Melissa Y.

Background

I first heard of GSW when Vicky and I attended a lunch where she was explaining her new venture to me. I was in a very dark place having had a baby, major surgery as a result and losing my Dad - all at the same time! My weight was nearly 2 stone heavier than when I gave birth to my other children and I had a lot to shift, without being able to safely bounce back to exercise post op. I’d previously lost 2 stone on a low calorie diet but in time, it all went back on.

Why Gisèle so Well?

I felt that the Gisèle so Well approach would give me the right support I needed but little did I know this would come with the understanding, empathy and knowledge of such a great friend and professional. Working with Vicky has turned the experience of weight loss on its head for me. I didn’t ever dread the check-ins, I looked forward to a relaxed coffee and review of my week or month with the added bonus of weight loss.

What’s changed for you?

I never felt like I’m on ‘a diet’ and have thoroughly enjoyed my busy social life and celebrating my 40th birthday using the 80/20 approach this summer too. Although the scales haven’t always read as I’ve wanted, I’ve lost a stone so far and my shape has definitely changed!

My waist is back and I’m into my old clothes (and even out of some of the bigger ones) and this has been an important lesson for me. I will also never underestimate the power of a food diary, it really makes you think about what you are eating and I recommend everyone gives it an HONEST go.

Vicky has kept me motivated to attend my weekly exercise sessions, helped me stay focused on my goals and regularly sent me recipe ideas that my family and I have enjoyed too. I still have a way to go but have not given up - watch this space...

Update

Melissa’s 1-2-1 meetings became less and less frequent over time (weekly from April until June 2018, 4 weeks of self-maintenance and monthly check-ins until December). We then met to review progress in April 2019 and took body measurements to compare to our first consultation, confirming the following reductions:

Waist - 14.5cm less

Hips - 15cm less

Bottom - 13cm less

Thighs - 9cm less

Arms - 5cm less

Melissa has continued to eat a healthy and balanced diet and even with the many challenges of 2020, in the Autumn she increased the intensity of her exercise and training. With the help and support of a local running coach she has gone on to set herself a number of monthly running challenges throughout 2021 - go Melissa!