Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Facing a life-threatening diagnosis and the loss of both parents, she knew she had to make a change. Struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, and feelings of hopelessness, she had tried to lose weight before but never stuck with it. This time, with her life on the line, she fully committed—undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, focusing on portion control, and gradually incorporating exercise.
Over four years, she lost 140kg, overcoming setbacks, surgeries, and personal challenges along the way. The most rewarding part? Saving her life. Now, she shares her journey to inspire others facing similar struggles.
Read her full story and discover the mindset shifts, strategies, and products that helped her succeed.
- What was the turning point that made you decide to start your weight loss journey?
For many years I knew I had to do something, but the catalyst was when my GP told me that because of how badly damaged my liver was, I wouldn’t last another 5 years if I continued on the trajectory that I was on. I was just 38 years old, and literally, just a few DAYS earlier, my Dad died from cirrhosis of the liver at age 58. My Mom died 2 years prior at age 56 from cancer. I felt alone and terrified for myself.
- How did you feel physically and mentally before you started?
Physically my right side was in a lot of pain from my enlarged liver, and my back would seize up on me, squashing the nerves down my legs. And because of my weight, I couldn’t get around very well. Mentally I felt stuck, hopeless, and overwhelmed. I was a mess.
-
Have you tried to lose weight before? If so, what was different this time?
I had moments where I’d try to go for walks and eat healthier, but it was never sustainable, I always quit. I put it in the ‘too hard basket’. This time, however, my life was on the line.
-
What method or plan did you follow to lose the weight? (e.g., diet, exercise, surgery, medication, mindset shifts)
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Exercise, Eating Healthy, Mindset shift and dabbled with GLP-1s temporarily.
- How did you approach food—was it about portion control, cutting out certain foods, or something else?
Definitely portion control, being mindful of what I’m eating, and focusing on hitting those calorie and protein targets. There are a lot of foods that I only eat very rarely now, like bread and pasta.
-
What role did exercise play in your journey, and how did you start incorporating it?
I couldn’t physically exercise until I had lost approx 60kgs. I started with aqua aerobics with all the 80yo ladies! Then once I became more mobile, I joined a gym, where I’ve been going roughly 5-6 days a week for 4 years now.
-
What were the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle was the sheer amount of weight that I had to lose and how long of a journey I’d be on. Most people need to lose 50-60kgs, and are successful in the first 1-2 years, but I needed to lose 140+kgs and it’s taken me 4+ years.
- Did you ever experience setbacks? How did you keep going when things got tough?
Yes. My plastic surgeries all set me back mentally/physically. I also had 2 separate friendship breakdowns, and my 2nd Coach left me. Everytime time I experienced a setback, I experienced regain. Some were mild and easier to get out of, but this last one was a doozy and much harder for me, I’m still trying to lose the last of that regain now. I don’t take rejection very well! Support and encouragement go a long way with me to help me get out of the ruts.
-
How did your body feel as you started losing weight?
Lighter! As my mobility improved, I was excited at all the things I could suddenly do again that I hadn’t done in so long, because I was lighter.
- What has been the most rewarding part of losing 140kg?
Saving my life.
-
If you could give advice to someone just starting their weight loss journey, what would it be?
It’s not easy but it’s 100% worth it! Also, take a lot of pictures so you can compare them as you progress along in your journey. They’re a great reminder/motivator to keep you going!
-
Finally, what is your favourite Formulite product, and how would you recommend it for people wanting to start their weight loss journey?
I can’t pick just 1, so I’ll pick 3!….the coffee protein powder – so creamy and yummy! The Lemon and coconut bars – omg like a decadent dessert bar! And the Beef Lupin soup – such a nice savoury way to get in my protein whilst enjoying a nice hot drink (and without many calories!)
If you want to continue to follow Brenda’s inspiring journey you can follow her on Instagram at @theincredibleshrinkingbrenda
Brenda is also publishing her own book – Shrinking Brenda: How Weight Loss Saved My Life which is set to be published late 2025!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The post Brenda’s 140kg Weight Loss Journey: How She Transformed Her Life appeared first on Formulite.