I was size 22 eating FIVE takeaways a week – now I'm told I look like Gemma Owen after 8st weight loss without jabs
A MUM got a jaw-dropping 'revenge body' with £5,000 'tweakments' and losing eight stone - gaining comparisons to Love Island star Gemma Owen.
Amy Salmon says when her long-term relationship broke down in March last year she was a size 22 and felt 'horrific' in her own skin.
15
Amy Salmon when she was size 22 before her weight loss
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Amy lost eight stone to get a 'revenge body' and now oozes confidence
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Gemma opted for a £4,200 gastric sleeve in June 2024
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
But after undergoing
Unbelievable photos show Amy a year apart looking strikingly different - with the aesthetics practitioner claiming she's now a completely different person both mentally and physically.
When the mum-of-two first met her ex-partner aged 21 she weighed 10st and would go to the gym five times a week to maintain her trim size 8 figure.
But after becoming comfortable in her relationship, Amy says she piled on the pounds and ballooned to 17st as she gorged on five takeaways a week due to 'emotional eating'.
More on weight loss
It was only when Amy saw photos of herself in a dress after a night out post break-up that she decided she needed to do something about her 'unhealthy' habits.
At first, Amy tried to lose the weight through exercise but, due to her binge-eating habit, opted for a £4,200
Following the op in
Egypt
, Amy dropped 8st and eight dress sizes to a svelte size six and says she's now a much more active mum too.
Amy is now sharing her transformation to show other women that they shouldn't be scared to leave an 'unhealthy' relationship.
Most read in Fabulous
Amy, from Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, said: "There was a breakdown in communication in our relationship.
"In the end, we couldn't even bring ourselves to be in the same room as each other.
I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans
"I felt horrific in myself. I had never felt so low mentally and physically in my body image in my entire life.
"A massive contributing factor for the relationship ended was how I looked, I was a massive binge eater.
"You get comfortable with someone and go out on dates to eat and you're not going to the gym five or six times a week like I was when I first met him.
"[In the relationship], I would order a lot of Uber Eats. I would have constant takeaways and live off these.
15
Following the op in Egypt, Amy dropped 8st and eight dress sizes to a svelte size six
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
After becoming comfortable in her relationship, Amy says she piled on the pounds and ballooned to 17st
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
She used to be a size eight (pictured at the age of 21) before her relationship
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Her long-term relationship broke down in March last year and prompted her image overhaul
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
"I was probably having five takeaways a week and it was setting me back at least £100.
"The binge-eating had gotten out of control. I just needed something as extreme as a gastric sleeve to kick me into gear.
"It [losing the weight] made me feel amazing. I love fashion and it meant I was able to buy clothes from shops as before I had to buy my clothes online.
"As a mum it has massively changed the game. As a 17 stone woman, I would be sweating at soft play.
"I used to be embarrassed to do those things because of how I looked and my
energy
levels but now I feel so much better."
Beauty tweakments
15
Amy also transformed her look by getting 18-inch brunette extensions
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Amy, right, said she needed something as extreme as a gastric sleeve to kick her into gear
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Amy in Egypt ahead of her gastric sleeve
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
After her surgery, Amy underwent skin booster treatments, had her face filler and Botox regularly topped up and changed her hair from a 'miserable' blond bob to flowing 18-inch
In total Amy said she had £5,000 worth of treatments done and claims her break-up was the best thing to ever happen to her.
Amy said: "I have changed my hair and got 18-inch extensions put in. The short bob was such a miserable cut and colour for a miserable person.
"I do a lot of the treatment myself but I would have spent absolutely thousands on this. My hair alone cost me £600 and in total at least £5,000 for everything else."
Love Island look
15
Many people compare Amy to Love Island's Gemma Owen - daughter of footballing legend Michael Owen
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
15
Amy claims her break-up was the best thing to ever happen to her
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Amy in May 2024 after coming out of her long term relationship
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
In April this year, Amy posted a
TikTok
video showing off her transformation and users were quick to congratulate her and compare her to
Love Island
star
And after getting her 'sparkle' back post break-up, she says she has started
dating
again and is now encouraging others to leave their relationship if they're unhappy.
Amy said: "When I look in the mirror, I see a different person and I don't recognise the person I was. I could cry looking at photos.
