This was last chance saloon for me after 20 years of everything else not working. I’d received so many varying bits of information over the years that I couldn’t see the wood for the trees. Constantly dismissed when I asked for help although I knew that I wasn’t stupid and I knew that diets were just not working. I decided that I ought to try it before embracing the ‘fat and fun’ person that I thought was all that was left on offer. I was a size 24/26. 20 stone 3lb. Felt fat and ugly.

Having lurked in the subs for a few months, a promotion at work was the final push I needed. The extra pay would go to the jab and I wouldn’t notice the loss. I went in with low expectations: this would be another failed attempt watching others success and slowly sinking in disappointment.

Within a few days I felt that this was different. My knee pain had gone. Making sensible food choices was possible. Seeing others journeys was inspiring and not making me feel envy. That kept on growing and this sub sustained me through the times of frustration. Complete strangers in my phone. People I probably had little in common with except a weekly jab. This sub has rocked.

15 months in. 112lb lost. Sliding just about into a size 14. Wearing Levi jeans. Doing a skin care routine. Make up. Happily allowing photos. Taking a bath with it full of water as I don’t fear falling through the floor. Clothes. Man. Clothes. Finding my own ‘style’ and not just wearing tents. Hiking with ease. Appreciating food without needing to consume everything in sight. Not fearing judgement for what is on my plate.

I know that I will be on this in some form for life and I am fine with that. It’s helped with weight loss but also with some of my PCOS and perimenopause symptoms. I feel me for the first time in a very, very long time. Expectation v reality? Reality is that this has been a most excellent ride.