Obese woman who was addicted to junk food loses 14 STONE so her boyfriend can finally get his arms around her for a cuddle
Charlene Crawford weighed over 31st at her biggest, thanks to an addiction to junk food
ALL couples enjoy a cuddle, but for one woman getting close to her boyfriend wasn't that easy.
Charlene Crawford, 28, weighed in at 31st 3lb at her heaviest, and she was so big her partner Luke couldn't get his arms around her for a hug.
After realising how much of an impact her bulk was having on her relationship, Charlene, from Australia, decided to tackle things head on and managed to lose 14st 7lb.
"Being able to feel Luke's arms around me is like a dream come true," she said.
"Ever since we first met I've been too big for us to cuddle. Being a size 36 at my biggest, his arms couldn't get around my waist.
"Since having the surgery and losing 14st 7lb, I'm now a size 16 and he can easily get his arms around me.
"It's amazing to share such a basic connection together and reminds me of exactly how far I've come."
Charlene has always loved junk food, and when she started having migraines at five years old she used it to help her cope.
"When I was sad or in pain, I'd turn to my favourite chips, sweets and chocolate," she said.
"As I got older, I was often bedridden by my migraines and started eating junk morning, noon and night.
"Naturally, it affected my weight and by the time I met Luke in an online chatroom in 2008, I was a size 28."
Luke has never had a weight issue, so when Charlene's size impacted their life together he found it hard.
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She got so big she couldn't leave the house. Going on holiday or having romantic walks were a thing of the past too, but things came to a head when Charlene went away with her mum.
Her size meant she needed two plane seats, which was "the final straw" because it was so humiliating - especially as she needed a seat belt extender too.
Charlene had gastric sleeve surgery to help her lose weight as she felt it was the only way she'd beat her food addiction.
Charlene's diet before
Breakfast - four slices of white toast with vegemite or Nutella
Lunch – Takaway McDonald's or KFC
Dinner – A homecooked meal usually a pasta or rice dish
Supper – Another takaway McDonald's or KFC
Snacks – Large bag of chips, chocolate and sweets
"It wasn't an easy process though, and she initially found weight loss tough," she said.
"I was losing weight so fast to begin with, averaging about 9.5lbs a week.
"I found it quite overwhelming to begin with and there were a few times when I regretted it.
"I couldn't eat my favourite foods anymore and I was worried about the uncertain life that lay ahead of me.
Charlene's diet after
Breakfast - Special K with blueberries
Lunch – Tuna salad or sushi
Dinner – Chicken and veggies
"But I remembered I was heading to an early grave and stuck with it."
Within 12 months Charlene had lost 14st 7lb - but that's not the best bit for her.
"The first time Luke was able to get his arms around me, we both started crying and even took a photo in a mirror to capture the moment. It was so special," she said.
The pair are now engaged, with Charlene thrilled dress shopping won't be a chore.