Last year, Jodie Coleman and Mark Harwood tipped the scales at a whopping 44st. But after buying each other gastric bypass surgery for Christmas, they look and feel like a different couple – so much so that friends and family barely recognise them.
Jodie, 35, and fiancé Mark, 40, had tried several diets since getting together 11 years ago. But when Mark’s mum died in 2014, the pair realised they desperately needed to do something about their weight.
Mark found a clinic in Lithuania to perform a gastric bypass op – and, as Jodie wanted one too, they agreed to pay for each other’s surgery as an early Christmas gift.
Since then, they’ve lost an incredible 20st between them. Jodie has gone from 18st to 7st 7lb, while Mark has dropped from 26st 7lb to 16st.
Mum-of-three Jodie, from Norfolk, says, “It’s the best gift we could have got each other. Christmas used to be all about food for us. We’d lay on a huge buffet for ourselves – you could have fed about 30 people with the amount of food we’d buy.
“This year, the gastric bypasses mean we’ll have small portions. Probably just a roast potato, a bit of turkey, half a pig in blanket and a small amount of veg. It won’t be a feast – but it’s worth it!”
Jodie, who works in sales and has Brooke, 12, from a previous relationship, and Lochlan, eight, and Fletcher, six, with Mark, had been slim as a teenager. But after having children, her weight crept up, and by the time she met Mark in 2008, she was a size 16. At 5ft 4in and weighing 14st 7lbs, she was classed as obese.
She says, “Mark was big too, and loved food as much as me. We were bad influences on each other. We’d have a huge fry-up for breakfast, a big lunch like fish and chips, and then we’d get an Indian takeaway for dinner with all the trimmings, such as extra rice, naan breads and samosas. And we’d always have something sweet afterwards.
“After a couple of years, my weight had crept up to 18st. And Mark, who is 6ft, weighed 26st 7lb and had to wear 6XL T-shirts. As we got bigger, we hated going out as we felt people were staring at us. It was tough on the children, as their friends said things like, ‘Your dad’s really fat.’ It was heartbreaking.
“There were problems everywhere we went, especially at Christmas – we had to skip the children’s nativity plays because we couldn’t sit on the small seats, or even just stand at the back. And pantomimes were a no-no for the same reason. Every now and then, we’d try to diet, but our lack of willpower – and our love of takeaways – meant we’d fall off the wagon.”
Matters came to a head in January 2014. Mark’s mother, Susan, died after a battle with cancer. She’d been big most of her life, despite having an NHS gastric bypass in 2009. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and her death made Mark confront his own mortality.
He couldn’t walk far without getting out of breath and his GP warned him several times that he needed to lose weight because he was putting his heart under strain. So, he began researching gastric surgery and decided to go privately to skip the NHS waiting time, which is now three years.
Jodie says, “When he told me he was doing it, I decided to go too – I didn’t want to be the only fat one! Like Mark, I couldn’t walk upstairs without getting out of breath and my knees always ached. I felt at least 20 years older than I was.”
Mark found a hospital in Lithuania and, for both of them to go, it cost £11k – which they decided to give to each other as an early Christmas present.
The couple flew to Lithuania in August 2018. Jodie says, “We’d heard horror stories about surgery overseas, so we did our homework. When we found a surgeon in Lithuania who trained British surgeons, we knew we were in safe hands.
“It was expensive, but it was the most perfect gift to each other. We knew it would give us a new lease of life.”
Mark was taken down to theatre first, followed by Jodie an hour later, where surgeons operated to permanently reduce the size of their stomachs. Hours later, they came around from the anesthetic in a private ward and, the following day, they were discharged back to their hotel room to recover. And a few days later they were given the green light to fly home.
Jodie says, “We felt sore but we were excited. The weirdest thing was not knowing what to do with ourselves – cooking and eating had taken up so much of our time before. Now we could only manage purée and soups and had no appetite at all.”
Slowly, they began reintroducing small portions of solid foods into their diet. By last Christmas, they’d already lost 3st each and were able to manage a small dinner.
Jodie says, “We both felt amazing. We didn’t exchange gifts because we’d already given each other the best present possible – new bodies!”
CHECK OUT what to watch on TV this festive season
Christmas and New TV 2019 slider
1 of 19Miranda
New Year's Day, 5.45pm, BBC1This special one-off show, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Miranda hitting our screens, was filmed at the London Palladium. Miranda is joined by castmates Patricia Hodge and Sarah Hadland (fingers crossed for Tom Ellis as well), and musical guests include McFly and Heather Small. Such fun!
