watchers. "I found my diary back in 1981, and I was already going to Weight Watchers then," she said. "I managed to lose three stone at one point, but after leaving home and facing challenges in my personal life, I began to steadily gain weight."

Her struggle intensified after enduring multiple miscarriages and the devastating loss of her daughter at 38 weeks. "I had dreadful problems with babies," she said. "Losing four babies and my little girl… I used food as a comfort." Food became a coping mechanism for Louise during times of emotional turmoil. "When my husband turned to drink, I turned to food," she confessed. "It was our way of dealing with our emotions."

Despite efforts with various weight loss programmes, including Slimming World, Louise's weight continued to climb. Her lowest point came when she found herself unable to keep up with her grandson due to her weight. "I couldn't bend down to play with him. It was just awful," she said. "That really motivated me to change my life and get the surgery."

Trying to get help through the NHS proved impossible for Louise, with doctors doing little to help and being faced with lengthy waiting lists for possible surgery. Frustrated yet determined, she turned to research and discovered Weight Loss Riga.

"I knew it was never gonna be an option on the NHS,” she said. "So, I just started to really look into weight loss surgery." Louise found the confidence to go ahead with the surgery in July 2021 after joining the clinic's Facebook group.

"The support in the Facebook group was instrumental in my decision to get surgery in Riga," she said. Reflecting on her past eating habits, she said: "I could eat my way through a box of cereal, eating multiple bowls of Crunchy Nut cornflakes for breakfast. And I could easily eat a whole packet of biscuits with my morning brew."

"We always had issues with portion sizes," she added, describing her family dinners laden with hearty dishes like chilli, shepherd's pie, or salmon with potatoes. Post-surgery, Louise's diet underwent a significant transformation, focusing on protein-rich meals and smaller portions.

"Now, I could only eat half the amount of what I used to," she said, describing her newfound appreciation for nutrient-dense options like Greek yoghurt with seeds and honey for breakfast, light lunches such as soup, and dinners featuring lean proteins like chicken or fish paired with salad or vegetables.

"My perspective on food has really changed - now I view food as fuel rather than a source of comfort or indulgence," she said. Exercise, once a struggle, has become enjoyable for Louise. Swimming, a life-long activity, has become easier without the burden of excess weight. "To be able to walk and swim without pain, to climb stairs without sweating or my joints aching," Louise said. "It's absolutely wonderful."

Louise's transformation hasn't just impacted her physically but also emotionally. Reflecting on her journey, she encourages others struggling with obesity to take the leap after doing their research. "Don't sit on the fence. Just do it," Louise advised. "This is the longest I've ever kept weight off and been happy."

Dr Maksims Mukans, leading bariatric surgeon at Weight Loss Riga, explained: "Following gastric sleeve surgery, patients experience a profound shift in their relationship with food. They feel satiated with smaller portions, thanks to the reduced stomach size. This procedure also triggers a metabolic reset, pivotal in disrupting the cycle of weight loss and regain."

He added: "Our approach goes beyond surgery; we provide extensive support, including personalised nutritional guidance, empowering patients to adopt positive lifestyle changes for sustained health."