Judy Abrahams's Story:

"Not following a sensible or healthy diet and having been on medical treatment for three years resulted in me gaining a phenominal amount of weight.. When I started the Unique Lifestyle Programme I weighed 82,2 kg. I had gained over 20 kilos in 3 years!

The only clothes that fitted me and that I felt comfortable in, were size 42 stretch jeans and large shirts. Being fashion conscious I wanted to look and feel good in clothing. This became impossible. I couldn't wear some of the brand name jeans and shirts I loved because they looked ridiculous on me. I felt depressed about my weight. The turning point for me was when I realised that besides looking ridiculous in some of clothes, some of the stores didn't even stock my size! I knew had to do something about my weight!

I spoke to my sister-in-law, who suggested I see Sandy and try the Unique Lifestyle Programme. My husband, Roy and I also discussed the issue. I made a pact with him. I drew up a "formal" agreement that if I lost a certain amount of weight he would buy me my first pair of Levi jeans. He signed happily. I don't think he believed I would achieve my goal!

I must admit I was also sceptical. I was not sure that I would be able to stick to an eating plan. I also wondered whether my husband's choice not to change his eating habits would be a stumbling block for me. I took the plunge anyway. I was determined to try and lose weight. I made my first appointment to see Sandy.

I would say the first three days, which happened to be a Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the most challenging. Once Monday came the worst was over and I was well on my way. I looked forward to each week's visit. "Never say diet - eating healthily" is what Sandy calls it.

Much to Roy's surprise I achieved the goal we had agreed on and he bought me my first pair of Levi's - size 34! This was all the motivation I needed to loose even more weight.

The other memorable experience for me was the day I dropped Roy at the golf driving range while I spent a few hours at a shopping mall. I was walking along looking at the shop windows and getting quite irritated that my clothes would not stay up (now that was a first!). I walked into one of the shops I had always dreamed of buying clothes from and tried on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The first pair of jeans - a size 32 were perfect and the top fitted me like a glove. I bought the outfit and walked out of the shop wearing it! My husband and I had arranged to meet later and when we met up he didn't even recognize me!

My weight loss did not happen overnight. I lost the weight gradually - it took me over 5 months to lose 24 kgs. Today I wear a size 30 Levi's and I take a "small" size in t-shirts and shirts.

I have achieved what I set out to do, but perhaps what is even more important is how I feel about myself. I feel great and I am very proud myself. I have also been an inspiration to many of my friends. They have also started the Unique Lifestyle Programme and are seeing good results."

If you have any comments or want to send us your own success story then please email us.