Hemel woman praises Slimming World support after shedding nine stone to have medical procedure

The 60-year-old joined Slimming World after being refused a medical procedure
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A 60-year-old woman from Hemel Hempstead, who was refused a medical procedure because of her high BMI, has thanked her local Slimming World group for their support.

Dawn Beaumont, from Highfield, decided to join the group in Highfield with Haylea Gavin after being told by her hospital that she would not be able to have a cataract operation as her BMI was too high.

After losing nearly ten stone in 18 months, Dawn was able to have the cataract operation, and a further two operations that she would not have been able to have when her BMI was too high.

Dawn lost just over nine stoneDawn lost just over nine stone
Dawn lost just over nine stone

She said: “I joined Slimming World to lose weight as I was refused a cataract operation by my local hospital because of my BMI – I was told I would need to go back to my GP and get a referral to a different hospital who may do the operation.

“Walking through the door of the group was my biggest challenge, Dawn said but having taken that brave step I was met with a warm and friendly welcoming reception by all the other members and consultant Haylea Gavin.”

Dawn found the Food Optimising plan easy to follow, she loved cooking meals for both her and her Husband, she found that because of Slimming Worlds food optimising plan she replaced her high fat foods which included regular takeaways with her new Slimming World favourite – sweet and sour chicken and egg fried rice.

Dawn was a fan of the recipe books and found them easy to follow.

The 60-year-old joined Slimming World after being refused a medical procedureThe 60-year-old joined Slimming World after being refused a medical procedure
The 60-year-old joined Slimming World after being refused a medical procedure

By March, Dawn had lost seven stone but then lockdown hit and Dawn was concerned with what would happen to her Slimming World group and the amazing support she got from other members and her consultant, but fortunately for Dawn, there was a nationwide response to take the groups into the virtual world.

Slimming World Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire district manager Kirsti Nicol said: “This was a challenge like we had never faced, but I knew whole heartedly and with absolute belief that we could offer the same exceptional service to our members.

"My Consultants commitment to their members in the district has been nothing short of incredible, and hence why we have exceptional stories that we are able to share such as Dawn’s.”

Since March Dawn went on to lose a further two and a half stone, taking her to 9st 10lb total loss.

Dawn feels so much more confident than she has ever felt in her life and says she is loving being able to shop in different places for clothes – something she used to only dream of.

She said: “I never would of imagined I could lose almost 10 stone in 18 months and keep it off.

"I wasn’t active at all and now I regularly go for long walks, not only am I feeling amazing, but prior to joining Slimming World I was diagnosed as being pre diabetic, but at my last blood test that is no longer the case!

"I would never have done this without the help and support I get from the Slimming World group every week – the support and learning has been invaluable to me as has my consultant, and I’m so pleased that Slimming World are able to offer the same level of service in the virtual world as they normally would.”

Haylea runs her Slimming World groups on Wednesday Mornings and Evenings, although they are currently virtual.

Booking is required so please call 07964 871765 to speak to Haylea, or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find all local group details.