After trying diets and even contemplating gastric surgery, 5ft 10 Lotta, 51, decided on the drastic option of using Aspire Assist – a controversial weight loss device where users pump food out of their stomach.
It's claimed the procedure - available in some parts of Europe and in the UK on private healthcare - has helped hundreds of patients in the US to lose weight,but experts have slammed it for allowing people to overeat without addressing the root cause of their obesity.
But for Lotta, it has transformed her life.
In just over a year she’d lost 11st, by pumping food out of her stomach after almost every meal.
The mum-of-one, who lives in Florida, USA, says:
“I’ve always had a big appetite and love rich foods. "Diets never worked but this has finally helped me shed the weight. "At first I’d use the pump after every meal, but when I reached my goal weight of 11 stone I slowed down to once a day.
"I’m thrilled with the results.”
**Read the rest of this story in Closer magazine, out today **