A Disney superfan, Ben Clark, who once struggled with his weight to the extent that he couldn’t fit on theme park rides, has achieved a remarkable transformation by losing 230 pounds. Now, he not only enjoys all the rides but also performs on stage as Prince Charming.
Weighing 420 pounds with a waist measuring 48-50 inches, Ben reached a critical moment in September 2022. After flying all the way to Florida, he was denied boarding on several Disney World rides due to his size. This realization pushed him to take drastic action. In October 2022, he traveled to Poland for gastric sleeve surgery, a decision that would change his life.
Ben spent £5,000 ($6,300) on the procedure, which included flights and medication. The gastric sleeve surgery involved removing two-thirds of his stomach, allowing him to feel full after consuming smaller meals. This significant step enabled him to enjoy Disney rides with ease and marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
“I’m a huge Disney nerd,” said Ben, a 35-year-old, who has a deep passion for musical theatre. His love for performing arts, combined with his background as a dance teacher, fueled his desire to return to the stage. His weight loss journey provided the confidence and physical ability to do so.
Ben’s transformation allowed him to land his dream role in a stage production at St. Lawrence College in Kent. “I have been back on stage in three amateur shows since losing weight and finally played the role of Prince Charming in Cinderella,” he proudly shares. “The weight loss has given me confidence. I would not have been able to do this before.”
Ben attributes his success to his godmother, who recommended the clinic in Poland after undergoing a similar procedure the previous year.
Despite the painful operation and the stringent dietary targets before and after surgery, Ben remained committed. “A lot of people think it is ‘the easy way out,’ but you still have to do a lot of work after. The stomach is still a muscle and you can stretch it, so for eight weeks after you are on a very strict diet,” he explains.
His diet and lifestyle have drastically changed. “I can eat anything, but only small amounts—like, I will have a small chicken breast and some vegetables and be full,” Ben notes.
He now weighs 177 pounds and has adopted several hacks to maintain his discipline. For instance, he uses a side plate instead of a regular one to make his meals look fuller and avoid overeating. (His diet can be found below)
“Instead of using a normal plate, I will use a side plate. It still looks like a full meal that way,” he adds.
One of Ben’s worst habits was consuming over two liters of soda daily. He has since replaced sugary drinks with water, juice, or decaf coffee.
He explained, “I still treat myself to chocolate or sweets, or what I want, but it’s in small quantities and once in a blue moon.”
Ben’s weight loss journey has not only improved his health but also his overall happiness. It inspired him to change careers and relocate from a small town to the vibrant city of Manchester.
He now aims to save money for procedures to remove loose skin and for a trip back to Florida to enjoy the Disney rides he missed two years ago.
His Diet Before Weight Loss:
- Breakfast: Nothing
- Lunch: Nothing
- Mid-afternoon snack: A cake or chocolate bar
- Dinner: A fully cooked dinner portion for two, a roast
- Late night snack: Takeaway (kebab, chips, chicken wings, KFC, or a large amount of McDonald’s)
- Drinks: Two liters of fizzy drink a day
His Diet Post-Surgery:
- Breakfast: Protein porridge or overnight oats
- Mid-morning snack: Boiled egg or protein bar/shake
- Lunch: Chicken breast (flavored) or a tin of tuna
- Afternoon snack: Nuts, hummus, or protein bar/shake
- Dinner: Heavy protein meal, side plate size
- Drinks: Water or squash, decaf coffee
Ben’s incredible journey from struggling with weight to performing as Prince Charming is a testament to his determination and resilience. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, proving that with dedication and the right support, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
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