When people hear I had weight loss surgery, they often assume the hard part is done for me. I used to think that, too. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that surgery isn’t a finish line – it’s just one step in a much longer journey. And for me, that journey truly started when I walked back through the doors of my Slimming World group.
Back in 2013, after my gastric bypass, I dropped from 21st 7lbs (136.5kg) to around 9st (57.2kg). I felt incredible. But over the years, life got in the way – busy days at the nursery where I work as an operations manager, being a mum, grabbing convenience foods, slipping back into old habits. Before I knew it, I’d put back on around 5st (31.8kg). I remember looking at a photo of myself one day and thinking, ‘I’ve worked too hard to go backwards now.’ I didn’t want to feel out of control again.
I knew I needed support – real, human support – and a way of eating that worked with my life now. So, in May 2024, I rejoined my local Slimming World group in Reigate, run by the lovely Clare. I’d been a member before, so I knew I’d be welcomed with open arms. And I was.
Since then, I’ve lost 1st 5lbs (8.6kg) – but honestly, the biggest changes aren’t on the scales. They’re in my head and my heart.
One of the biggest misconceptions about bariatric (weight loss) surgery is that it ‘fixes’ everything. It doesn’t. It didn’t change my habits, my triggers or my relationship with food. That’s where Slimming World came in.
I’m eating well and feeling good
Food Optimising fits perfectly around my post‑surgery needs. My stomach is smaller, so I eat smaller portions – but they’re nutritionally balanced. I love that I can make simple, family‑friendly meals like homemade curries, chillies, burgers and loaded jacket potatoes, and just adapt them to me. Nothing complicated or restrictive – just real food that works for real life.
Clare and my Slimming World group helped me spot the habits that were tripping me up – grazing, grabbing convenience foods, not planning. Now, I map out my meals, cook from scratch more often and fill my plate with fruit and veg. I feel in control again.
Activity doesn’t have to be all or nothing
I used to think exercise meant spending hours in the gym. Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme helped me realise I could build up my fitness step by step. Nowadays, my daughter Isabella‑Maria and I connect the Slimming World app to the TV in the lounge and follow the workout videos. They’re fun, realistic and something we can do together. I also love walking our cockapoo, Teddy – he’s thrilled with the new, more active me.
Now I’m training to become a Consultant!
Every week in group, I’d look at Clare and think, ‘I’d love to do that one day’. I never felt I was confident enough, successful enough or ready enough to support other people, though.
But over time, Slimming World helped me grow in ways I never expected. I’m more comfortable in my own skin, I believe in myself, and now I’m training to take over the very group that supported me. If that’s not full circle, I don’t know what is!
Could you be a Slimming World Consultant?
If you’d love to help transform lives and make weight loss dreams come true, we’re always looking for caring and committed people to run their own Slimming World groups.
My message to anyone thinking about joining Slimming World is: don’t wait for Monday. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’. Just take that first brave step into group – everyone in that room has been where you are.
And if you’re someone who’s had weight loss surgery, please know that you’re not alone, and you can still get the support you need. Slimming World helped me rebuild my habits, my confidence and my relationship with food – and you can do the same.
Maz’s experience mirrors research presented at the 2026 European Congress on Obesity, which shows that Slimming World’s approach is effective and appropriate in supporting people who’ve had bariatric surgery to lose weight and maintain their weight loss. In a survey of Slimming World members who’d undergone weight loss surgery, 84% reported feeling a sense of belonging within their group, 78% said Slimming World helped them develop a better relationship with food, and around three-quarters (74%) found it easy to tailor Food Optimising to their post-surgery dietary needs.
Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.