I used to be of average size before I had my daughter, but I gained about 20kg during my pregnancy and had difficulty losing these extra pounds after. I could not fit into any of my old clothing and had problems looking for clothes to fit me. Due to my busy work schedule and having to take care of my daughter, I couldn’t find time to exercise. I did lose a little weight in two years, but the truth is I gave up. Time just passed and my daughter is now 17.

Over the last few years, I was constantly getting comments from friends that I’ve put on weight. Hence, I was determined to get back into shape and I started going to the gym. But this effort was short-lived and I hardly went to the gym, wasting the membership. Once again, I slipped back into the life of no exercise or regard for my health.

In late 2011 at the age of 41, my life changed when I discovered a lump near my throat. I thought it was just a lymph node and left it as it is.  After a few weeks, I noticed the lump was still there so I decided to see a doctor. I got an ultrasound done and it was a thyroid nodule. I did a biopsy next and at that point, I felt lost and afraid of the results. A lot of things flashed through my mind… “What if it was cancerous? What if I can’t see my only daughter grow up?” I had many sleepless nights.

After a week of waiting anxiously, I finally got the results and I was asked to remove the lump to make sure it was not malignant. And it wasn’t.

After going through this ordeal,  I told myself that I really have to change and make the effort to lead a healthier lifestyle. This time I have to stop giving excuses. After the surgery, I was not allowed to do any exercise for about eight months so I had to wait.

However, before the eight months, the doctor discovered another lump at the back of my neck. My world came crashing down again – What is happening to me? Why am I going through all these? What’s happening to my body?  The thought of not seeing my daughter grow up and not being there for her flashed through my mind again.

In 2012, I went back to the same surgeon and removed the second lump. Thankfully, it was only lipoma, an accumulation of fatty tissues.

In 2013, I started exercising but somehow did not see any improvement and I started to put on weight again.  I attempted crash diets because I thought it’s an easy way out. I lost weight fast but I gained the weight back twice as fast. My weight fluctuated like a roller coaster and I was feeling very frustrated with the situation that I was going through. I lost confidence in myself and I was depressed.

I then shared my problems with a very dear friend of mine whom I grew up with. Understanding the struggles that I was going through, he helped me get back on track.  He told me that skipping meals and eating less is not going to help me lose weight and or stay healthy. I needed a proper diet and exercise programme which he monitored and adjusted when required.

I learnt that exercise will help a person be fit, but having a proper diet and regular “educated” eating habits will contribute to better results. I took his advice and learnt how to prepare my food, eat right and understand the need for a balanced diet. The most valuable lesson I have learnt – “You eat to lose weight” .

From the start of my journey in February 2014 at 68kg, I was a new person at 52kg by the end of the year. I’ve maintained that weight since and I am still able to have chocolate and cakes whenever I want.

I’m very grateful and thankful to this dear friend of mine whom I’ve shared a special friendship of more than 30 years now. He has helped me be who I am today and has always been there for me. He has taught me to love myself and believe in myself.

I’m feeling fitter, healthier and I have more confidence in myself. I must admit that my body is still a work in progress and it may not be perfect, but I’m working on being the best I can be.

Last month I went for my medical examination and my doctor said I may be 46, but I am as fit as a 26-year-old. Thank you Andrew Johnson – you are the friend who was always there for me and believed in me.