A GLASGOW grandpa has been taken off the hip replacement waiting list after shedding eight stones in less than a year.

John Mallon, 57, from Bailleston, was told by his GP it was likely he would require surgery for the arthritic pain in his hip he had been suffering from for several years.

However at 22stones and 10lbs with a 50inch waistline doctors told John that due to his size an operation would be risky.

John now weighs 14 stones and doesn't have to shop in specialist clothes shops After signing up to a weight loss club in January, e is also able to play more golf and his GP has also told him he won't require hip surgery.

John has his wife Cathy to thank for his impressive weight loss.

She had signed up to her local WW weightloss club and he offered to drive her there for the weekly weight-ins.

He decided to come into the workshop to give her moral support and the experience motivated him to join himself.

Life many people John struggled with portion control and ate too many high-calorie snacks including crisps, biscuits and sweets and fried foods.

A typical breakfast would be toast with peanut butter and jam followed by roasted cheese on toast for lunch and lasagne with garlic bread for dinner.

Now he starts the day with two Weetabix and banana for breakfast with chicken and a vegetable omelette as a typical lunch and fresh fruit.

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For dinner he enjoys the odd rump steak with noodles and satay sauce and can still enjoy the odd chocolate biscuit with his tea.

John said: "I have struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, and I knew the longer I left it, the harder it would get to do anything about it.

"I suffered from arthritis in my hip for several years and my GP had been reluctant to refer me for surgery, due to my weight, as an operation would be deemed risky.

"I wanted to be a more active part of my Grandsons life and gain a level of fitness to make life easier. I was almost 23 stone, a size 50inch trousers, and a size 4 xl top, not a healthy place to be

"My partner Cathy was trying to lose weight to help with her health, and I decided that I would take her to the weekly WW workshop at St Bridget’s church hall in Baillieston, I thought that by driving her she would make her weekly workshop, and in turn lose the weight she needed.

"I decided to come into the workshop with her to give her morale support in the workshop, and then surprised her by deciding to join."

"Cathy stopped attending due to a few different issues, but I had started my journey, and decided that I was going to continue."

John signed up for the club's Freestyle points-based plan and says the support of others was key to his weight-loss success.

He said: "The Freestyle plan allows me to decide what I want to eat and gives the flexibility to vary what I eat whether at home or when out.

"From the start I was warmly welcomed by the coach Michelle Friel, and the rest of the group in Baillieston. There was nothing judgemental or intimidating about the workshop, and members shared support and information.

"I had always played golf, and although it’s a sport I have always played, its only now 8 stone lighter, that I realise how much I was struggling.

"My GP has now also told me that I now longer require that possible surgery, and that’s amazing news to hear and makes the whole journey worthwhile.

"My three tips for success are to accept support, track everything and attend your weekly studio workshops.

"I started my journey in January this year and have hit my goal weight in 11 months.

"An amazing early Christmas present to myself, and what a feeling."