Emily Jones, a 36-year-old London body-positive influencer who once weighed 21 stone 8 pounds, has undergone £17,500 of surgery to transform her figure, now weighing 9 stone 4 pounds. Her journey included a gastric bypass in Malta, lipedema surgery in Madrid, and a breast and armpit lift in Lithuania, all documented online for her followers.
Weight Struggles From Childhood
Emily said she had been overweight since she was a child. She first went on a diet at just nine years old, as she looked different to the other girls in her class. This kicked off a lifelong cycle of gaining and losing weight.
In March 2014, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which made her weight harder to manage due to limited mobility and various medications. Emily was left needing a walking stick in her 20s just to get around. Then, in the space of six weeks, both of her parents died, leading her to rely heavily on fast and convenience foods due to stress, pain, and tiredness.
Dark Place and Turning Point
Emily said: “I was in a really dark place mentally and felt my life was spiralling out of control – along with my weight. I felt that even throughout the worst periods I was still trying to make an effort not to throw caution to the wind and kept trying to take myself to the gym, and eat as well as possible, but it felt like nothing was working.”
She recalled having a good talk with herself in the mirror and accepting her body, determined not to let it stop her from living life to the fullest. However, she was in so much pain and could barely get around. Her feet would get sore and tired, and travel was harder in a bigger body, with seatbelts and seat size being uncomfortable.
Surgery and New Lifestyle
In January 2024, she spent £5,000 on gastric bypass surgery in Malta, using it as a tool to help put her daily habits on the right track rather than a “one and done” solution. She signed up with a personal trainer and now goes to the gym up to three times a week, plus two Pilates sessions. Her diet includes chia seed pudding with berries for breakfast, and chicken, fish, or steak with vegetables and rice for lunch and dinner, with honey and fruit as a snack.
In March 2026, she had lipedema surgery in Madrid, costing another £5,000. While the condition still persists, it’s easier to manage through swimming, compression, and nutrition. In July 2026, she went to Nordesthetics Clinic in Lithuania for an armpit and breast lift, priced at £7,200.
Life-Changing Results and Mixed Reactions
Emily said: “This has been completely life-changing for me. I had very large arms and heavy breasts before losing weight, so it left me with a lot of loose skin in those areas that became uncomfortable to deal with. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest both physically and mentally.”
She added: “Weirdly, I feel younger, and like I have a lot more vitality, which has helped me to have a fresh perspective on life after going through such a traumatic personal life experience. The reactions have been mixed; there are definitely some people who would have preferred me to stay bigger. But, overall, the reaction – particularly to my plastics journey – has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Emily acknowledged that life is often easier in a smaller body, but she hopes to encourage others that change can be an act of self-love. She said: “It's a shame to admit that, now having experienced life on both sides of the coin, life is often easier in a smaller body. But I really hope to encourage others to understand that change doesn't always have to be driven purely by self-hate, but it can be the greatest act of self-love and care to make changes to better your health and lifestyle. You can love yourself along the way too.”
