A BARBER whose long-term weight loss journey was interrupted by the joy of her first pregnancy has celebrated reaching the three-stone milepost.

Kerry Louise Roberts, from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, decided she wanted to lose weight in the summer of 2019 after feeling “so uncomfortable in my own skin” and suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

A “huge food lover and comfort eater,” she chose to attend Slimming World but on her first day she waited outside of the class for an hour due to her nerves.

But she soon found there was a supportive community of people from all backgrounds who were aiming to achieve their own weight loss goals just like her.

“Nothing ever fitted me comfortably,” Kerry said. “Being the biggest I ever have been at almost 18 stone made me feel so uncomfortable in my own skin.

“I knew I needed to change my lifestyle due to struggling with IBS but had no idea it would be this fun and easy.”

Kerry joined the gym, exercised regularly and followed food optimising advice from her Slimming World consultant, with her favourite meal being a Nando’s chicken salad.

“Eating sensibly but eating as much foods without feeling hungry all the time is brilliant,” she said.

“My partner enjoys all the same food, and it’s helped him lose weight too.”

Seven months after starting the programme Kerry found she was pregnant and, although weight loss can be achieved safely while pregnancy, she decided to put her effort on hold.

She returned in November with a beautiful new arrival, son Elis, and has already gone on to collect her two stone, 2.5 stone, three stone awards despite gaining one-and-a-half stone over the previous nine months.

“My slimming world consultant has been amazing,” said Kerry. “From day one she made me feel so comfortable as it took me almost an hour to walk through those doors for the first time.

“She is brilliant with advice on what foods to eat and try and never judges anybody for their shape or size. I get excited going to group every week, to share my progress with everyone.”

Kerry urged other people who want to achieve their own weight loss goals to not be put off joining Slimming World.

“If I can join – a huge food lover and comfort eater than anybody can if you really set your mind to it,” she said.

“Slimming World isn’t about starving yourself or taking horrible meal supplements, it’s about eating sensible and the right way with support every step of the way.

“Slimming World has changed my life and I’ll forever be grateful to Sarah and the rest of my group for their help and guidance.”

Anyone wishing to achieve their weight loss goals like Kerry should contact consultant Sarah Burton on 07746581830 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk