Nominated by: Stephan
Keli is Stephan’s hero because….
‘We first met when she was consulting me for advice and my services as a Personal Trainer in 2010. During our discussion, Keli expressed how difficult she found it to lose weight and that she’d tried everything. She was desperate and thought a Personal Trainer would help her. After a year or so, Keli eventually lost only 2kg and by that time her calorie intake was very restrictive. I felt sorry for her, because here was someone who worked really hard, didn’t eat much and what she ate was very healthy, yet she just couldn’t shift the weight.
After riding an emotional roller coaster Keli managed to summon her courage and opted for a gastric band. Finally, Keli thought she would lose the weight and become the person she knew she had in her, hiding somewhere. Believe it or not Keli’s metabolism was so slow that even the band didn’t work! She lost 3kg and plateaued. I saw the pain and it was a very sad situation.
Luckily Shaw Somers wouldn’t give up on Keli and after numerous consultations they have decided to go for a gastric bypass. In 2016 the day came, Keli had the operation and something incredible happened. Not only did she start losing weight quickly, but the person it revealed was just amazing.
Keli was radiating happiness and vitality. It was a privilege to have witnessed it and to have been part of the journey. Her determination, tenacity, strength and perseverance is something to admire. When Keli was dealing with her dilemma all these years, not once did she let it affect her professional life. Most people didn’t even know it was an issue for her.
Even now that she has an incredible body and just looks absolutely gorgeous, she doesn’t show it off or brag about it, she just wears it with class and style.’
