Video
Katie talks about her amazing journey – double or right click on images for full screen in Windows Media Viewer
FROM a dress size 22 down to a size 10 – Katie Johnson is feeling fabulous after losing five stone, starting a new career and splashing out on a new wardrobe.
Click on the green play button to see Katie talking about her experience.
In 2006, doctors warned Katie Johnson her weight was seriously affecting her health and following the complicated births of her two children, Isabel, now four, and Ellis, two, her blood pressure was dramatically high.
Katie, 35, of Lynchmere Avenue, said she realised she had to do something urgently as her father had died from a heart attack aged just 37.
"I was only seven when he died and as I was coming up to the same age as when he died, it made me take that first step," said Katie.
"I didn't want my children growing up without a mummy and experiencing what I went through."
Weight crept upKatie said her weight crept up on her during her 20s and by the time she had her second child in 2005, she had reached her heaviest weight ever – almost 17 stone.
"In the past I had tried numerous other diets, shake drinks and tablets, everything. Nothing worked."
Katie joined her local branch of Slimming World in Lancing in January, 2006.
"I told the group I would give it two weeks and then probably give up.
"I had such a negative attitude towards slimming as to me, it had always meant feeling restricted and deprived."
Six dress sizesBy February last year and in just under 13 months, Katie had dropped six dress sizes.
She has maintained her weight since then, something which few people manage. She has even dropped a shoe size.
"I feel so much fitter and can run around with the children and climb the stairs without getting out of breath. It's liberating, the world seems like a different place for me."
Katie no longer has to take medication for her blood pressure and has joined a gym to tone her new shape.
The "yummy mummy", as she is known to friends, will be running her own Slimming World classes at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre from May 22.
Contact Katie on 01903 767549 for a special joining offer.
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