"When I stepped out of that relationship, I didn't recognise myself. I am so happy in myself now and I just ooze confidence.
"I got compared to Love Islander Gemma Owens. She's so young but maybe my aesthetic treatment is working.
"The break up was the best thing that has ever happened to me. It needed to happen and I dread to think where I would be if I was still in that relationship.
"Do not let the fear of what your life will look like keep you miserable. Life's too short."
Amy's diet before and after
AMY'S DIET BEFORE
Breakfast: A fast food breakfast
Lunch: Takeaway
Dinner:
Pizza or microwave meal
AMY'S DIET NOW AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY:
Breakfast: Poached eggs or avocado on toast
Lunch: Chicken salad or high protein meal
Dinner: A small portion of spaghetti bolognese or a high-protein meal
15
Amy used to consume five takeaways a week and it was setting her back at least £100
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
15
Now Amy is confident in her skin
Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
Amy's transformation video has now been viewed by 359,000 users and received more than 13,000 likes.
One user wrote: "Wow. What a
glow up
! You look like Gemma Owen.
Another commented: "I actually can't comprehend this is the same person. Glow!"
A third wrote: "That's the same person - Wow - girl this is the best glow up ever."
A fourth commented: "Considering divorcing my husband if I can glow up like this."
What is the difference between a gastric band, bypass and sleeve?
The three most widely used types of
Gastric band:
where a band is used to reduce the stomach's size, meaning you will feel full after eating a reduced amount of food
where your digestive system is re-routed past stomach, so you digest less food and it takes less to make you feel full
where some of the stomach is removed, to reduce the amount of food required to make you feel full
When coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, weight loss surgery has been found to be effective in dramatically reducing a patient's excess body fat.
Recent research in the United States found that people with gastric bands lose around half of their excess body weight.
Meanwhile gastric bypasses reduce this excess body weight by two thirds post-op.
However, it's not always successful - and patients still need to take responsibility for eating well and working out.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Islander's secret connection to former star revealed
LOVE Island newbie Dejon Noel Williams is getting ready to start his villa adventure – and thankfully he has a famous pal who may have been able to provide him some tips. The 6 Dejon is entering the Love Island villa this year Credit: Instagram 6 The star is childhood friends with Tyrique Hyde Credit: Getty 6 The pair's fathers - Gifton Noel-Williams and Micah Hyde - played at Watford together Credit: Getty But before the show kicks off next Monday, The Sun can reveal that he already has a connection to a successful past contestant. Dejon's father, Gifton Noel-Williams, at one point was a professional footballer signed to Watford from 1996 to 2003. During this time, Gifton was teammates with Micah Hyde, the father of Love Island 2023 finalist, Tyrique. Tyrique found love in the villa with Ella Thomas, eventually placing third and staying with Ella for a year before their split. READ MORE LOVE ISLAND Gifton and Micah played alongside each other throughout their respective time at Watford, being shown as solid pals on the pitch. Tyrique and Dejon are also the same age and have played football like their dads. As childhood friends, Dejon now trains Tyrique, with the pair sharing gym videos together on Instagram. Dejon is open about his famous dad, saying ahead of entering the villa: "I've met all kinds of famous people through him. Most read in Love Island "When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. " He says he's looking for a girl in the villa who "is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy". Ten Years of Love Island Maya Jama will be back to welcome the new gang into the villa for the ultimate summer of love. The Sun revealed Dejon is not the only islander with a famous connection, with fellow star Love Island starts Monday at 9pm on ITV, ITV2 and ITVX. 6 Hyde and Noel-Williams had Tyrique and Dejon in the same year Credit: Getty 6 Personal trainer Dijon now has Tyrique as a client Credit: Instagram 6 Tyrique came third in the 2023 series Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Who is Kyle Ashman? Love Island star sensationally axed over machete arrest
LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman was sensationally axed from the show last night over a machete attack. ITV chiefs scrapped the 23-year-old from the line up, plunging the show into chaos ahead of 3 Kyle Ashman was axed from the show Credit: Instagram 3 The Sun revealed he was one of two quizzed but released with no further action Credit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr Eyebrows were raised after the cast member was removed from the show at the final hour. Unlike most of Love Island's line-ups, He has just one snap online, showing off his rippling six-pack as he poses on a rooftop. The mysterious 23-year-old water operative, from Stafford , previously described his flirting style as traditional and laid-back. Read More He said: "I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there." The chopped contestant said he was looking for "someone that's fun, confident and just themselves". Not much else is known about Kyle's private life. His flight back home from Most read in Showbiz Ashman, 23, was one of two quizzed but released with no further action. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed. Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. A source said: 'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse. 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.' It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack. Last night he insisted he was not a violent person. Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28. Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt. They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleed. Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries. Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside. Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid. Our source continued: 'This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was. "People wrapped a towel around the man's injury while waiting for emergency services. "Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence. 'People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community. 'They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.' Staffordshire Police said yesterday: 'We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons. 'Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged. 'A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment. 'Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened. 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. "Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.' A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month. Ashman said last night: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' A show source said: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Love Island host 3 Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Irish Sun
