A mother, aged 37, who had faced weight challenges throughout her life, embarked on a weight loss journey shedding 12 stone after receiving an alert from her Apple watch while sitting at home. Laura Self, who had struggled with excess weight from a young age, saw her situation worsen following the birth of her son and long work shifts.
Reflecting on her journey, Laura shared, “I’ve always carried extra weight, even from childhood. I lacked knowledge about nutrition. During my nursing training, irregular shifts and extended work hours led to a significant weight increase. After giving birth to my son, I reached my peak weight of 24 stone and experienced difficulties with mobility.”
While at home one day, Laura was startled by an alert on her Apple watch regarding her elevated heart rate, prompting her to seek medical advice. Despite being advised that surgery was her sole recourse, Laura opted for consultations, psychological assistance, and pre-surgery programs. To her dismay, she discovered she had gained weight after six months.
Subsequently, Laura underwent gastric sleeve surgery, initially losing six stone in two years, reducing to 17 stone. However, during the lockdown in 2020, her weight rebounded to 18 stone. Realizing the necessity to address the emotional roots of her overeating habits, Laura delved into the 1:1 Diet after encountering it on Instagram in 2023, with her husband Kieran’s support.
Following the diet meticulously, Laura consumed four balanced products daily meeting her nutritional requirements without the need for extensive label reading or food weighing. Personalized guidance from her consultant, Gemma, played a pivotal role in her success.
Laura expressed, “Gemma provided me with unprecedented support, aiding in my transformation by offering guidance and accountability. I experienced enhanced energy levels, normalized blood results, and improved hair and skin condition. Witnessing weekly progress empowered me, granting me a sense of control for the first time.”
By the end of 2023, weighing 17 stone 8lbs, Laura achieved her target weight of 12.7 stone in July 2024 through the 1:1 Diet, surpassing the weight loss she had after surgery within a shorter timeframe. Subsequently, she further reduced to 11st6lbs in 2025 and has maintained her weight within a one-stone range for the past two years, currently weighing 12 stone, a remarkable 12 stone lighter than in 2018.
Unlike her prior weight loss journey, Laura’s recent success stemmed from a shift in mindset and consistent lifestyle habits, leading to enhanced physical and psychological well-being.
Laura emphasized, “I no longer seek solace in food; instead, I derive joy from physical activities, actively participating in life rather than merely observing. I have transcended my prior limitations, embracing a newfound sense of freedom and vitality.”
Motivated by her transformation, Laura became a 1:1 Diet consultant, extending support to individuals facing challenges akin to those she overcame. Her dedication even funded her skin removal surgery, marking the culmination of her remarkable transformation.
Laura’s remarkable transformation has astounded her friends and family, with instances of individuals failing to recognize her post-weight loss. Balancing her nursing career with her thriving consultancy business, Laura has found fulfillment in empowering others on their weight loss journeys.
Celebrating her academic achievement with a master’s degree in September, Laura highlighted the profound impact of her weight loss journey on her overall well-being. Regular consultations with her initial consultant, Gemma, continue to provide her with the necessary support and stability.
Encouraging others on a weight loss path, Laura remarked, “Regardless of past setbacks, remain optimistic and seek the right support and mindset to achieve your goals, as surgery is not the only solution, and previous attempts do not define your success.”