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Charlene Marie, 34, weighed 26 stone 3lb at her heaviest, and felt she was unable to play a full part in her three children\u2019s lives due to her size.<\/p>\n
She explained, exclusively to\u00a0Express.co.uk, how she was excluded from school trips and how her children were vulnerable to teasing from other kids over her size.<\/p>\n
Charlene said: \u201cWhen I was heavier, I was always the loud, bubbly one, but I was hiding behind a mask of unhappiness.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had been heavy from childhood and my problem was always snacking. I could easily eat nine packets of crisps per day, along with biscuits and chocolate, as nothing would ever fill me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would think nothing of going to McDonald\u2019s and eating a Big Mac and 20 chicken nuggets, then maybe a few hours later I\u2019d go to KFC for more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI missed out on so many things when my children were growing up as my size meant I wasn\u2019t able to take part in a lot of activities. Instead I would be the one holding the bags or taking the photographs.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> 41-year-old man \u2018transforms his physique\u2019 in one month with 45-minute workouts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe worst part was how it affected my children, how they would be teased by their classmates at school and also how I wasn\u2019t able to do many of the things with them that other mums could do.\u201d<\/p>\n The changing point in\u00a0her life was when she lost a friend to breast cancer, which made her realise she needed to take action to lose the weight and improve her quality of life.<\/p>\n Her research led her to consider weight loss surgery and she initially spoke to her GP, but the long waiting lists were too prohibitive. Instead, she chose to have a gastric bypass at Weight Loss Riga\u00a0in Latvia, a weight loss surgery company with a team of dedicated surgeons with 30 years of combined experience.<\/p>\n Charlene continued: \u201cNow that I\u2019ve lost the weight, I have more energy than ever and I can finally take part in simple things such as school trips, canoeing and rock climbing. My life has completely changed for the better.\u201d<\/p>\n At her heaviest, Charlene wore a dress size 28-30. Now the mum-of-three, from Shefford, Bedfordshire, weighs 12 stone 4lb and dons a dress size 10-12.<\/p>\n Charlene was one of 12 patients who flew to Riga for weight loss surgery in September 2021. Alongside the gastric bypass surgery, she also made lifestyle changes, improved her diet and had daily gym sessions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> She added: \u201cI come from a heavy family and I have struggled with my weight all my life. I started dieting aged 15 and have tried every diet under the sun but none of them ever worked and I would lose motivation and put more weight on.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I began researching bariatric surgery and the Weight Loss Riga clinic, I knew instantly that it was the best path for me.<\/p>\n \u201cI was blown away by how well patients are cared for and how we all looked out for each other before and after the surgery, helping and supporting each other along the way.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, the biggest highlight since losing the weight was going to a theme park with my children and finally being able to take part in the rides and attractions. Before, I was just too big to be able to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlene continued: \u201cLosing the weight was only the first part\u00a0–\u00a0I\u2019ve had to change my relationship with food and become more active.<\/p>\n \u201cNow\u00a0I go to the gym every day or two, am a lot more active and make healthier food choices, and I don\u2019t graze like I did before.<\/p>\n \u201cI still allow myself an occasional treat such as crisps or chocolate, but in moderation, and I have the willpower to keep myself on the right track on my weight loss journey.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Igors Troickis, leading bariatric surgeon at Weight Loss Riga said: \u201cWe have been delighted with Charlene\u2019s progress and she should be incredibly proud of losing almost 14 stone.<\/p>\n \u201cOur patients receive extensive support after their procedure, including nutritional guidance if required, and we empower them to make positive changes to their lifestyles.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Anyone looking to lose weight through surgery should speak to their GP for advice first, the NHS recommends.<\/p>\n The NHS stated: \u201cBefore approaching a private clinic or surgeon, do as much research as possible into the different types of weight loss surgery and think about the questions you want to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cSome people consider having treatment abroad, where costs for private treatment can be cheaper, but make sure you weigh up any potential savings against the potential risks.<\/p>\n \u201cStandards may not be as strict in clinics outside the UK, and aftercare is not always straightforward. Clinics in other countries may not provide follow-up care, or it may not be the same standard as in the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/126\/590x\/secondary\/charlene-weight-loss-4901659.jpg?r=1691652702218\")
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Breakfast choices which could be preventing weight loss[INSIGHT] <\/strong>
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<\/p>\nNHS advice<\/h3>\n