article_snippet.sent: By the time Ms Rachdi turned five, Amber Rachdi, now 24, from Troutdale in Oregon, weighed 11st - the same as the average adult woman.
article_snippet.sent: But after doctors warned that Ms Rachdi would be dead by the age of 30, the 24-year-old plucked up the courage to make a change and has since lost 20st in a year.
article_snippet.sent: At Ms Rachdi heaviest, Amber tipped the scales at an unhealthy 46st (657lbs) '
article_snippet.sent: Getting there: Ms Rachdi had to lose 17lb before being allowed to have weight loss surgery .
article_snippet.sent: Ms Rachdi has now shed 20st and tips the scales at 26st - half Ms Rachdi former body weight . '
article_snippet.sent: Last autumn, Ms Rachdi finally went under the knife for life-saving gastric surgery and has since lost a staggering 20st.
highlights_snippet.sent: Amber Rachdi, 24, weighed an unhealthy 46st at an unhealthy 46st heaviest .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Has turned her life around after having bariatric surgery .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Ms Rachdi has shed an impressive 20st and weighs 26st (377lb)
  