43 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island star sensationally axed after revelation he was arrested over machete attack on dad just months ago
LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman was sensationally axed from the show last night after The Sun alerted bosses that he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack. ITV chiefs sent him home from Advertisement 6 Kyle Ashman has been axed from Love Island after he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Ashman was sent home from Majorca by ITV chiefs Credit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr 6 His exit from the show throws it into chaos ahead of Monday's launch of the new series Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Advertisement READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed. Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. A source said: 'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Breaking Exclusive 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.' It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack. Last night he insisted he was not a violent person. Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28. Advertisement Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt. They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleed. Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries. This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse A source Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside. Advertisement Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid. Our source continued: 'This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was. People wrapped a towel around the man's injury while waiting for emergency services. "Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence. 'People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community. Advertisement 'They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.' 6 Ashman was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed Credit: Instagram 6 The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28 Credit: Roland Leon 6 In February masked thugs burst into the wake and hacked at a dad-of-two with a blade in front of terrified mourners including children Credit: Roland Leon Advertisement Troubled history of hit show By Jonathan Kanengoni LOVE Island has been hit by a string controversies since it first aired in 2015. Malia Arkian lasted just three hours before she was marched out by security in its second year after pushing co-contestant Kady McDermott for spilling wine on her. In 2019, Sherif Lanre was booted off after nine days. He had made a vile joke after accidentally kicking fan fave Molly-Mae Hague in the crotch during a play fight. Ollie Williams left the villa after three days in 2020 when he realised he still had feelings for his ex. But his exit came amid mounting pressure on bosses to remove him after pictures of him allegedly trophy hunting came to light. Salesman Haris Namani was dumped in 2023 after The Sun revealed footage of him in a street brawl. The show has faced complaints over bullying — and failures to look after islanders' mental health when the cameras stop rolling. Sophie Gradon took her own life, aged 32, two years after she appeared on Love Island 2016. And Mike Thalassitis's suicide in 2019, at 26, prompted calls for better after-care by reality shows. After the tragedy, Love Island said it would be offering further support and 'bespoke training' to contestants in future. In 2022, it got 3,600 Ofcom complaints in just one week over alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants. And earlier this year, the watchdog received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar's 'bullying' of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument. Staffordshire Police said yesterday: 'We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons. 'Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged. 'A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment. 'Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened. Advertisement ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks Show source 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.' Suspects released A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month. Ashman said last night: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. Advertisement 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' A show source said: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Contestants typically sign up months in advance of Advertisement The launch episode of last year's summer series was watched by 3.3million fans. ITV yesterday officially announced the new line-up and released images of contestants, with Ashman showing off his six-pack. Asked about the type of Love Islander he would like to couple up with, Ashman said: 'Someone who is fun, confident and just themselves.' Asked if host Advertisement Love Island winners - where they are now EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more. Here we take you through all of the 2025 - The second series of All Stars saw STATUS: Still together. 2024 - The summer Love Island saw and Josh Oyinsan were STATUS: Broken up. 2024 - The first ever All stars spin off show was STATUS: Still together. 2023 - STATUS: Broken up. 2023 - The first series of 2023 saw STATUS: Still together. 2022 - STATUS: Broken up. 2021 - STATUS: Still together. 2020 - The first ever winter Love Island saw STATUS: Broken up. 2019 - Series 5 saw STATUS: Broken up. 2018 - It wasn't surprising fan favourites STATUS: Broken up. 2017 - STATUS: Broken up. 2016 - Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they've had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together. 2015 - Despite poor STATUS: Broken up.
