‘Left my job, gained back my life’ with weight loss

On A rollercoaster of weight loss and gain plus long-term covid, a Newark woman in need of bariatric surgery embarked upon a Weight Watchers plan.

Laura-Jo Webster, 45, contracted covid for the first time in October, 2020, had post respiratory symptoms for almost a year.

In August 2021, Laura saw a respiratory specialist who told her she needed bariatric surgery and that’s when she decided she would lose weight for herself.

With an initial weight of 24 stone 2lbs, the insurance consultant for Direct Line, joined the Weight Watchers (Ww) plan for the second time in August 2021.

The first time Laura-Jo joined the plan was in 2001 alongside her mother, and in ten months she had lost six stone and went down to a size 14.

At the time, Laura-Jo became obsessed with the gym and eating as fewer calories as possible.

A combination of life events throughout the months after her grandma’s 80th birthday saw her binge eat and she started to regain all the weight, gaining a total of 14 stone.

“I was very unhappy in my job for a long time and food became a way to deal with my anxiety” admitted Laura-Jo.

Following her respiratory appointment, she became a fully paid-up member of WW, where she was received with open warms by the group and personal trainer Kate Palmer.

Together with her dad, Laura-Jo goes every week for the meetings, and has become friends with other members.

On a weight loss and self growth journey, Laura-Jo has filled her 0-6stone weight loss chart and ordered a new one to take her to 12stone.

“I know this isn’t going to be quick, but I know it’s possible,” she said.

“I look at how poorly I was a year ago and can’t quite compute in my head who that person was. I now walk miles. A year ago I couldn’t walk to the end of the street.

Laura-Jo now swims at least five times a week, does two aqua and aerobics classes.

With the support of husband Craig and cat Magic, she lives a balanced life where she allows herself to say yes, to food and activities as well as rides at Legoland.

“I left my job, gained back my life.

“The group are literally my cheerleaders.

"Thank you Kate, you have helped me change my life." Laura said.

Although it isn't a day to night journey, Laura has found herself building a new, healthier and happier version of herself with the support of her loved ones and the WW.