London Mother's Remarkable Transformation from 95kg to Modeling Success
A London mother-of-two who once consumed food for "almost 24 hours" daily has achieved an extraordinary physical and professional transformation, shedding nearly half her body weight and launching a modeling career in her late 40s.
The Weight Gain Struggle
Lenne De Gerbolli, professionally known as Lenne Matos, reached her heaviest weight of 95kg (14 stone 13 pounds) during her 30s while living in London. The 47-year-old business owner, who stands at 148cm (4 feet 10 inches), described how her previously athletic physique changed dramatically after she began using food as an emotional coping mechanism during her marriage.
"I couldn't walk properly or fit into proper clothes," Lenne revealed about her heaviest period. "I used food to cover up other feelings, and because I was not exercising, I was just eating, eating, eating."
Despite eating primarily home-cooked meals including meat, rice, beans, and bread, Lenne estimates she was unknowingly consuming up to 4,000 calories daily. Her sleep difficulties exacerbated the situation, leading to near-constant eating throughout both day and night.
Medical Necessity and Surgical Intervention
The situation became medically critical when Lenne was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and dangerously high blood pressure. With a family history of heart failure—her father died of a heart attack in his late 40s—doctors urgently advised weight reduction.
After initially losing weight naturally to 65kg (10 stone 3 pounds), Lenne's progress plateaued despite continuing health risks. When the COVID-19 pandemic made NHS bariatric surgery unavailable, she made the difficult decision to travel to Turkey for gastric sleeve surgery and gallbladder removal in April 2021.
"It was a medical necessity rather than a personal choice," Lenne explained about the £3,800 procedures. "I was afraid to leave my kids alone for the surgery, but I could leave them alone forever if I died."
Post-Treatment Recovery and Lifestyle Changes
Following her surgery in Turkey, Lenne received comprehensive post-treatment care at Sol Clinic in London, including:
- Pre-and-post weight loss skin preparation
- Skin-tightening treatments
- Vitamin therapy
- Facial harmonization procedures
Her current weight stabilizes around 48kg (7 stone 7 pounds), achieved through balanced eating and regular exercise. Lenne manages her food intake using smaller plates and exercises three times weekly while maintaining a flexible diet that includes traditional Brazilian treats on weekends.
Newfound Confidence and Modeling Career
As her physical transformation progressed, Lenne's confidence blossomed. She began posting images on social media, which unexpectedly launched a new career in modeling. Now participating in photoshoots and catwalk events, she serves as an inspiration to women her age and older.
"I've gone back to who I am," Lenne declared. "My main message is it's never too late, you can always start again. We see these unrealistic images in the media and think we cannot do it, but that's not true."
Her journey included ending her marriage to focus on self-care and recovery. Through therapy and medical support, she regained her self-esteem while addressing the emotional roots of her eating patterns.
Health Philosophy and Future Outlook
Lenne emphasizes that her transformation was fundamentally about survival rather than appearance. She maintains her health through balanced approaches rather than strict restrictions, enjoying varied foods in controlled portions.
"I don't follow strict diets or food rules," she explained. "I eat everything, just in smaller portions. If you do not love yourself, it's impossible to love anybody else."
Now with stable health and a burgeoning modeling career, Lenne hopes her story encourages others to seek appropriate medical guidance for their weight journeys while pursuing dreams at any life stage.
