Two years ago, Agnes Mulvihill from Coosan attended a medical appointment for a knee replacement, and was told that an operation posed too much risk as she was too overweight. The exact word they used was ‘obese’, and Agnes left the appointment mortified.
She heard about Slimming World from her friend, and was so determined to have this operation that she looked up her local group in Athlone. However, she was recently widowed and was used to going everywhere as part of a couple with her husband Frank. Eventually, after a big leap of courage, she joined the 3.30pm Wednesday group in Athlone. She was greeted at the door by friendly consultant Pauline, and felt at ease straight away.
Back then, Agnes walked with difficulty using a walking stick, and was worried that she couldn’t lose weight if she wasn’t able to exercise. Pauline reassured her that Slimming World was easy to follow and that by making small simple changes to how she shopped, cooked, and ate, she would lose weight. Agnes was delighted to discover she could still have her fry-ups and delicious Sunday roast dinners. She ate normal, everyday food without any weighing, measuring, or counting.
Agnes lost two stone very quickly. “I love going to group every week, where I find warmth, encouragement, understanding, and most of all friendship. We share recipes and ideas and have great fun, it really helps me stay on track,” says Agnes.
The really good news came when she went back to her doctor who was most impressed with her weight loss and immediately arranged for her to go on the waiting list for the operation. Agnes had her knee replaced and has now lost four stone in total. She no longer needs her walking stick - she almost runs in the door now!
Age is no barrier to losing weight - everyone is welcome at Slimming World and it works for young and old!
If you would like to join or just come along to see what goes on, Pauline runs groups every Wednesday in the Athlone Springs Hotel at 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, and 7.30pm. For more information, call Pauline on (087 ) 1878701.
