A WIRRAL mum-of-three has shed six stone and feels amazing!
Julie Cooke, 38, is a qualified child psychologist but had to put her career on hold when her daughter was diagnosed with significant disabilities.
When her mother was diagnosed with cancer and died at about the same time Julie discovered she was pregnant with her second child, she went into a downward spiral.
During this time, attending regular hospital appointments and looking after her eldest daughter who has significant disabilities, Julie turned to comfort eating.
Julie before she lost weight
She binged on take-aways, burgers, fizzy drinks and crisps.
Having reached more than 14 stone, Julie wanted to do something for herself and vowed to change her lifestyle and lose weight.
Julie said: "It was a very dark time for me and I slipped into a post-partum psychosis I was hospitalized and heavily medicated. I gained nearly six stone between comfort eating and medication."
When Julie become well she hated the way she looked and had gone past the point of no return and thought she'd be “big” forever and wearing size 22 clothes.
Julie's life also had more drama as she split with her partner and lost contact with mutual family and friends.
“Everything had fallen apart,” she said.
Julie at her target weight
Julie decided to join Weight Watchers in June last year to try and meet new people and change her lifestyle and her mindset.
Julie's start weight was 14 stone 2lb.
The new Weight Watchers Flex plan suited Julies hectic lifestyle.
Julie added: "I think Weight Watchers worked for me as I never felt I was on a diet.
“I didn’t feel ever I couldn’t have anything or that any food was off limits . It was the flexibility and encouragement from staying to class that helped change my mindset and eating habits.
“I am proud to say I lost 60lb and now I help others and it feels great - I am living proof Wright watchers works if I can do it anyone can!"
Julie reached her goal weight of eight stone in March this year and says she now “feels amazing”.
Julie attends Weight Watchers at Moreton Community Centre on a Saturday morning at 10am with Tess Malpus.
For more information about meetings go to www.weightwatchers.co.uk
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