A life-altering moment on a rollercoaster prompted Ivanna Bermudez to embark on a significant weight loss journey. Once weighing over 18 stone (approximately 114 kg), the 31-year-old mother from Chessington, southwest London, faced a harsh reality when she was unable to secure the safety bar on a funfair ride due to her size. This experience was not just humiliating; it served as a catalyst for change.
As she settled into the seat alongside her six-year-old daughter, Eva-Sophia, Ivanna’s excitement quickly turned to despair. “The operator used his whole body weight to push it down to no avail. ‘I’m really sorry’, he said, ‘It’s not safe’,” she recounted, her voice tinged with emotion. The moment left her in tears, realizing her weight was hindering her ability to be the mother she aspired to be.
Ivanna’s struggles with weight began in her teenage years, compounded by unhealthy eating habits. “My mum worked late,” she explained. “Food was her love language, so we would often eat together when I got home.” This pattern continued as she transitioned into adulthood, leading to substantial weight gain during her pregnancy with Eva-Sophia. By the time she turned 31, Ivanna weighed 18 stone 2 pounds (approximately 115 kgTurning Point and Resolution
Determined to reclaim her health, Ivanna joined Slimming World, although she initially doubted the program’s effectiveness. “How can a plan that allows you to eat unlimited carbs possibly work?” she questioned. After a week of following the program, her skepticism began to fade when she lost 6.5 pounds (approximately 3 kg4 stone (approximately 25 kg). As her journey progressed, Ivanna discovered she was pregnant again. With concerns about maintaining her weight loss, she found reassurance in Slimming World’s collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives, which focuses on healthy eating for expectant mothers. This support helped her manage her weight during her pregnancies with daughters Aamiliah-Zayn (born in 2018) and son Shakeel (born in 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic further motivated Ivanna to cook healthy meals at home, and she emerged lighter, weighing 12 stone 7 pounds (approximately 80 kg). Today, she weighs 9 stone 9.5 pounds (approximately 62 kg), having lost a total of 8 stone 6.5 pounds (approximately 54 kg). Ivanna’s transformation has allowed her to engage fully in her children’s activities. “I’m reclaiming my life and setting my children up for a healthy, happy future,” she expressed proudly. No longer burdened by health issues, she has overcome pre-diabetes and can now join her children on all the rollercoasters they desire. “The bigger, the better—I fit in all of them!” she exclaimed. For those considering a similar journey, Ivanna encourages them to explore how Slimming World can assist in managing weight before, during, and after pregnancy. The program has not only changed her life but also serves as a foundation for her family’s future well-being.Life After Transformation
