Heartbeat: School nurse shares th-inspiring story of 10 stone weightloss
April 7, 2021
For many of us, the New Year symbolises change and, for those of you lacking inspiration, the story of colleague Heidi Ferrier-Hixon’s incredible weight loss journey is enough to spring you into action.
Heidi, who works as a school nurse team leader for Sandwell school nursing service, decided to lose a hefty ten stone after thinking she would die.
“Simple things, like walking from my house to the car, would leave me gasping for breath,” explained the 45-year-old, who weighed 24 stone.
“After climbing up the stairs, I’d be panting. I honestly thought I was going to die. I’m just 5ft 3in – I was morbidly obese and an asthmatic. I didn’t fancy my chances of having a long and healthy life. I was depressed.”
Heidi also worried about visiting venues where she would have to sit down. “I would always go early to scope out the chairs to work out if I would be able to fit in them or if they were strong enough. I had weight issues all my life, and I guess I was in denial about my body.
“In the end, something just clicked, and I realised I wouldn’t live long enough to see my son grow up. I knew that I had to do something about it and the only way to do this was by seeking support via my GP.”
Heidi was referred to a specialist service – but first had to undergo therapy sessions to receive more support with her weightloss journey. “At first I was reluctant because of my frame of mind,” recalled Heidi. “But these sessions were what helped me to change my way of thinking and go on to lose the weight. I was able to look deeper at my relationship with food and at why I would overindulge.
“My portion sizes were off the scale, and because I was raised to finish everything on my plate, I would do just that. I would also secretly binge on fast food in between my main meals. And I’d think nothing of heading over to the fridge and grabbing a snack whenever I arrived home from work. It was something that I had done from a young age.
“My dietitian and therapy helped me to see all of this so clearly, and my journey to a healthier me began.”
Heidi reduced her portion sizes, dishing up her main meals on a side plate. She also turned vegan, which cut out processed meat immediately from her diet.
“By acknowledging all of the above, I was able to break the cycle. I started having just three meals a day, with healthy snacks in between. I scrutinised food labelling before I brought anything, so I knew what I was putting in my body.”
Her dedication paid off, and now Heidi is a much healthier weight and doesn’t gasp for breath after walking just a few yards. “I feel amazing and physically fit. I go out running, which I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing before.
“I would encourage anyone who’s reading this and relates to my experience, to go and see their GP. Ask for the help and support because it is out there. I did, and it’s changed my life for the better.”