Big Brother legend Nadia Almada is celebrating a remarkable transformation after shedding over six stone following gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
Now aged 47, Nadia, who made history as the first transgender winner of Big Brother 20 years ago, has experienced a life-changing journey. She has dropped from 17st 6lb to 11st 8lb, going from a size 20 to a size 12, and attributes her newfound vitality to the surgical procedure.
Nadia recalls how her mother’s encouragement led her to choose surgery after spending Christmas with family in Portugal. “I was a size 20 and a mere shadow of my former self. I lacked stamina, energy, and there was an increased risk of severe heart problems or stroke due to the weight I was carrying,” she stated. “Moreover, I couldn’t wear heels because my feet were so swollen. That was the final straw.”
Post-surgery, Nadia describes her life as akin to a fresh start, saying, “I feel more attractive being slender. Within just three months, my cholesterol and thyroid levels had decreased. I have more energy and I simply feel better about myself. The surgery was truly life-saving for me.”
Nadia reflects on her mental challenges following surgery, dealing with cravings and learning to adjust her eating habits. “I started watching mukbang videos to trick my brain into thinking that I was eating what I was seeing. I also had to retrain my eating patterns, using smaller plates to accommodate my reduced appetite,” she shares.
As Big Brother returns for a new season and marks the 20th anniversary of her historic win, Nadia humorously expresses her desire to revisit the house. She states, “I’d love to be part of the new series! Perhaps I could pop in for a cheeky task, or recreate the bedsit task from my series. Come on, I’m the legend. I’m the OG!” She adds her interest in appearing on other reality shows, such as ‘I’m A Celeb’, noting her ability to cope with the food rations due to her new eating habits.
Source: Daily Express