Woman's 14 Stone Weight Loss Journey After Doctors Said She Couldn't Have Children
A young woman from South Shields has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding more than half her body weight after medical professionals delivered the devastating news that she would likely never be able to conceive children due to her size.
Elliemay Sherwin, now 24 years old, weighed 24 stone 10 pounds at her heaviest and wore a size 24. The crushing diagnosis came alongside confirmation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, two conditions that can significantly impact fertility.
Medical Intervention and Lifestyle Transformation
Determined to change her life's trajectory, Elliemay underwent an NHS gastric bypass procedure in July 2024. Since that surgical intervention, she has lost an astonishing 14 stone, bringing her current weight down to 10 stone 6 pounds and a size six.
"When I was told I couldn't have children, it really scared me," Elliemay revealed. "My health was taking away the chance for me to bring a part of me into the world. I felt like my purpose of being a woman had been taken away from me."
The weight loss has produced significant medical benefits. Recent scans have shown that the damage to her ovaries has been reversed through substantial weight reduction, meaning she can now contemplate starting a family with her partner when they feel ready.
Additional Surgical Procedures and Psychological Impact
Following her dramatic weight loss, Elliemay faced the common issue of excess skin, which began affecting her confidence. In December 2025, she travelled to Lithuania for a £5,000 tummy tuck procedure that removed six pounds of loose skin.
"When it came to surgery, I did shed a few tears as I was saying goodbye to a part of me that I hated for so long," she admitted. "But it's the best thing I have ever done. I absolutely love my flat stomach and I never thought I would see the day."
The psychological transformation has been equally profound. Elliemay now embraces activities she previously avoided, including gym workouts and having her photograph taken without digital alteration.
Childhood Struggles and Changing Relationships
Elliemay's weight struggles began in childhood. She joined Slimming World at just nine years old and experimented with extreme dieting methods during her teenage years, including dangerously low-calorie regimens and purchasing diet pills online.
"I've always been big," she explained. "From around nine, I joined Slimming World and WeightWatchers. I think I was always given bigger portions as a child and not the healthiest options."
The social impact has been significant, with even close family members struggling to recognise her after the transformation. She described an encounter where her own grandmother failed to identify her until they were face-to-face.
Future Plans and Dietary Changes
Elliemay now plans to travel with her partner Niall, 23, potentially to Australia, before settling down to start a family. She credits her weight loss with giving her the confidence to approach her partner initially.
Her dietary habits have undergone complete transformation. Previously consuming multiple bags of crisps, chocolate bars, and sugary drinks daily, she now focuses on balanced meals with meat, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, supplemented by healthier snacks like rice cakes and fruit.
"Losing weight completely changes you," Elliemay reflected. "I love not struggling to get up in the morning, I love getting dressed and being told I look happy and glowing because I'm genuinely really happy."
The journey from size 24 to size six represents not just physical transformation but recovery of hope, confidence, and future possibilities for this determined young woman from South Shields.
