This week, we celebrate the successful Weight Loss of Laura Herkes. Here’s her story:

Laura sent us a letter. Our entire team at WLSA absolutely adores her. Read her honest story from struggles to triumphs:

Throughout my life I’ve always been big, I had tried every diet you could think of and either couldn’t stick to it or just didn’t lose any weight. I was also more active than I’d ever been, playing soccer and going to the gym and still couldn’t lose weight or if I did, I couldn’t keep it off so eventually I gave up trying and ballooned to my heaviest weight. I was depressed, uncomfortable, embarrassed and felt alone even when I was surrounded by people.

I had thought about weight loss surgery before and had thought that it was the “easy” way out and I didn’t want to be a quitter. I then did some research and with the support of my mum I attended a seminar at WLSA in September 2014 and made the decision then and there to have a Gastric Sleeve. This decision not only changed my life but saved it. In December 2014 weighing in at 140.1 kg I had the procedure. The stigma that weight loss surgery being an easy way out was obviously started by someone that’s never been overweight or in my position. You have to do what’s right for you and for me this was very much right for me.

It’s now been 18 months since my surgery and I can honestly say there has only been one moment where I have regretted the decision I made. This was the day after surgery, sitting in the hospital on my own in pain just thinking “what have I done?”. I quickly snapped out of it and haven’t looked back since. I’ve now lost 71.2kg, that’s just over half my body weight. I’m now in a healthy BMI range. I feel better about myself, I’m comfortable, I look better, I’m more confident and most importantly I’m happy.

Sure I have scars and excess skin but that’s nothing compared to what I was. They serve as a reminder as to what I did to myself and as to how far I’ve come. It’s funny that along the way, it’s not been the numbers on the scale that have surprised me but the little things, being able to cross my legs, wear high heels comfortably, fit into clothes I’d kept as “goal” clothing and then them becoming too big and double take looks from people that at first don’t recognise me.

Without the WLSA program I wouldn’t have had the tools (website) and support (Dietician, Psychologist) to be able to get through this and also the wonderful Dr Reza Adib who performed the surgery. I can never thank you enough for the change you’ve brought to my life. *

Laura Herkes
#WeightLossWarrior

From WLSA:

Congratulations Laura, you have indeed made the best decision for your life! Surgery is nowhere near a quitter’s way out, we are only glad to have supported you through the hurdles and to see you achieve your weight goal now is so rewarding.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary for each person