When overweight Gemma Dobbing bought her wedding dress, she had to sign a disclaimer saying it was far too small.
But she was determined to drop from a size 22 to a petite 8 for her big day and she’s now got the stunning pictures and her perfect husband to prove it.
Gemma has acute asthma and lung disease and her weight was causing difficulties with her breathing.
She now has only half a lung due to it collapsing after suffering from pneumonia and was in critical care 14 times from the end of 2017 to early 2018.
Weighing 17 stone and 2.5 lbs her lung was under extreme pressure. And after shedding almost 8 stone by giving her diet a healthy makeover, she is now at her target weight of 9 stone 5 lbs.
“I felt amazing on my wedding day,” said Gemma, 32, of Blyth, Northumberland. “What was great was that a lot of people hadn’t seen me for over a year and when they saw me on my wedding day there were a lot of wows.”
Gemma tied the knot to Alan Dobbing, 40, at St Cuthbert’s Church in Blyth on September 21. Their three-year-old son Charlie, who was born prematurely due to Gemma’s lung condition, was a page boy.
“I started Slimming World in September 2018 and nearly stopped going. But my friend joined and I felt as though I had to stay because of her. I’m gad I did as I felt fantastic on my wedding day.
“In November last year I picked my wedding dress and had to sign a disclaimer because it wouldn’t fasten. But by the time I went to see the dress fitter I had to have it taken in four-and-a-half inches.
“I felt amazing, like a princess. So many people were shocked.”
Gemma got the wake up call she needed when she saw a picture of herself at her son’s second birthday.
“I saw the picture and thought I had to do something about my weight,” added Gemma. “I couldn’t believe that was me.
“My health was really bad the three years previous, I was in critical care 14 times from the end of 2017 to early 2018.
“I was constantly in hospital and my respiratory specialist said I had to lose weight.”
Before swapping to a healthy lifestyle, Gemma’s favourite treat was chocolate.
“My favourite was a Whisper, in fact I wouldn’t think anything of eating all five in a multi pack,” added Gemma, who works for North Tyneside Council.
“I would eat Chinese takeaways, pizza, all the unhealthy things, but now I follow the plan 100%. I eat pasta, rice, chicken, 5% fat beef, all much healthier options. I cook things from scratch now.
“I still have a treat now and again but I haven’t touched a Whisper as I think that is my trigger food. I couldn’t trust myself as I think I would eat the lot again.”
Since losing her weight Gemma’s health has improved dramatically.
She added: “I practically lived at the hospital at Cramlington but I haven’t had a stay in there for about six months now. My breathing has improved so much and my consultant says its the longest time I’ve not been in hospital.
“I feel amazing and the Slimming World class is like a big family. They are so welcoming and so supportive.”
Gemma goes to the Slimming World class, with consultant Leanne Mavin.
Leanne said: Gemma’s story and her weight loss have been incredible. Her achievements are truly inspirational and I am extremely proud of her.”
Leanne holds classes at St Mary’s Church in Holywell, Whitley Bay, on Thursday at 5pm and 7pm and at Isabella Community Centre in Blyth on Wednesdays at 5pm and 7pm.
For more information call Leanne on 07963933184.
