I lost 11 stone and beat my target by a week

Nailsea grandfather Idris Lewis has been told he can now have a vital heart operation after losing more than 11 stones.

Mr Lewis went from 26st 12lb in January this year to 15st 10lb after being told if he didn't have the operation he could die within a year.

He suffers from a lung condition and it was during a scan 18 months ago that doctors noticed a problem with a heart valve.

The 69-year-old reached his target weight by embarking on a diet of only Highland Spring mineral water and nutrient powder called Lipotrim.

He reached his target weight of less than 100 kilos when he attended GP Care Pharmacy in Nailsea High Street, where pharmacist David Shallcross had prescribed the diet.

Mr Lewis, a retired civil servant, was given £50 of M&S vouchers by Mr Shallcross towards buying some clothes that fit him after losing an amazing 11st 2lbs in just over six months.

The pensioner last ate a meal on January 25 when he enjoyed two pieces of toast and marmalade, a bowl of cornflakes and a cup of tea.

But next Tuesday he starts a recovery diet that will allow him to eat skinless chicken, white fish and vegetables. The diet will increase and start to include low amounts of carbohydrate as well.

Mr Lewis said: "I would love to have fish and chips, mushy peas, bread and butter and a cup of tea but know if I do that it would ruin all my hard work so I won't.

"It was a great surprise to see I had reached my target weight because it is a week early and I have no intention of letting myself or my surgeon down.

"What will be really wonderful is being able to sit down with my family and have a proper meal."