Raising two children with complex needs is a full-time job – and for Hollie, a 30-year-old mum living in London, it’s one she does solo. Her 10-year-old son has autism and ADHD, and her 5-year-old daughter lives with epilepsy and mobility challenges. But when her size started affecting her ability to care for them, she knew it was time to put herself first too. This is her inspiring weight loss story with Voy.
I turned to Voy after my gastric band failed me
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my weight and body image. I’d push it to the back of my mind and just get on with life – because I had to.
I tried Slimming World and Weight Watchers when I was younger, but staying consistent was tough. I even had a gastric sleeve fitted in 2014, but got pregnant just six months later. I couldn’t take the supplements, and I was discharged from bariatrics without any real support.
Since then, life’s been non-stop, caring for two children with additional needs – especially my daughter who I sometimes have to physically move into the recovery position. Between that and the pandemic, the weight just crept back on.
My determination outweighed any concerns I had
When I saw all the talk on Instagram about weight loss injections, I started to get excited. I’d been looking for something that could really help me, and once I saw that medication was available in the UK, I didn’t think twice.
I first ordered the medication through an online pharmacy, but it all felt a bit lonely — no guidance, no one to check in with how I was feeling. I started posting my medicated weight loss journey on TikTok, and seven weeks in, MANUAL reached out. That’s when I discovered Voy.
First impressions are everything
From day one, Voy impressed me with how responsive and professional they were. I’ve tried other weight loss medication providers before, but I could never get hold of them when I needed advice, which was really worrying. With Voy, I knew I had real experts available whenever I had questions or concerns, which gave me so much peace of mind.
As for side effects, they were minimal: a couple of headaches, a dry mouth for the first few weeks and the occasional wave of nausea that passed quickly. I made sure to stay on top of my water intake, and everything settled down on its own without needing support from the clinicians.
Everything I need to lose weight, all in one place
People ask me if I use an app to help me track my weight loss, and I always tell them about Voy. The app is such a one-stop-shop — it’s simple, but it works.
I can log my food, track my progress, and stay on top of everything without having to count calories or restrict myself. It's all about being mindful of what I’m eating and making sure I don’t go over my deficit, but it’s not about obsessing over every detail.
I really appreciate how Voy focuses on the nutrition you need on your plate, not just the calories. It’s a more balanced approach.
My month-by-month journey with weight loss medication
I’ve been taking the medication for 8 weeks now, and 4 of these have been through Voy. I weigh myself weekly, but I check in on my progress a few times in between. I find it helpful to track the fluctuations – it keeps me grounded and focused for the rest of the week. I don’t take it personally; it’s just how the body works.
Week 1 - I took my first dose and honestly felt great right away. I had no side effects at first, just this unexpected boost of energy. Within 24 hours, I could already feel my appetite quietening down. That constant food noise was gone, I couldn’t believe it. It was such a relief not to be thinking about food all the time. I did feel a bit sick a couple of times later in the week, but I’d changed my injection site to the back of my arm which had made a difference – it was nothing I couldn’t handle though.
Week 2 - This week really hit me (in the best way). I walked into a shop and didn’t pick up any random snacks. That’s unheard of for me! Even cooking for the kids, I wasn’t tempted to throw an extra portion onto my plate. It’s hard to explain how much has changed already, but it feels like a switch has flipped. From week one, everything’s just started moving in the right direction.
Week 4 - I’ve just started my second pen and I’ve lost 13.4kg already – that’s 29.5 pounds! Side effects have continued to be pretty minimal. The only thing I’ve noticed is the odd headache, but that usually happens when I haven’t drunk enough water. Overall, I’ve got no complaints. I feel more in control than I have in years.
