Mother, 41, sheds six stone without surgery: 'I was ashamed at the playground'
A Journey of Transformation and Reflection
Bethany Wragg, a 41-year-old hairdresser from Sheffield, recalls a moment at the playground that left her feeling overwhelmed with emotion—not from watching her child play, but from a deep sense of shame. At her heaviest, she weighed 16 stone 4 pounds and wore a size 24. Her journey to weight loss was not just about health, but also about overcoming personal struggles and societal pressures.
When her daughter started school, Bethany realized she was the largest among the other mothers. The turning point came when her daughter, in front of everyone, said her friend thought Bethany was fat. That moment made her feel like the world was swallowing her up. Another low point occurred when she had to use an extender belt at a theme park to fit on a ride with her daughter.
For years, Bethany tried various methods to lose weight, including shake diets, low-carb plans, and even hiring a personal trainer. However, none of these approaches worked for long. She admitted that lack of willpower and laziness often derailed her efforts. As she approached her 40s, she felt a shift—financial stability and her daughter’s growing independence gave her more time and energy to focus on her health.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Bethany decided to take a different approach. She joined a Slimming World group for the fifth time in January 2022, this time committing fully to the program. She swapped fried breakfasts, frozen pizzas, and takeaways for healthier options like overnight oats, homemade chili, and fresh fruits and vegetables. She also began cycling regularly, going on 10-mile rides every weekend and even taking up long walks with her dog.
Her transformation was gradual but significant. Over three years, she lost six stone and now wears a size 10. She feels like a completely different person, able to wear dresses she never thought she could and shop at places she once couldn’t afford. However, she acknowledges that it wasn’t an easy or quick fix.
A Supportive Environment
Bethany's daughter has become an important part of her journey, helping to plan healthy meals together. This shared commitment has kept both of them motivated. In addition, Bethany and her husband recently bought a camper van, allowing them to enjoy weekend bike rides and explore their local area three times a week.
Before her weight loss, Bethany was very active, playing netball and rounders as a child. But as she grew older, she shifted away from sports and healthy eating, opting for takeaways and pub visits instead. She admits that this change led to significant weight gain.
Lessons Learned
Despite her success, Bethany feels a sense of bitterness about the availability of weight loss jabs. She believes that if such treatments had been around when she was struggling, she would have used them. She notes that people today can lose similar amounts of weight in a few months, something that took her three years to achieve.
She also mentions that after summer 2024, she began noticing advertisements for weight loss jabs. This led to constant questions about whether she had used them, which she had to explain away by highlighting her own efforts through diet and exercise.
A New Routine
Bethany’s current routine includes:
- Breakfast: Overnight oats, Weetabix, and berries
- Lunch: Leftover homemade chilli or pasta salad
- Dinner: Homemade burgers, roast dinners, or homemade curry
Her journey has been one of self-discovery, discipline, and resilience. While she may feel some bitterness about the tools available today, she remains proud of her achievements and continues to inspire others through her story.
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