Waiter's Embarrassing Error Becomes Catalyst for Dramatic Nine Stone Weight Loss
A woman from Rochester, Kent, has revealed how a waiter's mistaken assumption that she was pregnant became the pivotal moment that inspired her to lose an incredible nine stone in just over two years. Jessica Gabb, a 33-year-old business development manager, says the incident, while mortifying at the time, ultimately set her on a path to reclaim her health and confidence.
The Fateful Night That Changed Everything
In February 2023, Jessica went out to celebrate her pregnant friend Lucy's 30th birthday at a fancy restaurant before attending the theatre. "I popped to the loo and she ordered the drinks," Jessica recalled. "She was getting a mocktail and I ordered an espresso martini. When I got back the guy put the fruity one in front of me. I was like, 'what's this?' He was like, 'a mocktail because you're pregnant'. I made a joke of it and we laughed but I was dying of embarrassment."
Despite laughing it off in the moment, Jessica says the waiter's comment hit her hard. At her heaviest, she weighed 20 stone 7.5 pounds and wore a size 26. The incident served as a stark wake-up call about how others perceived her body.
A Journey From Pastries to Personal Bests
Jessica's weight gain had been gradual at first, beginning when she moved away to university in Cardiff in 2011. However, the Covid pandemic and subsequent furlough from work in 2020 accelerated her weight gain dramatically. "I think it went one or two ways, people either got healthy or not healthy, and I went down the not healthy route," she admitted. "I was furloughed so I was baking loads and selling baked goods. My sister was on maternity leave so we'd order in wine."
Her daily diet at her heaviest included:
- Pastries or toast with pre-made iced coffees for breakfast
- Shop-bought meal deals for lunch
- Unhealthy versions of creamy pastas, curries, or sausage and mash for dinner
- Constant snacking on biscuits at work
Despite being active as a teenager, playing hockey for her local team, Jessica found her fitness routine slipping away as adult responsibilities took over. "I didn't have time to go to the gym or do stuff I was just tired," she explained.
Transformation Through Slimming World
In August 2023, six months after the mocktail incident, Jessica joined Slimming World with her sister Natalie, 39. "It got to the point where all my friends were settling down and having kids," she said. "I had zero confidence and didn't like the way I looked and I didn't want to put myself out there."
The structured plan proved ideal for Jessica's organized personality. "I'm quite an organised person so I find it an easy plan to follow," she noted. "It's just like calorie counting but they've done the hard bit for you so you don't have to calorie count."
Her new approach to food involves:
- Healthier breakfasts like yoghurt with fruit or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
- Leftovers such as salads or rice dishes for lunch
- Healthier versions of her favourite dinners, focusing on cooking methods rather than complete deprivation
"It's not really the stuff I eat it's how I cook it," Jessica explained. "I really have found a love for cooking and of trying to have what I used to have but a healthier version."
From Size 26 to Half Marathon Training
Jessica's transformation has been remarkable. She has shed nine stone, dropping to 11 stone 7.5 pounds and shrinking from a size 26 to a size 12. With just half a stone remaining until her goal weight, she has rediscovered her passion for fitness in a big way.
She is currently training for the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2026 and has joined a running club with her brother Ben, 38, which she says has strengthened their bond. "I'm definitely more confident," Jessica reflected. "I see pictures of me before and I don't recognise it – I feel like this is me."
What began as an embarrassing restaurant mix-up has evolved into a complete lifestyle transformation, proving that sometimes the most uncomfortable moments can become powerful catalysts for positive change.
