My husband feels like he is having an affair with a new woman after I turned 12

A MOTHER who lost 12 STONE in just nine months says her husband feels like he is having an affair with a new woman because she looks so unrecognizable.

Lee Clark, 38, has always struggled with her weight, tipping the scales at 29 pounds and wearing a size 32 at her biggest weight.

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The mother-of-one felt constantly ‘guilty’ as she struggled to play with her daughter, Skylar, five – and also suffered from arthritis in her knees and sleep apnea.

After hearing about friends’ successful weight-loss surgeries, she decided to look into it herself.

Lee flew to İzmir, Turkey, in February 2024 for a £3,500 gastric sleeve, which helped her lose 12kg.

Now he weighs 13 pounds and can wear a size 10. Feeling like a new woman, Lee says her husband, Eddie Clark, 43, jokes that he is having an affair with another woman.

Lee, a call center worker from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, said: “My husband says ‘you look great’.

“He says, ‘I fell in love with you when you were older, but I love that you’re doing this for you.’

“He joked that he feels like he’s having an affair with another woman because I’ve lost a woman [huge] amount of weight.”

Eddie, a forklift driver, added: “It’s like I’m having an affair.

“People are probably thinking ‘who is this?’

“People do a double take because it’s so short. We went to one of my best friends’ wedding last June and they haven’t seen her since.

Their faces contorted in surprise.

“She’s taken a big step. She’s always had a big personality, but a bigger personality is coming out of her.”

Lee has always been a “big girl” and despite trying endless diets, she always found herself gaining weight.

She said: “Becoming a mother made me feel guilty. I couldn’t play on the swings or slide with her.

“I also had quite a few health problems. I had sleep apnea and snored quite loudly.

“No matter what diets I tried, nothing worked for me.”

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Lee began researching weight loss surgery options in October 2023 after hearing about her friends’ experiences.

She said: “The doctor said I would be lucky to live for the next five years without any assistance – a mobility scooter or something.”

After a consultation at İzmir Ekol Hospital – which has a base in Britain – Lee felt “excited” to have the operation.

She said: “I was buzzing. It felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

Lee flew to Turkey in February for her gastric bypass, which involved cutting out 80 percent of the stomach.

She was put on a diet plan after the operation and lost almost three stone in the first few weeks.

Gradually, she started to see more weight drop — and is now a healthier 16st 13 pounds.

Lee said: “At first I didn’t really notice the difference.

“Now that I see it, it feels great. I feel great.”

“Strangers say I look great and my daughter has noticed the difference. She says ‘hello skinny mom’.”

Lee hasn’t drastically changed her diet either, but can no longer eat the large portions she used to.

She added: “I can’t eat the crusts of a sandwich and I have a platter or a side plate [portion of food].”

The surgery brought with it mental problems, but Lee has also seen the positive health effects and can now climb stairs without getting out of breath.

She said: “I never had regular periods before I was a teenager. I was lucky if I got it two to three times a year.

“Now since February I have a fixed period like clock work.”

Lee hopes to inspire others with their weight-loss journeys – and that the surgical journey can be life-changing.

She said: “Everyone is different. What worked for me may not work for others.

“When they walk the same route, it is mentally challenging.

“Once you get used to it and see the results, you’ll feel great.

“I’m never hungry. I lost what I expected. I’m happy with where I am now.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made.”