March Client of the Month – Sally (46) from Sinfin
“I shed four stone and reversed my diabetes.”
46-year-old Sally joined Livewell’s weight management programme 11 months ago after her Livewell NHS Health Check recommended the service to help her lose weight and reduce her diabetes risk.
Ten months later, Sally is almost four stone lighter and can hike up mountains with her husband and teenage son – something she couldn’t have dreamed of doing before.
“My journey to better health started a year ago, I was feeling unwell and didn’t know why. I was invited for repeated blood tests but didn’t get any feedback. I knew I was carrying excess weight, so I googled weight loss support and booked an NHS Health Check through Livewell in February 2024. The checks for people aged 40 to 74 offer a range of tests including cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, diabetes risk, and heart age with results provided and discussed during the appointment.
Health Check advisor Cathy suggested Livewell’s weight management programme, so I registered for the next round of new starter groups. At the same time, I discovered I had higher than normal blood sugars and was borderline diabetic. The practice nurse explained I could reverse this by eating a low carb diet, losing weight and being more physically active. Armed with lots of information, I started to make changes.
I joined the City of Derby Academy evening group run by advisors, Becky and Yasmin in late April. At that point I’d already shed a few pounds so felt motivated to keep going.
The first ten weeks set me up for the rest of the 12 months. We delved into different topics relevant to healthy weight loss, enjoyed a full body workout and stepped on the scales to see the results. I focussed on my low carb eating plan, asking Becky and Yasmin for advice.
The number of free classes, wellbeing workshops and courses with Livewell is fantastic and I made it my mission to get the most out of my year.
I barely exercised before and used to struggle to keep up with my husband and teenage son on walks. Collecting pledge points spurred me to get a free gym membership, and I soon became a regular at Move and Tone with Yasmin, Dance IT with Casey and Yoga with Becky. I never thought I’d like the gym, the thought of exercising in front of others scared me but Derby Arena’s staff and members are welcoming, and no-one takes a jot of notice what anyone else is doing. I now do a couple of gym workouts a week and will take up a membership after my year ends next month to keep my routine going.
I attended drop-ins religiously every week. Seeing my weight go down steadily along with the encouragement from Becky and my family, kept me going. My Christmas presents consisted of home exercise equipment like resistance bands, weights and a mat.
We became good friends in our activation group, forming a WhatsApp group to share recipes, catch up anyone who missed a session, offer advice, arrange meet ups and buddy up when needed at classes. We’ve enjoyed moving through the programme together and meeting up at the quarterly reviews. Becky messages me regularly to see how I’m doing and offers guidance if needed. It’s nice to know she’s there.
My job as a cook in a primary school means I need to taste the dishes. Before Livewell, I’d polish off whole portions and hoover up leftovers particularly puddings. I used to snack on biscuits, cakes and chocolate throughout the day and then gorge on takeaway pizza or chippie teas in the evening.
Now my healthier way of eating is just a way of life, I taste the dishes I prepare at work but just a bite. I batch cook my own meals twice a week and take them into work, and my snacks are healthy pre-prepared ones. I make my own enchiladas, air fried chicken kebab with low carb wraps or a chicken salad.
Within six months my blood sugar levels reduced and I’m no longer prediabetic. To help me stay on track I’ve asked my nurse for regular blood tests for the next year. Being slimmer means, I can buy a wider range of clothes and after dropping from a size 20 to a 12-14, I needed a new wardrobe. I sold my old clothes and made £300 to treat myself to new ones.
On our trip to the Lake District in August – I tackled the mountains and waterfalls with my my family without falling behind or needing regular breaks. I feel so much fitter and have lots of energy. I used to flop on the sofa after a busy day at work, now I go the gym or a class on my way home, cook the family meal and I’m still bouncing around after!
We have a holiday to Egypt later this year – I’m going to carry on eating well, go to the gym, do classes and even try paddle boarding!
Livewell advisor, Becky Gilbert said:
“Supporting Sally throughout her Livewell journey has been a joyful, as well rewarding experience. Sally’s motivation, determination, resilience as well as her positive attitude has been evident throughout. I wish her all the happiness with her ongoing healthy lifestyle!”
Below right - Sally before and after her weight loss.
Below left - Sally with advisor, Yasmin
