James ‘Arg’ Argent four stone lighter in just weeks after gastric surgery removes 70% of stomach

James ‘Arg’ Argent revealed he has lost four stone in weight after he underwent a gastric sleeve operation – which removed 70% of his stomach.

The former Towie star opened up about his battle with his weight on today’s instalment of Steph’s Packed Lunch, explaining that he reached 27 stone during lockdown.

Speaking to host Steph McGovern, the 33-year-old said: ‘I’m four stone lighter now. It’s a really good start. Four stone out of 11 or 12 might seem like a drop in the ocean but I’m pleased I’ve made progress already.

‘I feel so much happier already, I feel healthier already, I’m lighter on my toes, I’m more confident. I’m really loving life at the moment.’

When asked about how he felt gaining weight over lockdown, he continued: ‘It felt horrible, I was always extremely uncomfortable, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. It felt depressing and it just wasn’t me. 

‘Now I’m starting to feel like myself again and I’m excited about what the future is going to bring.

‘It was scary being 27 stone… It was serious, doctors were telling me how dangerous it was… I knew it was something I had to address pretty quickly.’

James described his gastric surgery as the ‘best thing’ he’s ever done – insisting that he feels ‘great’ now, weeks after going under the knife.

But, while he is doing better, the reality star said that he still has ‘a lot of work to do’ to get to where he wants to be, adding: ‘I do have big dreams… I dream of swimming the English Channel by myself or from swimming from Europe to Africa. 

‘I’ve found a sport I’m passionate about… I want to achieve amazing things.’

James has been open up about his struggles with his weight, and shared a glimpse from his hospital bed, soon after he had the sleeve surgery.

‘Today is the first day of the rest of my life. My weight loss journey has started,’ he penned on Instagram.

‘I’ve had my gastric sleeve surgery with the incredible team at @wearetransform. I’ve struggled with my weight for years but I’m finally ready both physically & mentally to do something about it.

‘The next few months are going to be tough but I’m determined to reclaim my life! New chapter.’

He previously thanked his closest friends – and former co-stars – including Mark Wright and ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright for staying by his side through his ordeal, adding: ‘I’m so lucky to have so many people who support me.’

Steph’s Packed Lunch airs on weekdays, at 12.30pm, on Channel 4.

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