After a nasty fall in the garden and a looming operation with added risk due to weight, sleep apnoea and breathing issues, Stephen made a decision. With a nudge from his wife, he walked into our local Slimming World group at 25st 4lb—and everything started to shift.

In this chat we cover the real stuff: losing identity after giving up rugby, the stop–start attempts, the “still think fat” moments even as the clothes sizes drop, and the power of a room that claps for your wins (and your wobbles).

This is a first for Slimming Stories, I met Stephen at my local Slimming World Group that Wray Annabel had inherited from Sue Redfern, both amazing Slimming World Consultants.

Stephen talks about the support he’s felt and why weekly accountability beat “I’ll do it myself” plans.

If you've tried to get back on plan before, drifted, and need a simple proof that consistency + community works. If you’ve ever felt “I still look the same” while everyone else notices your progress—this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:01:10 The fall that changed everything: shattered shoulder & surgery risks

00:02:20 Sleep apnoea, anaesthetic concerns & his wife’s life-saving nudge

00:03:30 Walking into Slimming World for the first time

00:04:15 Starting weight: 25st 4lb — and why it didn’t scare him

00:05:10 Early mobility struggles & realising things had to change

00:06:00 Past attempts, shift work & why accountability finally clicked

00:07:15 The moment group support made the journey “stick”

00:08:30 Seeing change vs feeling change — the “still think fat” phase

00:09:40 Clothes sizes dropping: 3XL to 2XL and the mind catching up

00:10:30 All-or-nothing beginnings: no Syns, full focus

00:11:45 Learning balance: reintroducing treats without spiralling

00:12:40 Rugby days, injuries & losing a big part of his identity

00:14:00 Life after sport: stoma, mini-stroke & stepping away for good

00:15:30 Food habits during care work & long days with no meals

00:16:45 The power of routine & regular eating

00:17:30 The Slimming World spark: stickers, shinies & friendly competition

00:18:45 First gains on the scales — and bouncing back stronger

00:20:00 Breaking the old “I’ve blown it, so I’ll binge” pattern

00:21:10 New rules: sad = apple, happy = strawberries

00:22:00 Weight loss milestones month by month

00:23:15 Hitting target in 41 weeks — with holidays included

00:24:10 The freedom of staying in control & losing the fear

Wrays Slimming World Groups Mansfield:

If you are local to Mansfield and would be interested in attending one of Wrays Slimming World Classes feel free to contact Wray on the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/704401220014053

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