I needed a new knee – but first I had to lose weight
For over three years, I’d been in worsening pain from osteoarthritis in my left knee, which culminated in a referral to a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in November 2024. He confirmed that I needed a total knee replacement and kindly but bluntly told me I’d need to lose weight before the operation, both for the safety of the surgery and a successful outcome afterwards.
This was the wake-up call I needed.
The only thing that had ever worked
Having battled my weight for most of my adult life, I’ve tried many approaches over many years, including keto-type diets, slimming clubs and fasting. The only thing that had ever worked was LighterLife, which enabled me to lose a lot of weight in 2008 and keep it off for years. So I already had full trust in the process, including the group sessions.
I knew LighterLife would enable me to lose weight in a safe, controlled manner, and also that it would be relatively quick – which was key with my operation coming up. All I had to do was stay focused and committed, and I had a very strong motivation to do so – being able to walk properly again, without pain.
Getting my head in the game
After my consultation, I sulked and cried for 24 hours and then I got my head in the game. I was suddenly excited to get started and felt very positive about taking control and doing something that would help me to change my life. Although the first week was hard and I did feel a bit hungry at times, luckily I enjoy drinking water, so I made sure I had plenty available to help keep me feeling fuller.
I had great support from my Mentor, Lisa, and my partner. In fact, having support from as many people as possible is critical, so I made the most of Lisa’s WhatsApp chat room and my family and friends – they were all very positive about my journey and were great cheerleaders for me to keep me focused.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how nice the Foodpacks are. My favourite has to be the Porridge FastPot. It was the best way to start my day – quick, easy and tasty, and something I could take with me to the office or when I was away. The Shepherd’s Pie, Spaghetti Bolognese and Chocolate Mug Cake are great, too.
Reassessing my eating behaviour
I’d learned a lot from my previous experience on LighterLife. But over the years, I’d let some bad habits creep back, so the weight had piled on. The group work in the weekly sessions was a great refresher to help me with strategies and a really good reminder of how to change some of my behaviours around food.
It also enabled me to see that I’m really good at focusing and committing to something – even when it’s not always easy! And being with other people who share similar experiences helps you feel that you’re not alone in facing challenges. It encouraged me to believe that I could succeed and achieve my goals.
Health was key for me
I needed to be fit and healthy for knee replacement surgery, and the more weight I could lose beforehand, the better the outcomes would be for the future. My partner and I love to travel, and I wanted to be able to wander around on a city break without any limits or pain. So doing LighterLife was a huge investment in my future.
My surgeon was very supportive and positive throughout my weight-loss journey. He must be used to patients promising but failing to lose weight, so he was very complimentary about my commitment and the progress I was making, especially when he could see me becoming more mobile and then when I hit the BMI required for having the surgery.
Building my new, active life
Now, 16 weeks after the operation, I’m maintaining my weight loss and making steady progress, although it’s still a long pathway to full fitness. I’m determined to give myself the best chance to travel, cycle on my e-bike and climb out of the pool after a swim without any help, other than from the ladder.
I’m also three dress sizes down and have culled a lot from my wardrobe – as well as rediscovering long-lost favourites. Buying new clothes is so much easier, too. For a recent wedding, I was able to find what I wanted in the high street, something simply not possible for me at my old weight.
One day at a time wins the race!
What can I say about LighterLife? It works! Stick to the plan, and the weight comes off. On TotalFast and being in ketosis, you also have the energy to start bringing more exercise and activity into your routine. And I really benefited from the weekly group sessions, especially at the start of my journey.
If you join, gather as many cheerleaders and supporters around you as you can – from your LighterLife group, your family and your friends. And remember your “why” – why you want to lose weight, and what you want to look like, feel like, be able to do when you’ve achieved your goal.
I’ve learned so much on this journey, about focusing on what is possible now, and on what I want to do in the future. I’ve learned to be organised and plan properly, not to beat myself up if I have a “bad” day and to remember that short-term sacrifice leads to many more long-term possibilities. Take each day at a time and you’ll win the race!