2 of 19Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show
Christmas Day, 6pm, BBC1Yes, this may be part of the regular series – but as it's Christmas Day and the BIG ONE, Michael McIntyre is going all out to make this show simply the best. Don't miss the TV gold of Sharon Osbourne handing over her mobile phone for Send To All (see more on this in our chat with Michael below), while Craig Revel Horwood potentially isn't feeling quite so fab-u-lous as usual when Michael wakes him up mid-slumber. And there's a spectacular festive performance from the Unexpected Star. Merry Yule!
3 of 19Kylie's Secret Night
Christmas Day, 10.30, C4A specially invited audience arrive at a TV studio and settle in for what they think is a Kylie-themed evening for fans hosted by Alan Carr. But no! Actual Kylie herself is there, chatting through her career, from Neighbours' pop poppet to the national treasure and icon she is today. There are surprises for both the audience and the singer, some super-fans get the shock of their lives when someone unexpected gets in their taxi, and Kylie meets people who were named after her. Hilarious and heart-warming – don't miss. ALSO WATCH: Kylie's Golden Tour, Xmas Day, 12 midnight, C4
4 of 19Alan Carr's Celebrity Re-play 2019
Monday 30th Dec, 9pm, ITVCan we all remember what's happened over the past 12 months in Celebville? Alan Carr and Angellica Bell are here to help, with this fun-filled entertainment show celebrating the best 2019 had to offer in terms of all things famous people-related. Topics under discussion include Stormzy smashing Glastonbury, RuPaul finally bringing Drag Race to the UK, and Boris Johnson doing his thing in Parliament. We're promised clips, virals, comedy moments and surprise guests – and one pair getting to win £25,000 for charidee. With Alan at the helm, anything could happen!
5 of 19The Graham Norton Show: New Year's Eve Show
New Year's Eve, 10.20pm, BBC1It's NY Eve – why would you even want to go out when Graham Norton's on the box? Obvs, the guests are on the impressive side tonight – Tom Hanks (starring as an American kids' TV host in his new film), Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, and Line Of Duty/This Is England star Stephen Graham. Melanie C is providing the tunes, plus there's a special Hogmanay Red Chair slot. You can also catch Graham on Good Show Business Guide, 3 Jan, 11pm, BBC1.
6 of 19Cinderella: After Ever After
Christmas Eve, 8pm, Sky One/Now TVDavid Walliams plays Prince Charming in a new version of Cinderella – but with a twist. After her wedding to the prince, Cinderella (Sian Gibson) soon realises that she hasn't got the fairytale ending she thought. Rather than her knight in shining armour, the prince is a vain, flossing-obsessed (the dance, that is) doofus, and her evil stepmother (Celia Imrie) is making the life of Cinders' father-in-law (Tom Courtenay) an absolute misery. Silly lines and fart jokes abound. Great fun.
7 of 19Take Off with Bradley and Holly
Christmas Eve, 8pm, ITVBradley Walsh and Holly Willoughby spread festive joy as lucky audience members have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland in this one-off festive entertainment show.
8 of 19The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off
Christmas Day/New Year's Day, 7.10/7.40, C4Noel, Sandi, Prue and Paul re-assemble for a seasonal edition of the show. The Dec 25 episode sees them joined by bakers past (2017's Tom and Yan, plus 2018's Briony and Terry). The biggest excitement, however, is rockers Status Quo dropping by – and everyone singing along to Rockin' All Over The World. On NY Day, the Derry Girls cast do some baking, and make the judges dress up in school uniform. Ace.
9 of 19Paddington: The Man Behind the Bear
Boxing Day, 9pm, BBC2The tale of how a humble bear from Peru – with a liking for marmalade – became such an icon. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, it's also the story of his unassuming creator, Michael Bond. Famous admirers pop up as well, such as Stephen Fry and Jeremy Clarkson.
10 of 19Call The Midwife Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 7pm, BBC1Our favourite CTM characters return for the annual Christmas outing. This epic 90-minute episode is a break from the norm (the cast have been shipped to the remote Outer Hebrides, where Mother Mildred – Miriam Margolyes – thinks their skills are needed). Brace yourselves for antics including Trixie (Helen George) getting friendly with a calf, Dr Turner rolling his sleeves up in the most intense of settings, and Reggie on a mass paper chain-making mission.
11 of 19A Christmas Carol
Sunday 22nd - Christmas Eve, 9.05pm, BBC1Written by Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight, and with Tom Hardy as one of the executive producers, this spine-tingling version of A Christmas Carol is definitely one to put on your viewing list. The three-part adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless novel boasts a stellar cast that includes Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley, Guy Pearce as Scrooge and Andy Serkis as the Ghost Of Christmas Past, along with Joe Alwyn and Charlotte Riley. Prepare to be spooked as Scrooge is forced to face his many misdemeanours…
12 of 19Dr Who New Year's Special
New Year's Day, 6.55pm, BBC1Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor lands back on our TVs, and she's got all her old gang with her. Graham (Bradley Walsh), Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Ryan (Tosin Cole) are once again her travelling companions. Tonight's first instalment of a two-part adventure sees the crew hook up with Stephen Fry.
