31st mum who ate 12 bags of crisps a day loses 17st in two years
A remarkable transformation saw Sarah Clarke, a 35-year-old mother from Leeds, Yorkshire, shedding an astounding 17 stone in just two years. At her heaviest, Sarah weighed 31 stone 6 pounds, wearing a size 32. She turned to food, consuming large kebabs, chocolates, and an entire multipack of crisps daily to cope with trauma. However, a diagnosis of sleep apnoea and the inability to keep up with her energetic 11-year-old daughter prompted a significant change.
- Sarah lost 3 stone 13 pounds through Slimming World.
- She had a gastric sleeve operation on the NHS.
- She lost a total of 17 stone 5 pounds in two and a half years.
After adopting healthier eating habits and home-cooked meals, Sarah now weighs a healthy 14 stone 1 pound and fits into a size 16. Despite her success, she struggles with a stone of excess skin as a reminder of her past life. Denied NHS coverage for skin removal, she strives to raise £10,000 for the surgery to remove the remnants of her previous obesity.
Overcoming Trauma and Struggles
Sarah endured a decade of trauma, including homelessness in 2021, which led her to seek solace in food. She described how food transformed from a source of comfort to an addiction, with her consumption escalating to a dozen bags of crisps daily along with indulgent takeouts. Sarah’s health issues, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and sleep apnoea, further motivated her to make a change not only for herself but for her daughter.
- Sarah joined Slimming World in 2022 and lost 3 stone 13 pounds naturally.
- She underwent gastric sleeve surgery in June 2022.
- Sarah embraced a new diet of home-cooked meals.
Despite her physical transformation and the positive impact on her health, Sarah still grapples with the psychological challenge of adjusting to her new body. Through perseverance and dedication, she no longer suffers from sleep apnoea, enjoys physical activities, and relishes the freedom that comes with breaking free from the cycle of obesity.
Striving for a New Beginning
Sarah’s journey highlights her determination and resilience in overcoming significant obstacles. With her weight loss success, she now faces the challenge of addressing her excess skin. Despite facing setbacks in obtaining NHS approval for skin removal, Sarah remains undeterred in her pursuit of a fulfilling and healthy life. She hopes to inspire others with her story of transformation and renewal.
To support Sarah’s goal of undergoing skin removal surgery, donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-cost-towards-life-changing-surgery.