Nurse says 7th weight loss inspired by future health concerns
One nurse saw a remarkable 7st (44kg). weight loss After her 22-pound frame made it difficult to get through 12 hour shifts, she decided to change her diet.
Sarah Wynter, 40 years old, was at her heaviest. She weighed 17st (108kg). After witnessing firsthand the terrible effects COVID had upon overweight people, the intensive-care nurse decided that she had to make a shift.
The Hereford mum-of-2 explains that being a nurse in the NHS is physically and mentally demanding.
“I was wearing size 2XL scrubs and would leave each shift on my knees – totally and utterly exhausted.
“My body ached all over from being on my feet all day, I had severe joint pain and I’d be breathless from running around.”
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Her large frame also affected the effectiveness of the personal protective equipment (PPE), she needed to wear during the pandemic.
“It [the PPE] was so hot that I’d sweat profusely and would have to change my scrubs whenever I went for a break,” she adds.
Wynter’s future health issues were what really motivated her to act.
“Working in intensive therapy unit (ITU) during the COVID-19 pandemic was a scary time and my thoughts often turned to how well I’d be able to fight off the virus if I did catch it,” she explains.
“I knew obesity was a factor in many people with coronavirus. It was a constant concern for me.”
Wynter’s large caused Wynter an embarrassing accident at work. This was her real turning point.
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She recalls the moment when she said, “We were given new hazmat suits for the Intensive Car Unit.” “The box was marked ‘one size’ which instantly worried me.
“I was able to put on the suit, but it fell off my neck the first time that I bent over it. While I laughed it off with everyone in the room, I was embarrassed inside.
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After joining Slimming World right before the first lockdown, I was able to continue my journey with Slimming World. Wynter was motivated by future health concerns and felt inspired to continue.
The mum-of-2, who lives with John, a farmer and their children Alfie (18 and Maisey (14), began steadily losing weight.
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Now, she’s a trim 10 and was able to exchange her XXL Nursing Uniform for a small.
“I’d tried every diet you could think of – soups, shakes, calorie counting… they’d all work for a while, but I’d soon lose motivation and end up regaining any weight I’d lost,” she says of her life pre-weight loss.
“After a lifetime of restrictive diets, I couldn’t believe that I’d be able to lose weight without going hungry,” she continues.
“I used to think I needed to eat sugary snacks to fuel my energy during long shifts. But I quickly discovered that healthy food kept me fueled throughout the day and allowed me to take control of my eating habits, even during stressful shifts.”
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Her weight loss also had an impact on her energy levels.
She explains that she was inactive before losing weight. “I’d be exhausted after a 12.5 hour shift, so walking the dog to the end of the road was about all I could manage.”
Wynter started walking in the hills nearby her home, despite her shrinking size.
She explains, “I live in rural areas so walking in hills quickly became an escape for me.”
“I built it gradually at my own speed by walking just slightly further each time I went out. A hike in the Brecon Beacons is what I love most.
“I’ve even completed a couple of charity challenges and would love to climb Kilimanjaro next year.”
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Wynter’s transformation has had an amazing impact on Wynter’s life. Wynter also says that it has positively impacted her family.
“I’m the best version of myself for me and my family too and I’m the best version of myself for my patients,” she explains.
“I’m living my best life and that’s an incredible feeling.”
Additional reporting SWNS.