13 of 19The Christmas Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan
Sunday 22nd December, 9pm BBC2After the Arctic, Romesh Ranganathan vowed never to go anywhere cold again. He's in the Sahara – where an inescapable wall of heat beats down...
14 of 19Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year's Special
Christmas Day and New Year's Day, 10.30pm, BBC1Mrs Brown fans, rejoice! You've got two helpings of hilarious potty-mouthed festive fun from the queen of Dublin town. There's bad news for Winnie when Agnes discovers Peggy Piper the Pernod Poisoner is out on appeal and could be coming back to Finglas. Yikes! Meanwhile, Betty's annoyed with Mrs B for giving Bono money, but then an angel-in-training shows up (yep, really), and the world turns upside down.
15 of 19Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 8.30, BBC1Tidy! Back after a 10-year break, Gavin & Stacey is as funny as ever, with Ruth Jones and James Corden's writing still bang on the money. Alison Steadman is on brilliant form as Pam packs in her own inimitable way for a Welsh Christmas, and Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) is attempting to prepare lunch for 13 people. Meanwhile, Neil The Baby only answers to his full name even though he's 11. As for Smithy, he's still the same old lovable idiot. Lush festive viewing.
16 of 19Dancing on Ice at Christmas
Sunday 22nd December, 7pm, ITVThere's still a fortnight to go until the new series lands, but tonight we find out who the new batch of celebrities are paired with, professional dancer-wise, and the 12 famous faces take to the rink for the first time. The likes of Joe Swash, Ian Watkins (aka 'H' from Steps), Love Island's Maura Higgins, Michael Barrymore and Trisha Goddard have all signed up to dice with danger (those blades!). John Barrowman is a new judge, and Torvill 'n' Dean will be performing a fancy routine. Ooh!
17 of 19Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Christmas Day, 4.40pm, BBC1Celebs from previous series, including Debbie McGee, Richard Arnold and Mark Wright, slip back into their dancing shoes for a joyous helping of festive Strictly magic. Actress Gemma Atkinson teams up with real-life partner Gorka Marquez, and YouTuber Joe Sugg and professional dancer Dianne Buswell – who also found love on the show – compete as well. Perfect post-turkey viewing.
18 of 19First Dates at Christmas
Christmas Day, 9.30pm, Channel 4Singletons from across the UK gather at a cosy countryside pub for a date night sprinkled with Yuletide magic. Fred Sirieix and co are there to welcome the likes of Kieran, 25 (he wants a real-life Barbie who can see past his six-pack), 67-year-old divorcée Suzy and single-mum Amy, 30, who wants a man who accepts her fake tan addiction.
19 of 19Gordon, Gino and Fred Christmas Road Trip: Three Unwise Men
Monday 23rd December, 9pm, ITVGordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix once again join forces for a cultural road trip. This time, they're in Morocco, with such highlights as seeing the unlikely trio attempting to ride camels, herd goats, and travel in donkey carts. They don't actually celebrate Christmas in Marrakesh, but the boys are determined to make it a culinary road trip to remember regardless.
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By January this year, the pair had lost enough weight to feel confident enough to join a gym – and, since then, their bodies have transformed even more.
Jodie says, “I was worried about loose skin, but I’ve toned up nicely.”
She shrank to an incredible 7st 7lb and a size 6 to 8, and Mark to 16st. And there’s also been an unexpected bonus.
Jodie admits, “Our sex life was virtually non-existent before. We’d do it occasionally, but neither of us felt sexy being so big – now it’s amazing!
“It might sound odd, but when we get undressed at night it feels like we’re cheating on each other because we both look so different. We fancy each other like mad and I can’t keep my hands off him. The sex really is better than ever.”
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Now, the couple – who have been engaged for ten years – are thinking about setting a date for their wedding. Jodie says, “Neither of us could bear the thought of getting married when we were obese. The thought of shopping for a wedding dress or walking down the aisle filled me with dread. There’s nothing holding us back now. Our kids are thrilled and tell us weekly that they love their new mummy and daddy.”
Jodie is so pleased with her new look and lifestyle that she’s started a business helping others to travel abroad for surgery.
She says, “For some people it isn’t as simple as just eating less – they need extra help. Mark and I definitely did and it’s made a huge difference to our lives.
“We’re looking forward to this Christmas, though we have no idea what to get each other – we’ll never be able to top buying each other brand new bodies.”
Read more in this week's Closer magazine, out now