It's time for an updated and final testimonial because today, the last day of the January 2025 programme and Ger's final rodeo, I reached my Dare To Dream goal. It is the end of my 5th round of the programme having started in September 2023 and I've lost a total of 158lbs, from a UK size 26 to size 12. I don't quite know how to explain how I feel but I am going to try because I want to express my deep gratitude to Bodyslims and maybe inspire others considering doing the programme. So here goes!
I struggled my whole adult life and some of my childhood years with Binge Eating Disorder and weight gain. I've tried every diet and lost and gained many stones. What makes this different? Firstly, I sought professional help for BED before I came to Bodyslims. That took time but I am so glad I did it. I was ready to tackle weight loss one more time. But my super ego was mega damaged - I am not sure I believed I could actually achieve this until months in and stones down. But that's what Bodyslims does. Slowly and steadily, with results, education, support and accountability, my belief returned. The pounds chipped away and with a little patience, effort and trust, I was transforming.
Ger always says, it isn't easy but it is simple. The physiological process isn't groundbreaking after all - calories in and calories out. A daily deficit and an hour walking - we could all do that without shelling out for a programme right?! Wrong! Bodyslims is SO much more. It's weekly seminars educating you on topics ranging from limiting beliefs, habits, food composition to daring to dream. It's short daily inputs to keep you focused like morning videos and little check ins. It is Ger and his Ger-isms that will stay with me for life! It's the online community via instagram constantly cheering each other on and supporting one another.
And now, a year and a half later, I'm transformed. I am genuinely living a different life. I can do all the things I only ever dreamed of - and things I never even knew i wanted to do! But it's all possible for me now. I walk fast, I hike up big hills, I do pilates, I play squash, I go out and enjoy socialising, I walk through the world with my chin up and with confidence, I buy whatever clothes I like in any shop I choose. The other day I had my blood pressure and heart rate taken and the nurse asked me if I am a runner - that's how good my resting pulse now is (and no, I prefer to power walk à la Bodyslims thank you Nurse

). I have enough love for myself now that I can give more love to others and so my relationships have improved.
Long story short, I am indeed as Ger says living the life of my wildest dreams. The effort, the plodding along, the day to day mundanity of a long weight loss journey has been beyond worth it. But the lessons along the way, the big and little milestones reached, the community of Bodyslimmers and friends I've made... the journey itself has been just as important as reaching this final destination.
If you're reading this and wondering about taking the leap, remember that mountains seem impassable from the bottom looking up. But if you take this very first step, and then another, and another, eventually you WILL climb and overcome the mountain. It takes effort, of course - that'll make the view that much more sweet at the top. There will be challenges and diversions along the path - they'll make you stronger. The journey IS the learning. And then, you will reach the summit and you'll look out at the view like I am today - on top of the world, stronger for the journey and ready to see that mountain in the rear view mirror as I launch into the rest of my life.
Please, if you have no belief yet, borrow a tiny bit of mine (because I believe in you and in this programme) - just enough to take the first step on what will be the most epic and beautiful journey back to your true self.
Thank you from the bottom of my (very healthy) heart to Gerard, Sharon, my brianna Carla and the whole team behind the scenes. You've changed my life.