WA woman takes life back following cancer diagnosis

A West Australian woman was forced to fly to Perth for melanoma treatment – but the moment on the flight made her realise things needed to change.

Incredible 65kg weight loss amid diagnosis

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A woman knew she had to change her life after she was diagnosed with a melanoma and was forced to get on a plane for treatment.

Michelle Tilley, from rural Western Australia, told news.com.au she was always bigger in frame.

“I was a smoke and coffee girl for breakfast, (I’d) have lunch and then snack a lot in the afternoon,” she said, describing herself as an “overeater”.

Michelle ate the right foods but would overload her plate with them, adding she didn’t exercise much because she was exhausted and found “every excuse” to get out of it. She also never had cholesterol issues or a threat of diabetes.

Her weight reached 147kg. Then, in 2020, Michelle was diagnosed with melanoma and had to fly to Perth for treatment as there were no specialists where she lived.

“I didn’t fit in those plane seats,” she said. “I used to have to ask for extenders. And I’d get quite stressed out about filling nearly two seats.”

Michelle Tilley lost 65kg. Picture: Supplied

She said she realised she wasn’t living and her cancer diagnosis made her realise life was too short.

“I live in an area that’s camping and fishing and we loved our fishing and I couldn’t even get myself into the boat. I was rolling into the boat because I couldn’t step into the boat. I just wanted to live,” she said.

Years ago, Michelle had tried WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers, and loved it but unfortunately a new program made it difficult for her.

She began to research other weight loss methods, including lap band surgery, when she came across SuperFastDiet, which is a lifestyle coaching and intermittent diet program.

“We get an email each week that teaches you about exercise, what foods to eat, what calories to be on, and different things like that,” Michelle said.

“There’s also a Facebook community, so it was other women across Australia that were going through the exact same thing as you.”

She said when she had a bad day, she could turn to the group for support and advice.

She was diagnosed with melanoma in 2020. Picture: Supplied

Michelle weight 147kg. Picture: Supplied

Michelle said the program worked as though it was a “miracle pill” and the weight began dropping off quickly.

When Michelle lost 30kg, she began to exercise. Her coaches from the program told her to just walk 10 minutes down her street and 10 minutes back so she could clock up 20 minutes at a time.

“As I started to drop the weight I was able to get into the boat,” Michelle said.

“I got to a point where I actually got on an aeroplane didn’t have to ask for the extender and was able to put the tray down without my tummy in the way.”

Michelle, feeling triumphant, took a photo and shared it to the SuperFastDiet Facebook page to show her progress.

She climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Picture: Supplied

In total, Michelle has lost 65kg over two years – and this year celebrated the huge milestone in Sydney by taking part in a Harbour Bridge climb.

As part of the SuperFastDiet journey, Michelle did an extra program called the Ultimate Mind Body with 19 other women, which required her to make a vision board.

Hers involved meeting those at the head of the organisation, her fellow group members and climbing the bridge.

She did just that, having a blast. Once on top of the bridge, Michelle looked around and realised two years ago the bridge may have not even let her climb it.

Michelle said she enjoyed the program because it wasn’t about restriction, it was about balance. She can still enjoy pizza and a beer every now and then as long as she lives a healthy lifestyle the rest of the time.

Michelle added it wasn’t just about a physical shift but a complete mental shift too.

Originally published as WA woman takes life back following cancer diagnosis