From battling a rare condition to surgery and alternative therapies – Josie Gibson is redefining her journey to health and happiness! 🌟
Josie Gibson has always been a force of nature. Her infectious energy, her relatable personality, and her authenticity have made her a fan favourite ever since her days on Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity. But behind the smiles and laughter, Josie has been quietly battling something that many don’t even know exists: lipoedema – a rare condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and arms. 🦵
Now, Josie is opening up about her journey with this condition, and the incredible steps she’s taken to find relief – including surgery, a personal commitment to alternative therapies, and more. Here’s her powerful story.
A Rare Condition & The Struggle to Find Answers 🏥
“I always knew something wasn’t right with my body, but I didn’t know what lipoedema was,” Josie shares, candidly discussing her struggle to understand the condition that has caused so many challenges. It wasn’t until she consulted four experts that Josie realized what had been affecting her for so long. Lipoedema, she explains, caused her legs and arms to hold onto fat that wouldn’t shift no matter how much she exercised or dieted.
The £7,000 Liposuction & Brachioplasty Solution 💸💉
After feeling like she had no other choice, Josie opted for liposuction on her calves, spending £7,000 on the procedure. Then, in an even bolder move, she underwent brachioplasty, a surgery to remove excess tissue from her arms. This procedure, which can take up to two hours under general anaesthetic, left Josie with scars, but more importantly, it gave her the relief she had been desperately seeking. 💪
Despite the physical recovery, Josie’s energy remains undeterred. She has been keeping busy with her alternative therapies, which include a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and even a copper meditation pyramid for her garden. According to Josie, the chamber helps to boost blood oxygen levels, while the pyramid is said to “harvest your energy” and aid in healing. “How alternative is that?” Josie laughs. “Copper is really good for healing too!” 🌿✨
West Country Roots & A Love for Her Hometown 🌳
Underneath all the alternative healing and personal challenges, Josie’s heart remains deeply rooted in her West Country upbringing. In her new ITV series, Josie’s Taste of The West Country, Josie takes us on a journey through the countryside she loves so much – from the bustling food markets in Gloucestershire to hidden gems in Cornwall. 💫
“I didn’t know how much we had on our doorstep,” she admits, as she explores the region’s best-kept secrets. Whether it’s discovering the famous Stinking Bishop cheese in Dymock, sampling the most delicious oysters in Porlock Bay, or uncovering nutrient-rich watercress in Dorset, Josie’s West Country adventure is one of discovery and pure joy. 🍤🧀
From Motherhood to ‘Juggling Life’ 🎢
Josie’s personal life has been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs, with her son Reggie, born in 2018, being her greatest joy. Co-parenting with Reggie’s father, Terry Bond, has meant a constant balancing act, juggling her TV career with family responsibilities. “I haven’t got a nanny, so it’s basically juggling between my ex, our families and friends,” Josie says, acknowledging the realities of mum guilt and the importance of family support. 🤱💖
For Josie, motherhood has shaped everything she does – and with her new series, her dedication to showcasing the heart of the West Country is a reflection of the same down-to-earth spirit that fueled her childhood.
The Simple Things That Bring Her Joy 🍓
But despite all the chaos and challenges, Josie remains grounded in the simple pleasures of life. Cream teas are one of her favourite indulgences – and she insists, “It’s got to be quality cream and jam.” She smiles: “I think you can tell how much somebody loves you if they take you for a cream tea. You’ll know if I love you, because I’ll take you for one.” 🍵🍰
From coasteering in Cornwall, where she faced her fears with a cliff jump, to relaxing with the perfect cream tea, Josie shows us that even in the midst of surgery, recovery, and a busy career, the little things can still hold the most meaning.
🔥 What do you think of Josie’s alternative healing methods and her journey with lipoedema? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 👇👇
