"I can walk again!"

12/12/2006: Jacquie Fabian


If you had told Jacquie Fabian that she would be able to do her own shopping, or go to the Doctor or Hospital on her own 3 years ago, she would probably have laughed at you – or perhaps even cried…

Jacqui had gradually put on weight over the last 20 years since the birth of her youngest daughter, until at 5’ 7” she weighed 18st 10½ lbs. When in 2004, Jacquie’s daughter announced her engagement, Jacquie decided she had to do something about it.

It wasn’t as if Jacquie had been inactive – her great love was line-dancing – but she also loved her food. Pork pies, suet pudding, steamed treacle pudding all had made their contribution to her waistline. Jacquie’s Rheumatoid Arthritis was diagnosed in 1999, after the sad loss of her father. By this time, through Rheumatoid Arthritis and asthma (which prevented her dancing from 1995), she was unable to walk.

Until Jacquie joined WeightWatchers, she had lost weight through dieting, but always regained it. One day whist awaiting her Rheumatology appointment, Jacquie overheard a conversation about the local WeightWatchers club at Elm Park. Jacquie enquired about it, and was encouraged to make that very difficult “first time” appointment.

Gradually, Jacquie began to feel better. Yes, she had to give up her lovely pies, but the results were starting to show. Fizzy drinks were the next to go – but by that time, Jacquie had begun to lose her taste for sweet things, so it did not matter so much. Next went cakes, followed by her great favourite – sticky toffee. By this time, however, Jacquie knew she was winning the battle. Her clothes started to feel looser, and she began to look forward to getting on the scales.

Two years later, Jacquie still attends WeightWatchers and now weighs 14st 8oz. Her healthy new diet includes lots of vegetables (which she has always enjoyed), and the occasional packet of low-fat crisps “treat”. Husband Peter has been inspired by Jacquie’s example and he’s enjoying the new diet. Of course her family is thrilled with her progress and Jacquie admits to feeling more confident now.

But the best news of all is that having lost 64lbs, Jacquie can walk again! Using a palm grip stick to support her weakened leg and ankle, Jacquie is now able to go out on her own and even shop for herself, neither of which she ever expected to be able to do. Perhaps next time we speak, Jacquie will be line-dancing again!

Jacquie is a Telephone Support Volunteer, and will talk to callers about issues including menopause and weight loss.