How much weight I lost
I have lost and kept off 160 pounds. My weight has normal fluctuations and occasional greater than normal fluctuations over vacations and holidays.
What motivated me to lose weight
I was 54, had been Type-2 diabetic for many years and oral medications were becoming inadequate for control. I could not participate in many fun activities with family and friends, and at 54 my fear of disability or death was much more real to me.
How I lost weight
I had laparoscopic gastric band surgery. After post-surgery diet regime I followed a reduced calorie low-fat diet that otherwise included all food groups but no special foods or supplements were required. I worked with a registered dietitian and got weighed regularly. After a little more that 3 months I had lost about 60 pounds and joined a fitness club. I did cardio exercise, usually seven days a week. Approximately a year later I added working with a personal trainer for strength training. I continued adding different cardio exercise and strength training. I reached my weight and fitness goals about 2 years and 8 months after my surgery. I have reduced my body fat to normal range and significantly increased my lean body mass. I have added Pilates work to my fitness schedule and still work out six days a week. My calorie requirements are higher now but to keep the weight off and maintain peak fitness I still maintain all the routines and habits that were necessary to lose the weight. My Type-2 diabetes is considered resolved by my PCP and as great as my life was before it is so much better now that I am healthy and fit.
Tips and Tricks
- Be smart wise and sensible. Seek out and use every resource. DECIDE TO CHANGE! Change is not easy it takes time, patience, and COURAGE. There are always obstacles and failures, but you can succeed. Find a way past difficulties and failures and move on to the next success. Decide there will be no return to the old life and old habits. Asked what was different this time that allowed me to be successful after a lifetime of failures? Two things. I made a conscious decision to change my ATTITUDE and I found things and challenges in the process that I really liked. Keep looking for those.
