A Glasgow mum has lost seven stone after she was unable to fit into a rollercoaster ride on holiday.
Mum-of-two Stephanie McColl had always struggled with her weight after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a serious and painful condition that can cause weight gain.
But it was in 2011, after the birth of her two daughters in a short period of time, that her weight crept up to an unmanageable size.
It was easier for Stephanie to eat unhealthy takeaway food for convenience, and having her hands full with the kids meant she had less time to think about exercising.
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Stephanie said: "Being overweight has always been an issue since my late teens. I've always been aware of it and maybe not fully confident in myself due to my size.
"Having two young children and working full time I often turned to take away food for convenience and didn’t have the same time as before to keep up with my daily activity.
"As time went on I gained more and more weight and my health deteriorated. I often suffered from headaches, sore backs and I ended up on medication for high blood pressure and anxiety.
"In April 2019 I was diagnosed with kidney disease which was discovered through diagnosing gallstones. The gallstones were likely linked to my weight and poor diet. I was shocked and worried about what the future held but I still didn’t lose weight….I gained more. It was like self sabotage."
Stephanie went to visit her renal consultant in October 2020, where she shared her concerns over covid - but was shocked to hear that her doctor was more concerned about her weight rather than her kidneys.
By now, her increasing weight was stopping her being the mother she wanted to be to her children. Everyday tasks became 'very challenging', and even simple housework because difficult as she was breathless and self-conscious.
But still, it wasn't the biggest shock that she needed - that would happen when she went on holiday.
Stephanie said: "I was so miserable with my weight. Everyday tasks of having two young children were very challenging, even simple housework was hard work.
"Taking the girls to places like soft play, trampolining, and things like rides at zoos were humiliating because of my size. I felt like people would always stare at me.
"Going on holiday was dampened by my anxiety of getting on the plane and worrying about the seat belt not fitting. Then when we got there and went to theme parks I’d worry about not fitting into the rides - which did become reality.
"I struggled with a few rides where I was moved to a special row for larger people and also where staff had to physically force the lap bar down on me to the point it actually hurt me.
"People were staring and laughing and I was so embarrassed, not just for me but for my girls who seen it all, following my holiday I knew something had to change for my health and for my girls."
By March 2020, Stephanie drove past the Cambridge Weight Plan 1:1 diet shop in Dumbarton, ran by consultant Martin Bryan.
We have previously written about Martin, who lost a huge 11 stone himself before beginning a new career to help others do the same as him.
Stephanie said: "I saw my consultant Martin before and after and it came at the right time, just as I needed help. I got home and immediately looked on Facebook and read Martin’s story. He had lost 11 stone in 10 months and I was so inspired so I got in touch.
"I remember being so nervous and ashamed walking into my first appointment but Martin instantly made me feel at ease.
"I shared with him how I had been feeling, something I had never done before. I felt a sense of relief and excitement. Coming out from our first meeting I felt so motivated and for the first time believed I might actually manage to lose some weight."
Stephanie started the 1:1 diet and said she was 'pleasantly surprised' at how easy it was, and how she fit it into her busy lifestyle now she knew she had to make a change.
She added: "When I did struggle I had Martin’s support and thanks to him I’ve came so far. He’s not just my consultant, he’s now a friend who helped me on this journey and made it possible and I will be forever thankful."
Stephanie's advice to anyone looking to follow in her footsteps is to just stay completely focused and don’t make excuses and exceptions.
She added: "When you're hungry, drink water, that is the key. And I truly believe it’s a case of choosing your hand! It’s hard to diet, but for me it’s harder to be overweight.
"My family have also been very supportive and this had really helped push me to not only do it for me but for them.
"I’ve now lost seven stone and have never looked back. The difference is life changing for my health and my family. I’m so happy that in March I decided to give the plan a go, otherwise I'm not sure where I would be now.
"I’m no longer on any medication and feel like a different person. I look forward to going on holiday now with the kids and not having all the worries I had before.
"I’m also enjoying going on days out with the girls and actually taking part in things like trampolining and laser tag. I can run about and not be out of breath and feel so self-conscious.
"I feel like I’ve been given a second chance, I’m so much happier, active and confident. My girls now have the mum they deserve and I feel years younger."
Martin added: "I can't begin to describe how proud I am of Stephanie. When I met her she was very nervous and quite shy, but I could tell how important this journey was for her and her girls. She turned up day one for her appointment ready to start, no putting it off, no last day blow outs - she was ready.
"Losing weight for her meant more than looking good and feeling confident. She did it to become healthier and repair damage associated with being overweight. There is no better feeling for a consultant when you help one of your clients overcome weight related conditions.
"Steph is now more confident than ever. I love watching all the things she's doing with the kids and not letting anything hold her back."
You can contact Martin here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, find support with SAMH here (www.samh.org.uk) or contact Samaritans free anytime, 24/7, on 116 123
