My 52st body was crushing me from the inside out, people call me lazy but they have no idea what I’ve been through
A WOMAN has told how her 52 stone body was crushing her from the inside out.
At just 5ft tall Nikki Aguayo's bulk was quickly becoming life-threatening and in 2022 her heart started failing.
She was rushed to hospital and put on oxygen where doctors gave her a harrowing prognosis: just a few months to live.
"I was told I wouldn't live past December 2023," recalls Nikki, who works as a dispatcher.
"As a single mum, the thought of leaving my two daughters behind was unbearable.
“It was this maternal instinct, coupled with a spark of hope, that ignited my will to fight for my life."
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QUICK TO JUDGE
Nikki, who has had a complicated relationship with food since childhood, says people are too quick to judge those who are overweight.
"People often have a lot to say, thinking they know why someone might be overweight,” she explains.
“They label us as lazy or assume all we do is sit around munching on junk food.
“Sure, some stereotypes have a grain of truth, but it's not the whole story.
“There's often a lot of mental and emotional stuff going on behind the scenes that people don't see.”
Nikki says that the latter is true for herself having dealt with a series of traumatic experiences.
She says: “I have been sexually assaulted. I have had troubled relationships. My mum passed away. My daughter struggled with addiction. I miscarried.
“All of these traumas led me to seek comfort in food.
“The challenge with food addiction, unlike other addictions, is that temptation lurks on nearly every corner, from fast-food chains to convenience stores, making it a constant battle."
DRASTIC CHANGES
Over the past year, Nikki has been working hard to change her relationship with food.
She has learned to recognise and resist the urge for unnecessary second helpings and to be okay with not feeling hungry.
Numerous lifestyle changes have led to her losing almost 24st and shedding 741cm off her body.
"I've steered clear of surgeries and medical interventions, choosing a more natural path instead,” she says.
“My daily routine includes drinking two protein shakes, complemented by fruits, greens, collagen, and an elixir product.
“These have helped my overall health and even made my hair grow.
“Despite incorporating these products, I haven't restricted myself from enjoying regular food. I firmly believe in moderation over restriction.
“Telling myself I can't have something only increases the craving, so instead, I focus on portion control, which has been a game-changer for me.”
STILL A STRUGGLE
Nikki admits that she still struggles with emotional eating and is often tempted during times of stress.
"Stress still gets to me, and I find myself struggling with food choices during those times,” she says.
“Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster, what with my daughter getting married, job shifts, and some tough personal losses.
“There were days I just couldn't eat much and ended up living off protein bars.
“My weight's been all over the place, really showing me there's no magic recipe for this whole weight loss thing.
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“But trying different stuff, like fasting or cutting back on carbs, has taught me a lot.
“While indulging in sweets like doughnuts, cakes, or Twinkies is tempting, it's important to prioritise healthier choices like fruits, proteins, and vegetables.
“I don't believe in extreme dietary restrictions, such as completely cutting out carbs or sugars. It's about setting realistic expectations and not depriving oneself of the occasional treat, like a cup of rice or a tortilla, because absolute denial can lead to stronger cravings."
And Nikki’s hard work has really paid off with the mum noticing benefits in aspects of her life.
She continues: "Recently, I went back to the hospital for an EKG to see whether my heart had improved.
“The doctors couldn't believe how much weight I'd lost. The other day, I managed to put on a bra without needing an extender and let me tell you, it felt amazing.
“It made me realise all the little things I'd taken for granted."
I dream of strolling through malls and shops without my joints burning
Nikki Aguayo
Encouraged by her daughter, Nikki took a bold step to share her weight loss journey online, never anticipating the ripple effect it would create.
With each post, Nikki peeled back the layers of her struggle, sharing her journey's raw and honest moments.
"I'm very open on social media,” she says.
“I've done videos detailing how my weight has fluctuated and spoken candidly about setbacks I've faced, like climbing back up to 40st."
Nikki has been working with a trainer who has helped her figure out what food and exercise work best for her.
"My main focus right now is improving my ability to walk more comfortably and stand for longer periods,” she says.
“I dream of strolling through malls and shops without my joints burning and constantly searching for a place to sit.
Different types of weight loss surgery
For many people who are overweight or obese, they may feel they have exhausted options for weight loss and want to try something more drastic.
Weight loss surgery may be available to them on the NHS if they have a BMI over 40 and have a condition that may be improved with weight loss, such as diabetes.
But the availability of these procedures largely depends on where you live in the UK. People can also pay privately.
Weight loss surgery is a common and safe procedure. However, as with any operation, there are risks, such as a blood clot, a band slipping out of place, a stomach infection, gallstones and excessive skin from weight loss that in most cases, won’t be removed on the NHS.
In all of the following options, the space in the stomach is reduced, therefore a person feels fuller after eating less food. They lose weight as a result.
However, it is necessary for them to also learn good eating habits and have a healthy balanced diet, too.
Gastric bypass
The stomach is divided into two using a staple. The smaller part is connected to the intestines, effectively cutting how much space there is in the stomach by half.
The operation takes around two hours.
Gastric band
A band is tied around the top of the stomach and inflated so that it tightens.
The operation takes three to four hours.
Gastric balloon
Patients swallow an empty balloon which is attached to a tube.
The balloon is filled with water via the tube, taking around 20 minutes, so that it fills around two-thirds of the stomach space.
Sleeve gastrectomy
Around 80 per cent of the stomach is removed in surgery to make it much smaller and a sleeve shape.
The operation takes between one and three hours.
“I remember a trip to Caesar's Palace, where I realised how much I wanted this simple freedom.
“And it's not just about shopping; I've never been to a concert, and I long to experience one without worrying about sitting or standing for long periods.
“I have to build my endurance to stand and walk.
“This means regular workouts, which I jokingly refer to as sessions in 'the dungeon,' focusing on movement and strengthening various parts of my body.”
Looking to the future, Nikki says her body is ‘a work in progress’ but she’s proud of how far she’s come.
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"Every day, I'm one step closer to my goal weight. I know I still have a long way to go, but with every pound that comes off, I get to live life again.
“My message to others wanting to reclaim their life is don’t ever give up, no matter how hard things are.”
