A breast cancer survivor truly celebrated yesterday after doctors finally gave her the go-ahead for reconstructive surgery – because she lost a whopping eight stone.
Julie Hart, 49, underwent a double mastectomy in 2008 after developing breast cancer.
She was left devastated by the procedure and was told she could not have reconstructive surgery because she weighed more than 18 stone.
But after four years of strict dieting Julie lost a massive 8st 3lbs and can now finally go under the knife for the life changing surgery.
Julie, from Mildenhall, Suffolk, said: “The operation to have my breasts reconstructed would have taken 10 hours and the surgeons said that it would be too dangerous to do with my weight as it was at the time
“I had been dieting all my life but this news really motivated me to try to lose the weight.
“Now I have been told that I can expect to have the operation either just before Christmas or just after Christmas.
“It will feel like I have been given part of my womanhood back.”
Julie, who works for electrical firm Herga, was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy in 2008.
She was supported in her weight loss by friends at the Slimming World group in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
Julie added: “I was so terrified when I first walked into the class but people were so friendly they came up to me and made me feel so welcome.
“At the time of starting I just felt worthless. It was the worst time of my life. Donna has been absolutely brilliant and I could not have done it without her.
“I have made so many fantastic friends while going to the classes.
“Although I only have 2lb to go to reach my target, I plan to carry on going to the classes as they have transformed my life.”
