An obese woman whose weight left her struggling to breathe has lost 9st 6lbs in just a year-and-a-half after having gastric band surgery.
Camila Quintela, 33, from Brazil, struggled with her weight having lived with it her whole life and her family has a history of diseases caused by obesity.
Her heaviest weight of 20st 13Ibs and UK size 28 caused her self-esteem to plummet, rendering her feeling depressed and being subject to cruel comments.
Camila Quintela lost 9st 6lbs in a year-and-a-half after she made the decision to have a gastric band fitted
She would eat mainly fast food meals and never exercised, until her declining health triggered her new sense of empowerment, leading her to shrink to a svelte 11st 7Ibs and UK size 14.
Camila explained: ‘I had respiratory problems, gastritis, I suffered from prejudice and I could not physically exercise due to my weight.
‘My family have a history of contracting diseases caused by obesity, including respiratory problems. I had low self-esteem and I found it difficult to find clothes and constraints caused by obesity.’
Camila’s weight of 20st 13lbs was causing her a myriad of health problems including respiratory problems and gastritis
Following her surgery Camilla shrunk to 11st 7Ibs and UK size 14 and now regularly works out in the gym
Desperate to live a healthier lifestyle Camila made the life changing decision to have a gastric band fitted.
She continued: ‘I underwent bariatric (gastric band) surgery, which was a tool to change my lifestyle; I adopted healthy habits, balanced diet and I now muscle train every day of the week, and dance three times a week.’
Camila has continued with her healthy habits and says that she finally feels confident in herself.
She added: ‘I now eat protein, vegetables, fruits, whole food and I very rarely snack on candy or fatty food.
She has swapped her high calorie meals for plenty of protein, vegetables and fruit in order to maintain her svelte new figure
Camila is thrilled that she is finally able to wear whatever clothes she likes and says that her self confidence has soared
‘Now I have faith in my body and in my health. I have a disposition, quality of life and I find all the clothes I like, because I know they will fit me.
‘My self-esteem has improved greatly, and I am now super-confident, in addition to greatly improving my aesthetic shape, I am now healthier on the inside.
‘I removed soft drinks, sugar and grease from my diet and incorporate bodybuilding into my exercise routine.’
For the bariatric surgery, or gastric band surgery, a band is placed around the stomach to restrict the person’s appetite; resulting in them feeling full quicker.
Camila says that it was giving up her favourite foods that was the hardest thing about losing weight but she says that she has learned to adapt
Camila says that some people have had trouble recognising her since she slimmed down
The process of giving up the food she was fond of, proved to be difficult for Camila.
‘To give up the bad food I liked so much was the hardest thing about losing weight. But I have now adapted to healthy eating and I do not miss it anymore,’ she said.
‘Some people do not recognize me. And they are all very surprised and happy with my change and are inspired to change as well.
‘First and foremost, I understand that obesity is an illness, and just like any other disease, it must be treated.
‘Look through a search system and consolidate your goal. Maintain focus and accreditation on your ability.’