I already weigh less than I did in high school!
I have fought my whole life to control my weight. An onset of severe back issues as a young adult made my struggle with my weight even more of an issue. It was a catch 22. Bulging discs in my back prevented me from exercising, while my increasing weight exacerbated my back problems. I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place.
Even though I would get so frustrated and upset with myself, I was intent on winning the battle with my weight. While I loved spending time with my kids, I wanted more. I was ready to get off the sidelines and actually join them in their activities.
My family doctor suggested that I go to see a dietitian. That’s how I was first introduced to Randi Klop and the team at Bronson Bariatric & Metabolic Specialists. Working with Randi and Dr. Dhuper, I began my weight loss journey.
It wasn’t easy. With three kids and all of the activities surrounding them, I often found it easier to grab food on the go as opposed to taking the time for thoughtful eating. Bad habits and lifestyle issues made it hard to turn around the cycle of weight gain that I had been experiencing. There isn’t a magic bullet, but the team knows the importance of looking at each patient as an individual. They were full of options and took MY life into account, helping me to find what would work best for my situation.
Over the first few months, progress was slow and I didn’t feel like I was experiencing the results I wanted. So, along with my newly acquired meal planning and eating skills, I started on an appetite suppressant. During the first several months of 2017 I lost thirty pounds and was able to exercise more. Just like the combination of issues that led to my weight gain, new eating habits and an increase in activities worked together to speed my weight loss. When you start to see progress, it just builds on itself.
Weight and diet are an interesting balance. While I was counting nuts for snacks and focused on pre-portioning food, I also was conscious of making sure I ate enough. I had learned the importance of eating regularly throughout the day, carefully choosing the right foods in the right combination. For instance, tonight is soccer night for the kids and then there’s horseback riding. Now instead of grab and go, I’ve got both our snacks and meals planned and ready to go. I really appreciate all of the resources, education and support I have been given. I now have the confidence to make the right food choices for both myself and my family.
Still in all, we’re all human and need to treat ourselves from time to time. I happen to love Hershey chocolate. Now, instead of eating a full-sized bar, I’ll treat myself to one almond kiss or one nugget. It’s all about portion control. I can satisfy my sweet tooth without derailing my diet.
As part of my new weight loss plan, I also gave up pop and my Starbucks coffee drinks. Beyond the coffee, I also enjoyed the break it created each morning. I’ll still stop at Starbucks each morning, but now instead of a coffee drink, I’ll buy a Starbucks Refresher. I’ve found that I can continue to add water throughout the day while retaining the flavor of the drink. I’ve learned that if you make careful choices, you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
In the last year, I have lost 110 pounds. Not only do I look like a different person, my weight loss has also opened up so many new options in my life. A year or so ago, I was frustrated, gaining weight and thinking about surgery. Now I am full of confidence and back to enjoying so many activities that I had given up, including my beloved horseback riding. I’m even cardio drumming now. Imagine that, something that I never thought I’d be doing! I am so close to my dream weight now and already weigh less than I did in high school.
Probably my biggest motivation has been my kids. They have been so responsive and supportive. I’m thrilled to be enjoying activities with them again. My oldest daughter just celebrated her thirteenth birthday and we were able to go horseback riding together. In fact, my recent horseback riding has led to a new trail riding job. That would not have been possible without the weight loss.
My advice for others out there who are struggling with weight issues? Call Bronson Bariatric & Metabolic Specialists, they are absolutely amazing. Both Dr. Dhuper and my dietitian, Randi Klop, have so much knowledge in so many different areas. You still have to do the work yourself, but they give you all the tools you’ll need to succeed. And, they’ll be your best cheering team. If it hadn’t been for them, I would have given up long ago.
I now feel like I can be a mentor to others who are going through the same issues that I did. Even if you think it’s impossible, it’s not. Don’t give up, there is help out there!
